Something extraordinary happens in a natural wilderness setting. Nature sets rules that cannot
be broken, even by the most rebellious teenagers. Experience becomes an exacting teacher. The environment fosters self-reflection, instills hope, and promotes true healing.
Growth in the Wilderness
The wilderness provides a challenging environment in which to grow. It quickly becomes a compelling metaphor for the struggles encountered in everyday life.
Learning is far more effective out here because as struggles are encountered, we have trained staff present around the clock to help direct the process and offer insights that students may not think of on their own.
Powerful lessons are learned on the trail. Experiential activities trigger what we call peak experiences, helping students harness their own internal strength and self-confidence. These experiences serve as significant breakthrough moments of self-actualization and insight
A Changing Landscape
The peaceful, ever-changing landscape of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Nantahala National Forest provides the perfect setting for our therapeutic methods.
Students are better able to spend time reflecting on past choices and exploring future possibilities in a natural setting.
Although the wilderness provides many unexpected opportunities for learning and growth, the natural consequences of negative and positive behavior are very predictable. Rather than trying to reward or punish teens for certain behaviors, nature teaches the most powerful and life-changing lessons. Negative behaviors carry negative consequences and positive behaviors carry positive consequences. It may sound simple, but this only occurs naturally in therapeutic wilderness living. Over time the students begin to understand and take ownership of their actions, leading to greater long term success.
Benefits of Exercise
The psychological benefits of physical exercise are well-documented.
Regular exercise can alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and depression, dramatically improve self-esteem, and encourage an overall positive outlook. For this reason, outdoor exercise is a daily part of the Trails program. While at Trails, students enjoy hikes, horseback riding, as well as a variety of experiential activities. Students push their physical limits while reaching new pinnacles of self-discovery and confidence.
So read on. Learn more. Discover for yourself why Trails Carolina is a unique wilderness
therapy program that facilitates healing and change as spectacular as the setting itself.
Back to About Us