NCJ Number
197991
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 35 Issue: 1 Dated: 2002 Pages: 41-62
Date Published
2002
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This article presents the results of a survey targeting agencies providing therapeutic wilderness programming (TWP).
Abstract
Despite the widespread use of wilderness therapy programs, little is known about the content and nature of this industry within criminological and criminal justice circles. TWP involves survival training and experiential education (learning how to do something by actively doing it). Proponents believe that the key facets of TWP provide youth with opportunities for personal, social, and emotional growth, as well as self-discovery. The specific social and environmental circumstances to which youth are exposed vary greatly across programs. Most evaluations are limited to a single program. An institutional survey was conducted in 1999 to provide insight regarding the structure, characteristics, and goals/purposes of TWP. The majority of the survey questions dealt with programmatic issues regarding the application of TWP. The sample frame was compiled from a list of camps provided by the directory for National Association of Therapeutic Wilderness Camps. Results show that TWP programs are primarily intended to provide an alternative to punitive confinement, with the main goal of rehabilitating offenders. It was found that academic education, backpacking, and canoeing were the most popular means to achieve this goal. Numerous differences were found between camps of various sizes. Most camps were easily accessible and it was not difficult to obtain program/camp information. There is a general lack of research evaluating the effectiveness of TWP as a correctional strategy within the context of juvenile corrections. 8 tables, 27 references