Boarding Schools with Wilderness Programs
Boarding schools are often in remote rural areas for two reasons. First, students cannot access drugs and alcohol or any of the inappropriate activities available in urban areas. Secondly, students get a chance to explore nature and experience outdoor activities.
Often outdoor activities are available all year round. Students may swim in season, go camping, fishing, kayaking, hiking, skiing, snowboarding, etc, as well as participate in sports like baseball and football. At some schools, there is an emphasis on outdoor activities and rustic living. Staff members do not allow students to have video games, televisions, cellphones, and other devices but encourage them instead to enjoy nature.
Boarding schools with wilderness components are particularly good for children with Attention Deficit Disorder. The latest research shows that the more such children experience the outdoors, the more their symptoms lessen.
Some boarding schools operate wilderness programs. These are short-term programs, usually under 90 days, in which counselors and troubled teens camp and hike together in an intense therapeutic experience. Students often begin their recovery programs with short-term wilderness experiences and then transfer into boarding schools if further treatment is deemed necessary.
Some boarding schools offer wilderness activities during the summer or during breaks, because many students may not be ready to accept the challenges and the freedom of being home for weeks on end.
PROS
Research is showing that very few American children get the chance to play outdoors on a regular basis. The outdoor activities often inspire a life-ling passion for outdoor recreation that will improve physical and mental health as adults.
Teens who grew up in city or suburban areas have never seen the stars, hiked a mountain, or experienced untouched nature. A boarding school in a wilderness area can offer these opportunities.
Boarding schools offer small class sizes and superior academics. The staff works with each student as an individual.
CONS
Most teens will be resistant to leaving behind iPods and video games, so you might be in for resistance.
Unless the staff offers field trips to cities for cultural events like art exhibits and theater, students in remote areas miss out.
There are more safety issues in a wilderness setting, so the school staff must provide proper supervision and be properly trained. Make sure the wilderness program is licensed.
Research Short-Term Wilderness Programs
