Wilderness Programs in North Carolina

Growing in popularity in recent years, wilderness programs often tout themselves as good alternatives to boot camps for children, teens and young adults. Wilderness programs typically involve complete isolation from the outside world and teach basic survival skills. Often staffed with counselors and therapists to help students solve the internal issues that brought them there, wilderness camps rank highly in safety and effectiveness. North Carolina's varying terrain allows for several wilderness camps, especially in the western, mountainous parts of the state.

  1. SUWS of the Carolinas

    • Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, SUWS of the Carolinas offers wilderness programs for various conditions that teenagers experience, such as depression, anxiety and misbehavior. Treating symptoms and their causes, each student receives individual attention. Consisting of a staff of highly educated therapists, students are guided on expeditions to the outdoors, where they must learn basic survival skills and first aid. Adhering to a strict set of safety rules, the organization takes every precaution to ensure the safety of its students.

      SUWS of the Carolinas

      363 Graphite Road

      Old Fort, NC 28762

      888-828-9770

      suwscarolinas.com

    Four Circles Recovery Center

    • A wilderness program based out of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Four Circles Recovery Center admits young adults with substance abuse problems and behavioral issues. Using a clinical approach to treat its patients, Four Circles takes its students into the wilderness to undergo a 12-step process to recovery, emphasizing the powerlessness of humanity in the face of nature. Providing various programs--such as men-only and women-only options--students will live out in nature, hike, learn to rock climb and canoe.

      Four Circles Recovery Center

      156 Clear Crossing Lane

      Horse Shoe, NC 28742

      877-893-2221

      fourcirclesrecovery.com

    Phoenix Outdoor

    • Located near Asheville, North Carolina, Phoenix Outdoor treats teenagers with substance abuse and mental health issues. Adhering to a curriculum of activities, students learn about the ill effects of drug and alcohol abuse, as well as basic wilderness skills. Each student undergoes a clinical assessment and receives an individualized plan. Alternating between nine days on the trail and five days at Phoenix's base camp, staff members guide students through anxiety and other issues as they undergo the rigors of the program.

      Phoenix Outdoor

      363 Graphite Road

      Old Fort, NC 28762

      888-828-9770

      phoenixoutdoor.com