THE WILDERNESS CAN PROVIDE
HELP FOR PARENTS OF STRUGGLING TEENS
by Corinna Stevenson

As an outdoor experiential education professional, I often get asked; "What is the key to a successful program?" and "How can a wilderness program provide help for parents of struggling teens?"

There are the easy responses; a patient approach, hands-on activities, confidence-building, teamwork development, and so on. But these are all things that can be integrated into any positive learning environment. Experiential learning stands out because there is more to educating children than just an accumulation of knowledge. Knowledge is the cornerstone of understanding, but to educate the whole child you need to focus on the mind, body, spirit, and emotions of the person. Wilderness camps expose struggling youth to an environment that is conducive to holistic learning - educating the whole child.

The Mind:
In the wilderness, the mind is educated through observation of the connectedness of life and the symbiotic relationships between all creatures. Wilderness camps provide struggling teens with an opportunity to get down on all fours and examine wolf tracks or other markings that creatures leave for us to find. They examine different species of life up close and personal and learn about their natural survival mechanisms. They can observe relationships between different species and how the impact of humans on the environment has profound consequences for all living creatures. Struggling teens can travel to areas of cultural significance and learn how the ancients lived in harmony with their surroundings. Through observation and experience, they learn new ways of interacting with the world around them. They learn to respect the wilderness instead of fear it. They learn about history, taxonomy, and natural sciences. And all the while, they don't even feel that they are being educated. This is part of the wonder of the wilderness and why it can provide help for parents with struggling teens.

The Body:
Wilderness camps also promote a healthy lifestyle. Struggling youth are progressively challenged to achieve physical goals of which they may have never imagined themselves capable. As their fitness levels increase so does their confidence and desire to maintain a healthy life style. They learn self-reliance and survival techniques. Their body image improves and their self-respect soars. The fresh air makes them feel alive and their bodies are nurtured. Wilderness camps not only provide struggling teens with an opportunity to learn more about the world but also more about their physical strength.

The Spirit:
The wilderness is a mystical place of beauty and tranquility that can provide a unique type of help for struggling teens. The sheer magnificence and beauty of the wilderness is enough to cause anyone to reflect. The caress of the wind, the aura of a thousand-year-old rainforest, the sound of waves crashing on the shore, the power and grace of the Orca (killer whale). These are all things that provide a connectedness to our environment. Observing the natural flow of the world can bring a sense of comfort, simplifying life and giving struggling teens the time to reflect. It refreshes the spirit and provides a sense of mental well-being.

The Emotions:
With the rejuvenation of the spirit comes an ability to open oneself up to positive relationships. In the wilderness, you don't have a choice but to rely on and help others. The beauty of the wilderness and the close relationships that are built between team members allows struggling teens to take the risk and share their dreams and fears with others. They begin to see that they are important and capable young people that can make a difference. They begin to understand how much people care for them and that it's alright to express emotions. They come to realize they are not alone.

Wilderness Programs can provide help for parents with struggling teens.

There is a magic in the wilderness that is impossible to duplicate anywhere else. It provides struggling teens with knowledge and inspiration, a healthy body, and relationships and experiences that they will value and cherish for a long time to come.

Find out more about CanAdventure Education Wilderness Adventure Programs for Struggling Teens