Wilderness programs use the outdoors as a tool to help
troubled teens. Many wilderness programs involve trekking, meaning that they
move and set up a new base camp every day. Elk River Treatment Programs focuses
on academics as well as therapy as their main components toward recovery.
Student goals are supported by a relationship with a staff
of highly trained adults. Students participate in individualized and group
therapy. They also work on a rigorous academic curriculum. Students are given
all needed equipment for the completion of the program. Each student receives
the standard outdoor gear such as appropriate clothing and footwear, sleeping
bag, rain gear, and hat. When the student departs the equipment belongs to
them.
ERTP believes that parents are a vital part of our Treatment
Team. Parents work in close cooperation with the Treatment Team in order to
fully understand the progress that their teen is making while at ERTP and will
receive a weekly update on the progress that their child is making.
