Wilderness Keys for Life is not a Treatment Program and not all youth are suitable candidates for the program.  Because of the outdoor nature of this program and the limitations a wilderness environment imposes on the size of groups and number of staff, the physical hardships and lack of access to medical facilities, the following teens are identified as not appropriate candidates for the program. This includes adolescents with:

 

· Histories of significant interpersonal violence

· History of or substantial potential for serious suicide attempts.

· Sociopathic personality disorders

· Addictions that require a detox program or have been identified as needing inpatient substance abuse treatment

· Physical conditions or disease that limits a camper’s ability to safely hike up to 10 miles a day over rough terrain carrying a heavy pack, or to endure extended periods outdoors living in adverse weather conditions such as those found in mountainous terrain

· Physical issues needing on going nursing care or medical supervision, or a history that indicates a probability that medical treatment and supervision might become necessary during a three-week trip.

· Psychotic breakdown or likelihood, based on history and personality, when best judgment indicates that such a breakdown could occur in the course of the trip

· Medications that require blood serum level monitoring, or have adverse side affects that affect hydration, appetite or mental and/or emotional attentiveness or that interfere with camper safety in a wilderness setting or not deemed stable on the medication by the prescribing physician

 

While these problems may exist they do not clearly and completely prohibit any participant.  Endurance Wilderness Programs is willing to discuss individual cases with staff and other professionals, or with the consulting physician and psychiatrist.

Exclusionary Criteria

Reaching Our Youth ~ Bringing Hope to Families