Key Elements Of A Successful Wilderness Program For Delinquents: A summary

This paper describes a successful wilderness-enhanced model used by a numberof programs in NSW. An initial wilderness experience, coupled with an intensive and lengthy follow-up period, can have a lasting impact on anti-social and delinquent behaviour. To have successful outcomes a wilderness experience should be highly structured with some key elements. These include: an unfamiliar environment engendering stress; a series of unique challenges with real consequences and a high perceived risk; and of a time lengthy enough to provide an essential break in routine. A skilled leader is the lynchpin of a successful programme. He or she will can challenge the thought processes of the young person and force them to rethink the situation. The follow-up is also vital. By linking the wilderness experience to everyday life with isomorphic metaphors, the leader can use the power of the wilderness trip to help in long-term Dehaviour change.