| New
Perspectives
- Oct, 1994 Issue #30 |
WILDERNESS LEADERSHIP
ACADEMY
Eugene T. Nervo, Colonel, USMC, Retired, Director
New Castle, VA
800-574-8155
Just opening their
doors, the Academy is a school year program for non-violent
boys ages 13 through 17. It is "dedicated to the highest standards
and principles of academic excellence, physical well-being,
social norms, and moral courage." Its major motivational education
components are wilderness therapy and experiential education.
The Academy "is
an intensive eight and one half month academic school program
for 'at risk' youth based on wilderness therapy and the principles
of leadership. The academy is nestled in the Blue Ridge
Mountains on the grounds of Craig Healing Springs
in Craig County, Virginia. The program is aimed at
improving the resident's academic, social, physical, emotional,
and moral well being with the goal of preparing the student
for a full and satisfying adult life. The program combines
a traditional classroom education setting with wilderness
therapy to create a powerful experience that will change a
young person's life. Experiential-based education occurs on
site in conformance with the Commonwealth of Virginia Public
School Code. The wilderness adventure therapy component is
the nucleus of the residence program. The WILDERNESS LEADERSHIP
ACADEMY, INC. is affiliated with WILDERNESS ADVENTURE
AT EAGLE LANDING, INC., a year-round outdoor adventure
program that will provide experienced instruction in rock
climbing, rappelling, canoeing, kayaking, caving, mountain
biking, Native American skills, adventure trail, high ropes,
low ropes, and climbing wall."
The routine includes
character development backpacking on the Appalachian Trail,
an average of "six hours of classroom and experiential instruction
five days per week," "one day wilderness experience or outdoor
adventure...each week," "A three hour session featuring a
visit from a professional" on a career choice each week which
will be developed into a mentor program, each month will have
a "two day overnight camping adventure" and a visit to a place
of interest, and daily assignments on Current Events.
Copyright
© 1994, Woodbury Reports, Inc. (This article may be reproduced
without prior approval if the copyright notice and proper
publication and author attribution accompanies the copy.)
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