The Elk River Wilderness Challenge (ERWC) is an eight-week adventure program that begins with an assessment followed by a clinically supported outdoor challenge. Testing and diagnostic services are also available. The program offers rolling admissions for 12 to 18 year olds. The program takes difficult teens with a variety of problems including Conduct Disorder, ODD and mental health issues.
Using a Native American motif , Elk River challenges teens to grow and thrive, intellectually, emotionally, spiritually and behaviorally. Their day-to-day experiences of living in the wilderness are supported by a variety of therapeutic approaches including group and individual sessions. The program aims at developing student/adult relationships by trying to ensure the staff is strong, competent, ethical and caring. ERWC involves parents as partners in the students' therapeutic process.
With over 60 years of combined experience in working with children and families, the administrative team has carefully chosen and screened staff for their leadership skills, maturity and compassion. The staff includes Masters level social workers, PhD clinical psychologists, nurses, and trained therapists and counselors.
Note:The information used in this New Perspective came from the Elk River Wilderness brochure and website.