Scott, a 15-Year-Old Transitioning Back After a Wilderness Program

Scott had major difficulties fitting in at his local high school and issues regarding cannabis usage and school attendance as well as technology and behavioral issues. He had been suspended twice and was a frequent visitor to the principal’s office. He expressed low self-esteem and self-worth in discussions with his parents. They sent him to a therapist,  but he refused to respond to her questions. Concerned, the family sent him to a wilderness program. Surprisingly he had a successful experience. Upon finishing the program, the parents desired a therapy regimen that would help him reintegrate into his home and school environments but were unsure if he would respond positively, even after his wilderness experience.

Upon meeting with Scott and his family, the Connections team members reached out to his counselors at the wilderness program as well as his pediatrician to get a firm grasp on his issues. In collaboration with his mother and father, they then crafted a customized program for Scott with the objective of developing a milieu in which Scott could achieve age-appropriate functional independence. They agreed to reassess and possibly modify after the subsequent marking period.

At first it was difficult for the Connections team to “connect” with Scott. He came to several therapy and coaching sessions demonstrably high. Eventually, the tide turned as one of his coaches took him on an overnight camping trip at a local campground. It reminded him of the positive experiences he enjoyed during his time in the wilderness program and seemed to be a “reawakening” for him.

After that, Scott began to better engage with team members and the therapy and coaching sessions became more productive. Scott settled into the schedule below for most of his first ninety days:

During his second 90 day session in The Connections program, Scott developed an interest in computer programming, particularly developing programs for computer games and apps. His therapists and coaches encouraged him to further this ability by taking online courses and then found a local professional programmer who would train him as an apprentice. By the end of his second 90-day session, Scott was able to cut back on his Connections sessions while continuing to pursue his programming interests.

*All therapy sessions are 45 minutes and personal training sessions are 30 minutes. Coaching sessions is an hour. Family sessions are an hour