SUWS Idaho Wilderness Programs

Research and developmental psychology indicates that 11 to 13-year-olds have very specific needs; primarily safety, security, and predictability. Young adolescents think in concrete terms and require tangible experiences from which to build. The goal of the SUWS Youth Program is to create reference points that each child may tap into later for positive self-reinforcement. The staff and daily curriculum give students the tools they will need to chart a course for future growth and success.

SUWS Youth is located on 200+ acres in the Bennett Hills of South Central Idaho, approximately two hours southeast of Boise and one hour south of Sun Valley. Situated in semi-arid terrain at 4,000 feet elevation, we experience all four seasons.

The SUWS Youth Base, located at the beginning of the property, includes an office complex, instructor residences, challenge course, training facilities, and two commissaries. Groups in the field remain in contact with Base personnel via radio 24 hours per day, and have access to shelters located throughout the desert.

Preliminary Assessment

Upon arrival, students are immediately placed in an established group of no more than eight students. Children are assessed as to how they interact with staff, peers, and tasks, and to determine individual patterns of coping. Relationships are developed and students are introduced to the concepts of cooperation and respect for self, others, and property. Once students have established a sense of personal responsibility, they begin to learn outdoor skills and activities to help build success and emphasize adventure. By creating small, tangible, sensory-based goals that facilitate success, students build personal investment and begin to feel better about themselves and their abilities.

Goal-Based System

Using a goal-based system, students are continually presented with opportunities to learn and practice skills that increase their understanding of personal responsibility and improve self-esteem. As the program progresses, students ascend through a network of levels designed to challenge, test, and encourage emotional and physical growth.

Llama Training

Each group is supplied with several llamas used to transport food and gear. In addition, llamas are used as a therapeutic resource.By successfully accomplishing a variety of skills and tasks, a child earns the right to help care for the animals. We have found this system reinforces in each student an understanding of responsibility and giving.

Primitive Skills

Provide opportunities for building confidence, problem-solving skills, and tangible, hands-on success. Students create positive reference points that will serve them the rest of their lives.

Unconditional Acceptance

Focus is placed on the inherent goodness and potential of each student through non-confrontational, respectful interactions.

Ropes Course

During the course of the program, students participate in a ropes course exercise designed to test a child's level of commitment and to encourage cooperation, communication, and trust. The ropes course provides students the opportunity to face their fears, and to experiment with their newfound attitudes of self-esteem and self-reliance.

Length of Stay

Students remain in the program for a minimum of 28 days; with a maximum of nine weeks. Children are impressionable; by providing them with numerous opportunities and adequate time for individual success, SUWS Youth gives students hope and helps them begin to build a foundation of self they have somehow missed along the way.

Safety

Safety is a primary consideration at the SUWS Youth Program. To ensure a child's positive and safe experience, the Program implements the following precautions:

• Licensed Therapeutic Staff reviews all prospective applications prior to acceptance
• Highly structured program
• Two Field Instructors and one Field Supervisor with no more than seven students in a group
• Experienced, Quick Response Search & Rescue Teams, including EMTs and Wilderness First Responders
• Groups have 24-hour access to base facility
• Quick access to field for rescue/evacuation
• SUWS is located 10 Miles from Medical Facilities
• 24 Hour Access to Consulting Physician, Registered Nurse & Nutritionist
• LifeFlight Emergency Service Available