Adolescent programs must be developmentally appropriate. Using “adult type” interventions with adolescents is not only short sighted, it can inhibit therapeutic effectiveness. Adolescents are social and they are active. Addressing these natural tendencies in our interventions leads to therapeutic activities that are engaging, effective, and fun for adolescents. Therapeutic Outings are used by agencies and schools involved with special individuals, such as youth from the court system, substance abuse groups, families in crisis and emotionally, mentally or developmentally challenged adults and children.
The program focuses on challenging the dysfunctional attitudes, behaviors and perceptions of participants, by placing them in activities that will reward healthy functional change. Participants are presented with opportunities through tasks in which they identify and focus on their strengths and abilities, rather than on their weaknesses and dysfunctional behavior.
Therapeutic Outing Program goals include allowing participants to become more self-sufficient, productive and confident about themselves and to become more comfortable with those around them. A sense of cooperation and self-worth are emphasized in participants. The outings happen in the out of doors, usually in a wilderness setting that focuses on one or more adventure activities such as Backpacking, Rock Climbing, Caving, or Canoeing. Outings can be designed for two to ten days involving host program staff or being fully staffed by Moonshadow Learning Services.