Wilderness School
Danbury Youth Services, Inc. makes referrals to the Wilderness School, a program of the State of Connecticut Department of Children and Families. The primary goal of the Wilderness School is provide a therapeutic experience that has a positive impact on the self-esteem of a particular youth. The program is adventure-based, and is designed to teach students self-reliance.
The Wilderness School Challenge Courses are either 20 days or 5 days in length. Students participate in group activities, backpacking, rock climbing, service projects, or trail maintenance. It was established in 1974 as an alternative program for "troubled youth". Evaluations have demonstrated that graduates have shown improvements in self-concept and social functioning, and are less likely to be involved in the court system or be involved with drugs and alcohol.
Adolescents, both male and female, who are between the ages of 13-16, may apply.