Red Top Meadows is a 14-bed residential treatment and therapeutic wilderness program established in 1980 to serve adolescent males. The facility is located on 20 acres bordering the Bridger-Teton National Forest.
THERAPEUTIC WILDERNESS EXPERIENCES
Download 2010 Therapeutic Wilderness Experiences Information (PDF)
Red Top Meadows has provided Therapeutic Wilderness Experiences for adolescent boys since 1982. These 21-day trips are available to Red Top Meadows residents and non-residents and occur during summer months. Individualized programs for groups from schools, counseling centers, other programs can be arranged and are encouraged.
The overall goals for the expeditions are to help participants:
- Realize they can do more physically and emotionally than they previously believed.
- Believe it is possible for them to make meaningful connections with people.
- Feel safer in relation to other people and the world.
- Realize they are connected to things greater than themselves and that they are part of the world.
- Return home with new skills that will help them continue to be involved with people.
- Have a safe and fun experience.
The trip will help each participant reach these goals by providing individual and group challenges and by encouraging cooperation, forethought and responsibility.
We have repeatedly found these experiences beneficial for boys who exhibit one or more of the following symptoms or behaviors:
- Lack of motivation
- Poor peer relationships
- Shy, awkward and/or lonely
- Age inappropriate behavior
- Depression
- Lack of healthy attachments
- Poor social skills
- Poor self-esteem
Three Red Top Meadows Wilderness Field Staff lead each group of seven boys. Staff are trained and experienced at managing risk and providing a therapeutic and educational experience in a wilderness setting. A certified therapist supervises the expedition and meets with staff and students weekly in the field.
Parents are asked to meet with their son and staff before each trip to set goals. We meet again at the end of the trip to review progress and create a plan for continued growth and success in the student’s home community.
Location
Trip locations vary and occur within one of several mountain ranges surrounding Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
DATE
June 20-July 10, 2009
Cost
Trip cost is $4,000 which includes equipment, food and expedition clothing. All participants must have current health insurance or be covered by Medicaid.
AGE GROUP
Boys between the ages of 13 and 16 are eligible.
For information and application, contact Bruce Burkland or Mark Ames at 307-733-9098.
