WILDERNESS
Wilderness trips have been a part of the Red Top Residential Treatment Program since 1982. Over the years it has become apparent that wilderness experiences accelerate the therapeutic process. The combination of the wilderness environment, adventure activities and the sense of community formed by living closely in the mountains provides students with new perspectives on the world and themselves, as well as endless learning and personal growth opportunities. The new insights, confidence and skills developed during these trips, along with the trust developed with the staff, help a student be more prepared to make the changes needed in his daily life to meet his treatment goals.
Wilderness trips for the residential program are scheduled to follow the 7-8 week school sessions in the fall, winter, spring, and summer. Each wilderness experience is structured around a theme. The theme is then carried into the following school program. The goal is to help students generalize concepts and skills and be able to transfer them from one environment to another. Transferring these skills to their home environment is the ultimate goal.
The Summer Program
The Summer Program is the longest, with students spending 26 days in the field. The theme of the summer program is “moving from dependence to being more interdependent."
The Fall Trip
In fall, we offer a one week community service project working with the Adopt-A-Trail Program. Students work on building and maintaining the trail system in our area. The theme of this program is "making contributions to the communities in which you live."
The Winter Trip
The Winter Trip is a one week snow camping experience close to the residential center. The theme of the winter program is “survival through teamwork."
The Spring Trip
The Spring Trip takes place in southern Utah. The theme for the spring trip is "relaxation, reflection and spiritual awareness." This is generally a 12-day trip exploring the canyons of the Escalante River.
RTM has been accredited by the Association of Experiential Education since 1999, highlighting our long term commitment to providing safe, ethically sound and therapeutic wilderness experiences for adolescents.