/ad·ven·ture/ /pro·gram/
Adventure programs are a therapeutic option for troubled teens, usually located outdoors, that assist youth in treating various behavioral and psychological disorders. One expert describes adventure therapy: “Adventure therapy is the use adventure-based activities and/or adventure-based theory to provide people with emotional and/or behavioral problems with experiences which lead to positive change in their lives.”
Adventure therapy is relatively popular among parents of troubled teens, and is considered alternate choice to services such as, programs and boarding schools for troubled teens.
Adventure therapy originated roughly 50 years ago, as a part of the wilderness adventure movement during the 1960’s. Since then, it has evolved into a therapeutic treatment option for parents of troubled teens to utilize. Adventure therapy involves the combination of physically and psychologically demanding activities, usually (but not always) conducted in a group setting. Adventure therapy is usually based on the principles of experiential education, but draws on traditions from counseling, psychology, social work, and education.
