Welcome to SageWalk, the School for Troubled Teen Boys and Girls

SageWalk provides help for troubled teens and help for troubled children by bringing students and instructors together to live in a nature-based setting that provides an opportunity to learn about the natural environment, wilderness-oriented survival techniques, interpersonal relationships, communication skills, and accepting responsibility for actions and consequences.

During this program for troubled teens and children, students participate in a variety of activities that include, but are not limited to, group and individual therapy, academic studies, primitive camping skills, navigation and orienteering skills, service projects, goal setting workshops, food preparation, backpacking, and journal writing.

SageWalk is designed to engage the students as quickly as possible so they receive the maximum benefit from their participation in the program. Therefore, SageWalk is genuine help for troubled children and help for troubled teens. It is not a boot camp nor is it a typical troubled-teen wilderness camp, and does not subscribe to a philosophy of deprivation. Instead, we provide the student with all essential gear and equipment upon enrollment. As a student progresses in the program, they have the opportunity to "offer up" their comforts and replace them with their newly developed skills. The result is a faster, more impactive experience that allows each student to focus on "why they are at SageWalk" rather than "being at SageWalk."

Our unique, highly-structured therapeutic program has flexible program lengths, including six months of post-graduation parental support within our 60-day program.

Location

SageWalk, The Wilderness School, is located in the beautiful high desert country of Central Oregon. Our program is purposely placed in a remote, serene part of the country, which provides each student with the opportunity to experience personal growth away from distractions that tend to interfere with their ability to learn effectively. Our students observe and learn to live within the rules of the natural world, often times experiencing them first hand, for the first time.

Through these unique activities and proven therapeutic methods reinforced by Mother Nature's natural consequences, we provide a powerful and significant approach to help struggling teens or overcome emotional and behavioral problems.

Information on our credentials and awards