The Wilderness School

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About the Wilderness School

The Wilderness School is one of Connecticut’s Department of Children and Families (DCF) facilities. It focuses on prevention and intervention to help young people ages 13-21 transition into adulthood.

CT’s Office of Early Childhood licenses the Wilderness School as a youth camp. It's a referral program that works with other social service agencies in CT and the community at large.

Table of contents:

Wilderness School programs

Our programs can be transformative. Young people can gain the life skills they need to make positive and lasting changes.

Some are short day or weekend trips. Others are longer adventures of up to 20 days. All are supervised by our capable staff and can teach students to:

Work well with others: Cooperate and support each other as part of a team

Be OK on their own: Care for oneself and make good decisions

Take ownership: Know how their actions have consequences

Feel good about themself: Build confidence and self-esteem

Solve problems peacefully: Handle disagreements in a healthy way

We offer training and wellness programs for staff and partner agencies, too. Other programs are open to families who want to improve their dynamics.

Programs

Most of our programs happen in the outdoors. Some are trips that stay close to roads and towns. Others take students deep into the wilderness, guided by staff.

Wherever our courses take place, they help young people discover what they are good at. Each program is also a “Challenge by Choice.” You take on what you can, and there are programs for all skill levels.

What are the requirements for attending a program?

Students who choose to attend the Wilderness School show they are willing to try new, challenging activities. Applicants do not need to be athletic or physically adept, or to have had prior camp experience. But they should read about a program ahead of time to know how physically demanding it might be.

When do programs take place?

Wilderness School runs year-round, winter included. Most of our three to 20 day courses take place during the summer. Short follow-up programs for students who already completed a summer program are held September through May -- often on weekends, school holidays and vacations. 

What is the student population?

The Wilderness School accepts students who reside in CT. They are diverse in many ways. 

Programming options include:
  • Rock climbing
  • Hiking
  • Canoeing
  • A ropes course
  • Cross-country skiing
  • Snowshoeing
  • Mindfulness exercises to help relax and focus
  • Therapeutic art to help with self-expression
  • Team-building games
  • Community service
  • Camping (summer or winter)

Facility and course area

Our base camp, built in the late 1980s, is on State land. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) manages it. Our facility opened in 1990 and is well-kept.

The program course area follows the Appalachian Trail corridor of Connecticut and Massachusetts's Taconic and Berkshire Mountain ranges. We also offer programs on the main campus and in many of CT’s state and regional parks.

About our staff

Our staff knows how to bring out the best in young people. They are also outdoor experts who have led trips in the wilderness and can keep people safe. They are all known for their skills, athleticism, and care in helping each student thrive.

Some staff work outdoors here all year round. Others are teachers, youth workers, or college students studying how to help people.

All staff have Wilderness First Aid and CPR training. Those at the instructor level and above have more certifications: Wilderness First Responder, Wilderness EMT, or Wilderness Advanced First Aid.

Wilderness School full-time team

Director: Aaron Wiebe: Aaron.Wiebe@ct.gov

Field Program Supervisors:

Scott Basile: Scott.Basile@ct.gov

Beth King: Beth.King@ct.gov

Jane Lohmann: Jane.Lohmann@ct.gov

Mallorie Conroy: Mallorie.Conroy@ct.gov

Expeditions

Wilderness School expeditions and follow-up courses are cell phone and electronics-free. Course catalog (PDF).

1-day programs

Participants are introduced to outdoor activities that incorporate teambuilding, bonding, and cooperation. Activities may include hiking, canoeing, rock-climbing, or the ropes/challenge course. Programs are best suited for community groups, school groups, and student, agent, or family outings.

4-day expeditions: Comfort and belonging

These courses are introductory and suit students who are new to the outdoors. A typical outing includes overnight camping and day activities such as canoeing, hiking a peak, rock climbing, or a ropes challenge course.

5-day expeditions: Grow skills and resilience

Our five-day courses suit students ready to push their comfort zone. These outings include backpacking or canoeing. Students carry their own food, clothing, and equipment down a trail or waterway. They camp overnight in different areas and do activities like rock climbing.

20-day expeditions: Mastery, teamwork, deep resilience, leadership, responsibility, and independence

Our 20-day outings can help young people form new habits and attitudes. Students may do a service project or have some time on their own. These courses are often very physical, too. Students backpack, canoe, rock climb, and challenge themselves.

14-day conservation course: Summer Youth Employment Program

This program combines camping, activities, and manual labor. Students can earn money while they learn to work in a team while building trail networks or doing upkeep.

7-day alumni adventure: Continuing the wilderness journey

For course graduates, these outings explore more remote areas of New England and beyond. The goal is to help young people grow, connect, and refine skills.

Year-round follow-ups

Participants can do follow-up courses after taking a summer program. These courses give students a chance to reconnect with friends and keep growing. Follow-up courses run from September to May. They often take place over a holiday or weekend, and activities and timelines vary.

Are there any dangers from animals?

Anyone who spends time in the outdoors should know the potential for injury or mishap due to contact with animals does exist. Fortunately, wildlife tend to be afraid of humans. This makes the chances of an incident very low.

Enrollment

Wilderness School Enrollment Office: 860-653-8059

Enrollment email: WildernessJourney@ct.gov

Get an overview of how to enroll a student in an expedition program (PDF).

Follow these steps to begin the enrollment process:

1. Video

All applicants have to watch a video before they can apply.

Watch the Expedition YouTube Video

2. Pre-screening call

Complete a telephone pre-screening. Call the Enrollment Office at 860-653-8059. All students undergo a pre-screening call before filling out any forms. Parents, referring agents, social workers, or providers may call on the student’s behalf. The call helps everyone understand program policies and find the best option for the student.

Please read our enrollment policies (PDF).

3. The referring agent fills out the pre-enrollment form

All applicants will work with a referring agent to enroll. A referring agent can be a social worker, youth counselor, juvenile justice worker, mental health provider, mentor, school teacher, counselor, or coach. Referring agents use a pre-enrollment form to assess each young person. The form helps the student set goals and know what is in the Student Contract Agreement. It also helps the school understand the students and what they need.

4. Complete the enrollment forms

Please complete the required application materials. Try to do so as early as possible if space is limited in your desired Expedition. Note that there are also medical forms that a pediatrician, psychiatrist, or prescriber may have to fill out.

5. Student acceptance letters

We will issue letters of acceptance to the applicant, family, and referring agent. An in-person orientation may be available on request and as needed. Note: If an applicant does not meet our admissions criteria, we will not enroll them.

Enrollment forms

Application materials for the parent or caregiver to fill out:
Application materials for the pediatrician, psychiatrist, or prescriber to fill out:

Not all medication forms apply to each student. But, we do suggest you submit a Non-Prescription form for 14-day expeditions.

Application materials for the referring agent to fill out:
Can students ever be made to attend the Wilderness School without their consent?

No. Students give their consent and need to be both motivated and willing to attend.

Contact the Wilderness School

Questions concerning forms? Please contact the Wilderness School Enrollment Office.

Phone: 860-653-8059

Email: WildernessJourney@ct.gov

The Wilderness School
240 North Hollow Road
East Hartland, CT 06027

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