Kelley Brown- Outside Reading #2

Nature can play such a huge role in developing and maintaining a person and who they are. Therapeutic wilderness programs take individuals out of their current surroundings and places them into the wilderness. The environment that the person is placed in has to be one that they are not familiar with and one that takes them out of their normal, everyday comfort. These programs promote and accomplish a sense of self-worth, motivation, and the knowledge and ability to overcome obstacles. Therapeutic programs are offered for everyone, no matter age or situation. There are programs set up for youth, women, men, families, the mentally disabled, etc. They are separate because different groups of people and situations come along and each needs specific help. There are different environments in which your experience can take place: deserts, mountains, forests, etc. This interaction with the environment builds relationships with the others in your group because you learn how to rely and gain from each other.