History

In 1965 Larry Wells teamed with Darrol Gardner Dist Supervisor for Idaho Adult Corrections Probation and Parole in starting an ex-con talk program and creating Volunteers in Adult Corrections in Idaho. This relationship began the planning for a wilderness based substance abuse treatment program.

In 1970 Larry attended BYU Instructor Training program and went as a student on a BYU, 26 day 480 Survival Program. On returning home he and Darrol recruited a Board of Directors consisting of Law Enforcement personnel, a Prosecutor, Judges, and an Attorney. A Non-Profit Corp, Expedition Outreach Inc was formed, and a LEPC grant obtained.

In May 1971 the first 30 day program went into the wilderness of Idaho with clients from the Idaho Prison, Idaho Youth Service Center, Adult Probation and Parole and Juvenile Probation and Parole and a percentage of "straight clients".

For the next 15 years contracts were obtained from agencies in Adult and Juvenile Corrections, Courts, Mental Health, BIA and Alternative Schools through out the Western States. The contracts consisted of training agency personnel, designing and conducting programs for the different agencies and designing and instituting wilderness based programs for companies such as Vision Quest and SUWS.

By the late1970's Expedition Outreach Inc. had evolved to specialize in substance abuse treatment. It was apparent to Larry the family of the client needed to be involved. Through out the 1980's several attempts through contract was made to achieve that objective.

In 1988 Wilderness ConQuest Inc. was created and through national marketing for private pay clients, a program with a strong family component was developed. In 1996 because emphasis was on the family, the program was reincorporated as Blue Mountain Family Center, Inc. d.b.a. Wilderness Quest.

Wilderness Quest was the first expedition primitive based wilderness program developed and run by a recovering family. Wilderness Quest was the first such program to provide a true 12 step model substance abuse treatment program with a modified Hazleton model multi-group family program. Wilderness Quest received recognition for their Family Program in the industry. The founder was asked to present at NATSAP, NATWC, Rocky Mtn. AEE, and Montana Mental Health on the 12 Step Model and the Family Program.

In 1999 Wilderness Quest was the first such model to achieve JCAHO Accreditation.


Home Our Program • Why it Works • 12 Step Program • Family Involvement • Standards • Safety • Young Adults Our People • Leadership About Us • Our Mission • History • Testimonials Admissions • 4 Simple Steps • Criteria Contact Us	History In 1965 Larry Wells teamed with Darrol Gardner Dist Supervisor for Idaho Adult Corrections Probation and Parole in starting an ex-con talk program and creating Volunteers in Adult Corrections in Idaho. This relationship began the planning for a wilderness based substance abuse treatment program. In 1970 Larry attended BYU Instructor Training program and went as a student on a BYU, 26 day 480 Survival Program. On returning home he and Darrol recruited a Board of Directors consisting of Law Enforcement personnel, a Prosecutor, Judges, and an Attorney. A Non-Profit Corp, Expedition Outreach Inc was formed, and a LEPC grant obtained. In May 1971 the first 30 day program went into the wilderness of Idaho with clients from the Idaho Prison, Idaho Youth Service Center, Adult Probation and Parole and Juvenile Probation and Parole and a percentage of "straight clients". For the next 15 years contracts were obtained from agencies in Adult and Juvenile Corrections, Courts, Mental Health, BIA and Alternative Schools through out the Western States. The contracts consisted of training agency personnel, designing and conducting programs for the different agencies and designing and instituting wilderness based programs for companies such as Vision Quest and SUWS. By the late1970's Expedition Outreach Inc. had evolved to specialize in substance abuse treatment. It was apparent to Larry the family of the client needed to be involved. Through out the 1980's several attempts through contract was made to achieve that objective. In 1988 Wilderness ConQuest Inc. was created and through national marketing for private pay clients, a program with a strong family component was developed. In 1996 because emphasis was on the family, the program was reincorporated as Blue Mountain Family Center, Inc. d.b.a. Wilderness Quest. Wilderness Quest was the first expedition primitive based wilderness program developed and run by a recovering family. Wilderness Quest was the first such program to provide a true 12 step model substance abuse treatment program with a modified Hazleton model multi-group family program. Wilderness Quest received recognition for their Family Program in the industry. The founder was asked to present at NATSAP, NATWC, Rocky Mtn. AEE, and Montana Mental Health on the 12 Step Model and the Family Program. In 1999 Wilderness Quest was the first such model to achieve JCAHO Accreditation.	Testimonials Wilderness Quest was an important turning point for our son. It got his attention, got him focused, and got him moving in a positive direction, enabling us to establish a constructive working relationship. – Tim and Marilyn Heinz, Pennsylvania Will it Work for My Child? What Parents Can Expect Accreditation