STAFF
Wilderness Quest staff consists of one Field Staff for every three Students, Clinical Director, Field Director,
Family Coordinator, Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor, Admissions Director, Family Counselor, Office Staff and Program Director.
Staff must have an attitude of love and concern, knowledge and experience of 12-step recovery, adolescent substance abuse & behavioral counseling,
wilderness living and safety/risk/first aid management skills. All qualified staff complete a minimum 24-day internship experience with Wilderness Quest
as part of their hiring evaluation.
ACADEMICS
Students complete a hands-on academic curriculum. This provides them with a successful experience in education and increases confidence in their learning ability. High school credit can be recommended.
STANDARDS
No alcohol, non-prescription drugs, tobacco in any form, caffeine or solvents are allowed on the trail. Romantic relationships or sexual activity are not allowed during the program. Students must also complete a seven-day clean language requirement to graduate.
SAFETY
Staff professionally trained in risk management and first aid provide an excellent safety net. Field staff have 24-hour UHF two-way radio (two radio checks per 24 hours minimum required) and cell phone contact with the Wilderness Quest field office and local emergency services. Helicopter life flight assistance is 45 to 90 minutes away and a hospital, another 30 to 60 minute helicopter flight.
LICENSURE & ACCREDITATION
- JCAHO (Joint Commission on Accreditations Of Healthcare Organizations)
- Utah Department of Human Services Licensed Adolescent/Family Wilderness Therapy Program
- NATSAP (National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs)
- AEE (Association for Experiential Education)
- TAPG (Therapeutic Adventure Professional Group)
- NATWC (National Association of Therapeutic Wilderness Camps, Inc.)
- NAADAC (National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors)
- AUSAP (Association of Utah Substance Abuse Professionals)
- CBS, "Eye on People"
- KUTV, "Wednesday's Child"
- KOMO, adolescent television special
- CHANNEL ONE, educational program
- PAUL HARVEY's "The Rest of the Story" and
- TV WILDLIFE featured Larry Wells, LSAC, CAC, the founder and Program Director of Wilderness Quest. Larry also received The National Association Of Therapeutic Wilderness Camps highest wilderness therapeutic counselor recognition award and is asked to present at national conferences on wilderness based substance abuse treatment.