Blackwater Outdoor Experiences is an experiential, therapeutic treatment program. Primarily, we offer 21-day wilderness adventure courses in a variety of wilderness settings to aid adolescents and young adults in initiating positive growth and change within personal, family, peer, and school relationships. Blackwater also offers local experiential therapy and learning opportunities within the special needs community.

Our program is focused on encouraging self-discovery, self-confidence, discipline, trust, problem solving skills, personal strengths, and the establishment of more clear communication patterns. Participants we serve may be experiencing behavioral problems, low self-esteem, manipulative behavior, depression, difficulty accepting responsibility, poor motivation, or chemical dependency. We generally work with individuals who have demonstrated a willingness to participate in our program. Each course has a maximum participant to instructor ratio of six to two, which includes a Field Therapist and Field Instructor.

We differentiate ourselves in the industry by having a master’s level therapist in the field full time. All of our clients are willing participants who choose to take part. This perception of freedom and choice translates to higher levels of intrinsic motivation and greater success rates. We do not accept escorted participants; we are a hands off program, no restraints. As well all therapeutic expeditions include three modes of transportation; backpacking, paddling and rock climbing.