The Wilderness School (WS) is a program of the State of Connecticut, Department of Children and Families (DCF).  Founded in 1974, the Wilderness School is a positive youth development program for young people ages 13-21.  It serves as an enrichment program for young people looking to make positive changes.  For many young people, the Wilderness School may serve as a prevention or intervention service.  The Wilderness School programs are an enhancement to the work of social service agencies in Connecticut and are available to the community at large.

• The Wilderness School is a prevention, intervention, and transition program for adolescents from Connecticut.
• The Wilderness School offers high impact wilderness programs year round ranging in length from 1-day programs to 20-Day Expeditions!
• Activities include hiking, camping, rock climbing, canoeing, high ropes course experiences, winter programming, and service learning.
• Wilderness School programs emphasize team-building, peer relations, self-reliance, responsibility, improved self-concept, and conflict resolution.
• Other programs include agency engagement, staff development and wellness, and work with families to enhance relationships within the family and their community social system.