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.