FAQ

By immersing the child in an outdoor setting, we remove the distractions and causations of negative feelings and behaviors. This brings about a deep awareness of the your child’s negative path and a strong desire for something different. We utilize a more comprehensive treatment team approach, than other wilderness programs, in creating and implementing specific treatment plans for each child and family system.

Unlike other wilderness programs, at blueFire, there is a therapist in the group at least four days each week. Also involved in weekly treatment experiences are: equine specialist, adventure activity guides and daily academic work.

We recognize that most wilderness programs operate in such a contained model that it can be challenging to transfer the skills into life back home, in school and among peers. Programs with an excess of structure and expectations foster an environment of compliance as opposed to an environment of growth and learning.

At blueFire, we provide the opportunity for experiences, exploration and education which produces real, lasting change your child can bring back home and use the rest of their lives. Our utilization of regular adventure activities, combined with the proven methods of traditional wilderness therapy approaches, make blueFire unique and more complete than a simple wilderness approach. The variety of experiences allows our clients to have a more comprehensive and adventurous experience.

Wilderness therapy offers an opportunity for our clients to step away from their negative influences and out of the destructive path they are on. At blueFire, clients can take a look at their role in what got led them on this path, re-evaluate themselves and reconsider their long-term goals.

Safety is our top priority. We integrate the latest emergency safety systems, with 24-hour back-up on-call and 24-hour communication with headquarters and/or emergency services.

We hire highly experienced clinical and field staff, who are trained Wilderness First Responders. We also hire people with expertise in our adventure activities, including rock climbing guides and boating instructors to assist in adventure experiences. Our Medical Director provides all physicals and consultations.

blueFire works with teens and young adults that are struggling in their current environment and those who may suffer from: depression, anxiety, low self esteem, conflict within the home, school struggles, alcohol or drug use and academic difficulties. Many are also experiencing conflicts within the family. Contacting us is best to help understand if blueFire is right for your child.

The qualities that make blueFire respected as a leading wilderness program are the same regardless of age and gender: passionate, experienced team; unique adventure programming; high quality wilderness therapy. We also recognize that the challenges and opportunities for improvement of a young adult are not the same as a teen, so we have some special differences depending on age and gender. To learn specifics regarding our young adult program, please visit our site here >>.

Groups will rotate activities weekly with every other week being a multi-day hiking excursion and on the alternate weeks will spend one day of safety training then the remaining days either: rock climbing, paddling or mountain biking. Groups are in their base camp sites three days each week and participate in equine therapy once weekly.

We can refer you to a healthcare advocate that can check your policy and help you in the process of getting insurance reimbursement if you have a benefit.