This course is a 3-week desert backpacking expedition in west Texas for troubled teens. It is designed for teens exhibiting challenging behaviors at home or school who are ready to make a change.  At least one parent must participate in the 3-day parent / guardian seminar at course end. The expedition is an opportunity for young people to learn about themselves and their strengths in anew setting, away from their typical pressures and temptations.  The family component provides a structure for independence with appropriate support and new hope for productive family relationships. 

Intercept
Intercept is a special program of Outward Bound, one of the oldest wilderness adventure programs in the world. It is designed to serve teens and their families and help them address issues like low motivation, defiance, poor school performance, or risky behaviors. Courses are presented as metaphors for the transition from childhood to adulthood and are designed to help teens connect their desire for more freedom with the reality that they must take on additional responsibility. Courses are highly structured with explicit wilderness, communication and leadership skills progressions as well as time on course devoted to preparing for a parent guardian conference at course end. The conference is a conversation, facilitated by the instructor, in which parents and teens design a new plan for their household.

Course Area
Southwest Backpacking & Canyoneering - Intercept courses take place in the Big Bend of the Rio Grande area of west Texas. Both Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park offer awesome vistas, gorgeous sunsets and challenging remote terrain perfect for a wilderness expedition with a purpose.  You’ll never forget the Chihuahuan desert!

Course Description
This is your opportunity an experience that is uniquely your own.  Meet each day’s challenges, create a team environment that works for everyone, become each other’s friends and confidantes, and have fun. You learn minimum-impact camping skills, outdoor cooking, basic first-aid, map and compass use, route finding, knot-tying and rope handling. You will backpack through challenging sandstone and slick rock terrain, most every day, gaining skills and leadership responsibility as you go. You will spend up to 3 days “on solo”, camping in one spot within earshot of instructors for safety, enjoying time to yourself for reflection and thinking ahead. The last 3-4 days of the expedition you put all of the learning and practice to the test as you and your teammates travel independently, with instructors always present as a safety backup. The course culminates with a parent guardian seminar and 2 day service project in which you will assist the Park Service or a community organization.