Outward Bound's Five Rivers program located in Fairhope, Alabama helps struggling teens in Baldwin & Mobile County transition their lives in more meaningful and positive directions. We offer two programs for Baldwin and Mobile County youth ages 13 to 17. FINS for struggling teens and STEP for court referred male youth.

FINS Programs

FINS (Families in Need of Services) programs are for Baldwin and Mobile County at-risk teens struggling in their home, school and community environments referred by parents, guidance counselors, and mental health counselors. The FINS program includes an 18 day wilderness expedition and 10 day home and school transition component.

Benefits

• Enhances social skills

• Enriches family relationships

• Improves academic participation

• Decreases delinquent behavior

Student Profile

For teens 13 to 17 years old struggling in their home, school, or peer environments.
A typical student may be experiencing one or more of the following:

• Poor academic performance or failure

• Truancy

• Family conflict

• Peer delinquency

• Low self-esteem or motivation

• Poor decision making

• Difficulty with family and/or peer relationships

• Risky behavior, i.e. experimenting with drugs or alcohol; gang related behavior; lying; or stealing

Activities

Depending on the location FINS programs consist of 18 to 20-day wilderness expedition and a 10 to 90-day follow up component that takes place in the students’ home and school environments. Parent involvement is required.

• Wilderness Expeditions

• Canoeing 100 miles or more

• Team Building and Problem Solving Activities

• Challenge Course

• Community Service Projects

• Social and Life Skill Training

• Individualized Goal Planning

• Parent Meetings and Workshops

• Family Mediations

• Personal Challenge Events

Follow Up

• Transition Planning

• Home Visits

• School Visits

• Family Contracting

• Phone Contacts

• Resources for Extended Services

Referrals

Some FINS programs require referrals from local schools or agencies as part of the application process. Families may request a referral.

Program Locations

FINS programs are available to youth and families living in specific counties located within the states of Florida, South Carolina & Alabama.

Download FINS Application Here
Download FINS Family Handbook Here

STEP PROGRAMS

The STEP program is designed for Baldwin and Mobile County court-referred male youth referred by Juvenile Probation Officers and juvenile courts. The STEP program includes a 20 day wilderness expedition, 10 day home and school transition component and up to one year of Aftercare.

Contact Information

Outward Bound Discovery-Five Rivers
265 Young Street
Fairhope, Alabama
Phone: (251)990-0323
Fax: (251)990-0326
fiverivers@outwardbound.org