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New Perspectives - May,
2002 Issue #93
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Red Top Meadows
Therapeutic Wilderness Expedition
For Adolescent Male Sex Offenders
Mark Ames,
Wilderness Director
Wilson, WY
307-733-9098
redtopmeadows@wyoming.com
Red Top Meadows will conduct two 35-day therapeutic wilderness expeditions
for adolescent males with sexual offending issues, ages 13-16, during the summer 2002. Boys who molest younger children are often
lacking in self-confidence, empathy for others appropriate boundaries, positive peer relationships, social skills and age appropriate
behavior. Participants must have completed a psycho- sexual evaluation indicating they are appropriate for the program by being classified
as a type I, II, or III offender. They must acknowledge they have committed an offense, and be past complete denial, and must commit
to continuing group and family therapy when they return home.
These expeditions are designed to help participants to progress in their sexual offender treatment by helping them to feel more confident
with themselves and others and to experience the benefits of responsibility, forethought, empathy and teamwork.
The expedition will provide individual and group challenges that require group cooperation, the support and encouragement of others
and thoughtful responsible actions. Participants will benefit from psycho-educational groups, individual and group therapy, writing
assignments, such as their offense cycles and prevention plans, and other experiential activities designed to target specific offender
issues.
Three staff members will accompany six boys on each trek. Red Top field staff are trained and experienced in providing a therapeutic
and educational experience for this specific group in a wilderness setting. A certified therapist from the Red Top Meadows team will
be directly involved in supervising the expedition and will meet with staff and students regularly in the field and at base camp.
Parent are expected to join their sons for the last two days of the program to review progress and make a plan for continued growth
and success in their home community.
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