Aspiro, Inc. is a wilderness adventure therapy program that accepts boys and girls, ages 13-17, with a history of soft to moderate emotional and behavioral problems. Some issues include low self-esteem, academic underachievement, substance abuse or experimentation, family conflict, rebellion, anger, defiance, ADD, attachment disorders and depression. The program is licensed as an Outdoor Youth Treatment Program by the State of Utah.
Aspiro's curriculum is a 45 to 60 day experience, depending on the student's individual needs and progress. They utilize an integrated, base camp/ expedition model where students spend 2 days at base camp working on a variety of disciplines before beginning a 12-day trek. Base camp activities include team-building workshops, while expedition activities may include whitewater river trips, top-rope rock climbing, caving, mountain biking, horseback riding, primitive living skills, hiking/ backpacking, arts and crafts, etc. A clinical team works with both the family and student throughout the experience.
Academically, students may earn high school credits while at the program. The curriculum includes an accredited literature/ social science course, the study of plant and animal life, geography and map reading, astronomy and physical education.
Aspiro offers the wilderness component to private clients, as well as to those from residential programs who prefer that students attend a wilderness program prior to enrollment.
Note:The information used in this New Perspective was gathered from the Aspiro website.