Alldredge Wilderness Journey
West Virginia

Alldredge Search And Rescue Experience

I was facilitating an educational consultant tour at Alldredge Wilderness Journey last week. During our visit we learned that the Alldredge staff and students were involved in the search and rescue efforts to find a missing young man who was severely autistic, his age is 18 however has the mental capacity of a four year old. The community oftentimes turns to Alldredge for support during times of crises. Alldredge employs 5 nationally certified Search and Rescue instructors, out of only 60 nationwide. All students are intensely trained in First Aid, CPR, and wilderness first-responder-level care during their first phase of the Alldredge program. The Alldredge Search and Rescue team was notified immediately and was asked to participate due to their expertise in search and rescue. The Alldredge team mobilized food, provided assistance to the American Red Cross, and spent hours searching for the lost young man. We met with a group of Alldredge students who participated in the search and rescue mission the day before. They spent an entire day in the woods, using their skills that they had mastered in the Search and Rescue phase of the Alldredge program, searching for the lost young man. The staff commented on how impressed they were by the students determination and efforts. Dr. Hunter Powell, Executive Director of Alldredge, stated that all the students were outstanding in their efforts and he was proud to have them involved in this mission. Despite the difficult circumstances, the students did not complain and were eager to return to the woods the next day to continue to support the rescue efforts.

Following the tour we were getting in our car to leave and learned that the young man was found. The search and rescue mission was a success! The young man was tired and a dehydrated but doing well. His family stated that they were grateful for all the help and sacrifice from all involved. I can only imagine the profound impact this must have had on the Alldredge staff and students who were involved in this amazing experience. Thanks to the Alldredge team for all of their hard work and dedication!

Alldredge Wilderness Journey is a licensed, year-round wilderness program for at risk boys and girls ages 13 through 18 years old who are experiencing behavioral and emotional problems. Located in the beautiful Canaan Valley of North Central West Virginia, the two phased experience has an average length of stay of 60 days and provides the most intensive family involvement in the industry. The all inclusive daily fee is $395.