 Mission Statement
Woodson Wilderness Challenge is a short-term, voluntary, DJJDP pre-release program for incarcerated youth from North Carolina. Woodson Wilderness Challenge uses outdoor, therapeutic, adventure-based activities designed to build self-esteem and responsible community membership.
Program Description
Woodson Wilderness Challenge is a therapeutic, adventure-oriented camping program operated by the North Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Woodson Wilderness Challenge offices are located behind the campus of the Swannanoa Valley Youth Development Center in Swannanoa, NC. We operate in and around Western North Carolina utilizing everything from the city streets of Asheville to remote wilderness areas as locations for activities.
Activities include
- Backpacking
- White water canoeing
- Rock climbing
- High ropes course and initiatives
- Horseback riding
- Community service
- Solo
- Urban activities
Calendar
History
In 1976, Woodson Wilderness Challenge was founded on the idea that the wilderness provides a unique environment for learning, change, and personal growth. We seek to use the above-mentioned activities as ways to address the issues that trouble our students. The approach is both challenging and success-oriented. There is a strong emphasis on personal responsibility and group cooperation. Natural consequences are ever-present – if you don't hang up the food bag at night, it may not be there in the morning! We attempt to teach the students life skills, from cooking to conflict resolution that will be directly translatable from the woods environment to their lives at home.
Our Students
Students can become eligible to apply for Woodson Wilderness Challenge in two ways. First, after having spent time in a Youth Development Center, usually at least three months, students can earn the right to attend Woodson. Second, a court counselor, through our Community Intervention Program, can refer students on probation. Their attendance is voluntary in most cases. If they successfully complete the camp program, then most students are released to the custody of parents or guardians. Thus, the camp Woodson Program is transitional in nature, and is designed to be a step-down between the very structured YDC setting and home.
Contact Information
741 Old US Highway 70
Swannanoa, NC 28778
(828) 686-9595
campwoodson@ncmail.net |
