On the Trail
PDFFrom learning first aid to developing basic orienteering and primitive living skills, SUWS students are personally challenged so they can be entrusted with someone else's life. And in the midst of giving of themselves, they find themselves. It is not our intent to train students to be search and rescue professionals, but rather to allow them to discover their inner value and strengths by becoming essential, functioning members of a team. Living this metaphor throughout the program facilitates the process of searching for one's true self, and illuminates how best to stay true to this self-discovery upon completion of the program.
Students progress through a sophisticated level system designed to help them reach developmental benchmarks. At each step, adolescents complete an experiential curricula and individualized therapy assignments. Working through both set programming and individualized assignments allows them to address normal adolescent developmental stages, personal issues, and marks their accomplishments in creating success.
At SUWS of the Carolinas, we celebrate the growth of our students. As they progress through the program, the group marks each success with ceremonies designed to commemorate their achievement. Similar "rites of passage" once played a large role in the process of becoming an adult. These rituals marked important transitions and assisted our youth in understanding their role in society. Unfortunately, these traditions have become less and less meaningful in our modern culture and our youth have sought to recreate these rituals in self defeating and dangerous ways. It is our belief, that such recreating healthy and appropriate ceremonies help our students take pride in their accomplishments and become invested in their personal growth.
SUWS of the Carolinas operates on US Forest Service land under a special use permit. In accordance to this permit SUWS of the Carolinas practices and teaches Leave No Trace camping techniques.