Our Wilderness -Frontier Intervention Program for troubled youth is a therapeutic reality program organized around Christian ideals. It is year-round, with a minimum stay of ninety days.
Situated in the majestic Sunlight and Big Horn Basins of the Absaroka Range in the greater Yellowstone Park ecology system near Cody, Wyoming, this Wilderness styled camp for troubled teens is broad-based, flexible, and incorporates a rich variety of activities, not just hiking and camping. It is an integral part of a working ranch encompassing 40,000 acres; all aspects of ranch life and mountain life are fully explored.

Through our motivation and behavior improvement educational process, troubled youth learn the lessons of cause and effect, the natural consequences for their actions, and a solid work ethic. Therefore, all teen wilderness activities, schooling, and counseling are geared to teach these experiential lessons. Back country expeditions and exploration, range management, mapping noxious plant locations, building and repairing fences, locating and developing springs, cowboy-ing, carpentry, horsemanship, and outfitting are some of the projects the troubled youth may encounter in our Mount Carmel Wilderness Intervention Program.

Other wilderness/frontier activities not directly related to the upkeep of the ranch may include individual study courses (worth 1 credit each) in our schools for troubled teens, includes a dimension of animal therapy, in which each of the young men get to work with and care for many different animals. This work is real and the challenges it presents are real. In accomplishing it, the troubled teen gains a sense of worth, confidence, and self-esteem.

EXCELLENCE
The Mount Carmel Wilderness Intervention Program is not a “teen boot camp” or "behavior modification program" for troubled youth. It is our desire to instill excellence and to allow each young man to achieve his fullest potential. We are not merely "fixing" the student. Each child is unique and requires much individual thought, attention, and prayer. The staff considers it their privilege and calling to work with these at-risk teens therefore, they are committed, controlled, and avidly interested in each student.
INDEPENDENT STUDY
Unlike troubled teen camps, our students partake in daily prayer and scripture readings, and are enrolled in an accredited Independent Study course (worth 1 credit) on character and values. Students have the option of taking these other independent study courses: study skills, leadership, creative writing, algebra, technical writing, and preparation for responsible adulthood through our schools for troubled teens.
TRANSITION
Students are continually being prepared for transition out of the Mount Carmel Wilderness Intervention Program through activities aimed at teaching what real happiness is. They are challenged daily to question their decision-making processes, to question their motives, their past mistakes, and to make vital connections concerning how lessons learned in wilderness today can be applied at home tomorrow.
ALTERNATIVE TO TEEN MILITARY SCHOOL OR TEEN BOOT CAMP
The Mount Carmel Wilderness Intervention Program is a viable alternative to military schools and teen boot camp; many graduates of the program have enlisted in the Armed Forces.
Our Mount Carmel Wilderness Intervention Program is designed to bring to surface the fundamental character of a young man. His life is simplified, stripped down to bare essentials. No personal possessions are permitted, food is plain, work is difficult and living conditions rugged. Like a teen boot camp, the day is well-ordered, begins very early, and is divided into school and work times. Morning and evening prayers are said. Young men are expected to be obedient, respectful, and attentive. Most activities are communal and are closely supervised.
MEDICAL
The expeditions and work can be strenuous and students will need to be in reasonable physical condition. They should be able to carry a 40 lb backpack and do physical work. They must also be able to run at least one mile per day. Rest days will be included in the schedule should any students have trouble adjusting to altitude. The terrain will vary from 6000-10,500 ft. Our staff are CPR/First Aid trained and the Cody, Wyoming Hospital is our sponsoring medical organization. They provide all emergency medical services for Mount Carmel Youth Ranch.

Do you know an at-risk teen? Call Mount Carmel Youth Ranch for more information on our Wilderness Program and School for Troubled Teens. We can help!