Wilderness Rehabilitation: An 18-Month Follow-Up of the Whakapakari Youth Programme

Erin J. Eggleston

This article examines the talk from twelve chronic young offenders about their experience of wilderness-based rehabilitation. The author participated in the month-long programme and interviewed participants at the conclusion of the programme and at eighteen month follow-up. Looking back on their experience, participants described experiences of whānau (extended family), helping, talking, listening, trusting, respecting and disciplined working. Discussion examines the transition between programme and home and integrates participant experience within the adventure therapy literature.