The country appears to be on a path toward reopening, yet Elements Wilderness Program and Elements Traverse remain committed to the same level of vigilance they have had in place since before COVID-19 first appeared in Utah. In efforts to allow the Utah economy to begin the recovery process, Governor Herbert of Utah eased his guidelines around the state on May 1. “Just like all essential companies, Elements benefitted from Governor Herbert’s directives that all Utahns stay home, because it reduced the risk to everyone residing in the state,” said Andrew Powell, CEO of the Elements Programs. “However, we had our policy in place before the Governor created this directive, and we will keep our policies in place until the risk of COVID-19 entering our program is definitively behind us.”
Elements Wilderness Program and Elements Traverse employ what is traditionally called an expedition model, in which each group operates independently of each other, supported by their primary therapist and each week drafting a new backpacking itinerary, most of which accommodate some kind of adventure programming. Despite the austerity and remoteness of our model, the novel Coronavirus requires staunch adherence to Social Distancing and Hygiene Protocols.
That said, Social Distancing policies present a unique challenge in a program that is built upon the power of relationships within a social milieu. “I am proud to see the entire team at both programs pull together to provide innovative and creative ways to capture the full range of benefits our clients and their families can receive,” said Elements Wilderness Program’s Clinical Director, Dr. Neal Christensen, “from intentional community building amidst social distancing to virtual parent visits and sanitary high-angle adventure, every department has stepped up to meet the standards set by our Social Distancing and Hygiene Guidelines.”
About Elements Wilderness
Since 2008, Elements Wilderness has been providing a specialized therapeutic intervention for adolescent boys aged 13-17. We at Elements envision a world in which everyone has the skills and support necessary to live a full and healthy life. Through innovative therapeutic interventions, a comprehensive outdoor living experience complete with expeditionary backpacking and adventure programming, a robust family program involving the family at every step, and evidence-based substance abuse treatment, we provide every client and family with excellence in assessment and treatment. Elements is licensed and supervised by the State of Utah Department of Human Services and accredited through the Outdoor Behavioral Health Council and the Association for Experiential Education.