Trails Carolina, a wilderness therapy program for pre-teens and adolescents, has expanded its adventure activities to now offer fly fishing and canoeing to all students. In this season-specific summer programming, students are participating in activities that help them build confidence while challenging themselves.

Trails uses the Tenkara Style of fly fishing, which is a minimalist style of fly fishing that uses a singular flexible rod and some line. It is a step up from a normal fishing pole, but not as complex as the typical fly fishing pole. This method doesn’t require a lot of equipment. It’s an introduction to fly fishing, and can even be obtained using things you have in nature rather than a fishing pole.

The groups participate in a curriculum that begins with creek exploration where students identify what fish in the area are eating. Identifying which bait mimics the authentic food source segues into a conversation about themselves and how they are presenting authentically. Students observe how fish react to authentic food just as people react to authenticity in a social setting. 

“Students see how the fish are drawn to authentic food. We like to use this as a metaphor and relate this back to the students. Authenticity in our lives draws people in. When we are inauthentic, we push people away, just like the fish are drawn away from food that they see as inauthentic,” said Kyle Shepard, Experiential Education Director.

Students are also participating in canoeing, an activity that emphasizes communication skills. With two students per canoe, communication is key to navigating in the water. This is a great opportunity for students to learn how they prefer to communicate and receive information.

The adventure activities at Trails Carolina all encompass the three C’s (Communication, Cooperation, and Confidence). Each activity provides students with immediate success no matter how small. When students rotate through the activities and return to one that they have done before, they are presented with new challenges so that they can continue to build their skills.

Trails Carolina is a wilderness therapy for pre-teens and adolescents ages 10-17. The clinically sophisticated and time-tested program engages students through wilderness therapy, mindfulness and yoga, equine-assisted therapy, intentional transitions, and academic engagement. Recent outcome research demonstrates efficacy. Trails Carolina was created to help families reconnect and heal. For additional information about Trails Carolina, located just outside of Asheville, North Carolina, please visit https://trailscarolina.com/why-trails/adventure-program/ or call 800-975-7303.