As 2021 begins, Trails Momentum, a young adult wilderness therapy program located in North Carolina, reflects on 2020. From capstone projects to adventure outings to preparing for college, Momentum students had a busy, productive year.

Prior to enrolling at Momentum, many students struggled to be successful in post-secondary settings in 2020. To help students successfully return to a college or university setting, Momentum provides several options to earn college credit and rebuild academic confidence. Over the past year, students collectively earned 72 college credits. The ability to earn college credits while at Momentum helps students move closer to graduation and achieving their educational goals. Momentum graduates who did not transfer into a traditional academic setting like a 4-year university or college moved on to 20 different transition programs. For some Momentum graduates, a transitional setting can help them achieve long term success after they have completed Momentum. 

Adventure programming is at the core of Trails Momentum’s mission to help young adults step out of their comfort zones and onto the next steps of their lives. Adventure programming helps students gain confidence through trying new things and overcoming obstacles.

Brian, a student at Momentum, discussed how his confidence has improved since starting the program. He stated that, “There are many things that I have learned during my time at Momentum, but the one that stuck with me the most is that anything is 100% attainable with 110% effort.” In 2020, adventure outings included canoe expeditions at Lake Jocassee, mountain biking in Dupont State Forest, and day hikes across the Western North Carolina mountains. 

Capstone projects at Momentum are completed by students right before they graduate. Students can choose what they want to base their project on as long as it has a positive impact on the student and their community. A few past examples of capstone projects from this year include making bat boxes, creating a mural in the dorms, building a scarecrow, and writing and performing a play about Trails Momentum. These projects help students build their resume and are a great asset when completing college applications. Additionally, students gain an understanding of what it takes to see a project all the way through from conception to completion. This helps them prepare for longer term goals like college, careers, or exploring personal interests.

Although challenging for many, 2020 was a successful year for Momentum students. Looking forward to 2021, Momentum will continue to support students in their journey to adulthood.

About Trails Momentum

Trails Momentum is an adventure-based outdoor program for young adults ages 18-25 who are struggling to launch themselves into adulthood. Students are guided on a journey of self-discovery where they develop self-concept and are empowered to make the transition into independence. Adventure programming, clinical services, family involvement, college coursework, and social skill development are seamlessly interwoven to maximize the transference of important life skills and address clinical and behavioral challenges.