Trails Momentum, a young adult wilderness therapy program, is expanding their adventure programming activities and includes a 3 day canoe trip in the spring and summer months. 

Prior to the expedition, students learn boat terminology, fundamental paddle strokes, and safety protocols on base camp before getting in the water. Students also practice with their canoes in the lake at base camp. The final training is called a canoe-over-canoe rescue or T-rescue. It simulates the proper safety steps of using one boat to empty another canoe full of water if it were to get swamped and getting the paddlers safely back into their seats. This training teaches students crucial skills that can be applied outside of the program.

After the training, the students head to South Carolina and use their learned skills on Lake Jocassee to traverse across the waves to an island campsite. During the canoe expo there are opportunities to swim, hike, and paddle up to a waterfall along with all the other expo experiences of camping, cooking, bonding, and practicing Leave No Trace.

Josh Rood, Outdoor Adventure Educator, reflects on the importance of canoeing and how it is integrated into therapy. “Being in a canoe with one other person can be a penultimate experience of teamwork, communication, and trust. You are in a small boat, floating on the water with a ballast of your personal gear.” Rood adds, “Meeting each other on a physical level takes practice, and trusting each other’s skills can create an incredibly therapeutic adventure.”

Throughout their time at Momentum, students are actively involved in planning their expeditions. Trails Momentum promotes collaboration and open communication among all members of the community.  Whether it is on campus in the classroom or in a canoe during the expo, students learn skills to improve executive functioning and foster independent living. 

About Trail 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.