Frequently Asked Questions
Our program is located in the heart of Wisconsin, in the Chequamegon National Forest. We function along a section of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail and are nomadic, meaning the students get to camp in various locations along the trail and see the diversity of the Northwoods.
New Vision Wilderness is accredited through the Association of Experiential Education (AEE) and through The Joint Commission (TJC). We are memebers of the National Assosication of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP) as well as the Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Council (OBHC). We are also considered a Department of Public Instruction registered private school in the state of Wisconsin and nationally accredited through Cognia for our academics.
More information about these organizations can be found at their websites by clicking the logos at the bottom of this page.
We pride ourselves in having a small student to staff ratio. Typical group size is 8 students to 3 staff. However, smaller groups are run too, with no minimum group size. This allows for more 1:1 opportunities.
Our staff must pass a background check and thorough screening process. Our Field Instructors (direct care staff) posses college degrees and/or have the expertise and qualifications to work in our relational, therapeutic environment. Each group has access to a certified Wilderness First Responder and all staff members have CPR and First Aid Training with access to medical professionals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. See our staff pages to learn more.
No, our groups consist of students with shared biological gender. This is to allow participants to connect more directly and encourage them to open up in group sessions more. This also helps manage group dynamic variables and the mitigate inevitable hurdles of co-ed groups.
No. NVW will provide all of the gear and clothing needed for your students time in the program and is covered by the program enrollment fee.
For more information, please discuss with your admissions counselor.
Our program focuses on nervous system regulation and safety and as a part of that, we provide each student with their own private tent. Each student sleeps with in close proximity to a staff member in order to maintain closeness and safety.
In cases of concerns around student safety, there may be situations where a student would sleep with two staff members in a large tent. These sleeping arangements would be determined based on the indivitual needs of your student.
Yes, and students learn how to cook meals in a wilderness setting themselves with the support of staff! Each meal will contain a carb base, a vegetable and a protein. We provide fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season as well as fresh protein when possible. We are proud to partner with a local organic farm to provide produce to our students and staff.
We are able to accommodate most (not all) food allergies and other dietary restrictions. If your child has specific dietary needs, please make sure to discuss with your admissions counselor.
We work with students who take medication regularly and each of our Field Instructors are trained in medication administration procedures. All medication is kept locked with Field Instructors until administration is needed.
We also partner with a psychiatrist if support is needed for medication changes or adjustments. These services are billed seperately through the provider.
NVW is proud to be recognized as a DPI-registered private school in the state of Wisconsin and nationally accredited through Cognia. All students are automatically enrolled in The NVW Academy and are provided academic work throughout their time with us. We believe that helping students transition in and out of education time helps them build the skills needed to have success in school outside of the program.
While enrolled, students recieve work that is self-paced and connected to their treatment goals. Students are able to earn up to a half credit each of the following course areas: health, physical education, english and environmental science. Credit earned by students is based on time spent and work completed.
Our programs are designed to meet individual needs. We can accommodate some physical disabilities. However, our programs are strenuous and require a certain amount of fitness and ability. All clients are required to visit a physician prior to their expedition as part of the enrollment process. NVW will coordinate with a physician and parent to determine if we can manage certain physical limitations/restrictions.
The first step of the admissions process is to speak with an admissions counselor. Please call the number listed on our website, or fill out our contact form. Your admissions counselor will ask you to fill out our application online. After we have reviewed your informaiton and determined that our program is a good fit for your student, we will send you any necessary forms.
Yes. New Vision Wilderness carries full liability insurance.
Cognitive-behavioral, motivational enhancement, Dyadic Developmental Therapy, Emotional Focused Therapy, experiential, healing through metaphors, and Brainspotting as well as other experiential therapies.
Yes. NVW is able to offer a limited amount of scholarships for families in need. We encourage you to discuss any need with your admissions counselor who can help to identify options.
We are proud partners of Sky's the Limit Fund who you can learn more about on their website- https://www.skysthelimitfund.org/
No, NVW is not affiliated with any religion. We work with students and families on connecting to something bigger than themseleves and for some that may look like religion, while for others that may look different.
If you have further questions about accomodations that can be made to programming for specific religious needs, please make sure to discuss with your admissions counselor. These conversations are handled on an individual basis.