Teen Backpack Eligibility Criteria
Welcome. We are glad you are interested in being part of the Wild Grief overnight backpack. Our first goal is to keep everyone safe throughout the trip. We also want all participants to enjoy and benefit from this trip. Below are the basic requirements for eligibility to attend a Wild Grief Backpacking Trip. We want to include as many applicants as possible on the trip, but not all people who apply are ready right now for this trip and may be better served by joining us on a Day Hike. We want to help you find out if this journey is the right fit at this time. Please review these pages.
Overview
Teen applicants should have an interest in being part of a supportive group, be open to new experiences, and be in good health, mentally and physically.
Wild Grief is not therapy. We are not an appropriate choice for people in active crisis, or those currently dealing with behavioral, motivational, or rehabilitation issues.
Grief History
Wild Grief centers peer support for people who have experienced the death of someone important to them. To aid in the peer support part of our program we ask for the following criteria:
The death happened at least 3 months before the program begins, and within the last 7 years
The teen spent memorable time with the person who died and they had a significant influence.
This person’s death has affected the teen significantly in some way
We know:
There could be more than one death
The teen’s relationship with the person who died may be complicated and have changed a lot over the course their time together
The teen may be feeling a lot of different things, or even nothing much right now
Physical requirements
On this trip, participants and guides will hike 4-6 miles daily, carrying packs with all our gear up and down hills, over trails that may be rough, steep, rugged and/or uneven terrain.
Each applicant must:
Be in good general health.
Move regularly in their day-to-day life:
Walk to school or elsewhere multiple times per week as a baseline.
If a teen is sedentary and does not move day-to-day this trip will be too difficult.
Enjoy or at least tolerate being outdoors for multiple days;
On this trip participants will experience all types of weather, at varying elevations, with minor challenges, including bugs, temperature change, intense sunlight, wind, storms, and wildlife. You will be accompanied by guides.
Be able to accept and adapt to changes;
On this trip participants will experience changes in diet, group living, long days with emotionally and physically challenging activities, and a routine that is likely much different than their routine at home.
Mental/Behavioral health
Wild Grief is not a therapeutic program and is not able to support teens in need of acute professional mental health support. Applicants should feel reasonably stable in their day to day life and be able to cope with daily problems. Wild Grief does provide assistance in taking prescribed medication on the trail and overnight.
Each applicant must:
Share physical and mental health history, including medications, substance use, learning differences, illnesses, and any other potential limitations during the application process.
Be at least three (3) months out from any inpatient program or hospitalization for psychiatric, behavioral needs, or substance use.
Have no suicide attempts within the last three (3) months.
Be able to spend four consecutive days out of cell phone service and interaction with electronic devices.
Have no habitual use of intoxicants (we cannot support the needs of detoxing on the trail).
Have no recent history of violent behavior.
Be willing and able to perform necessary self-care, communicate needs, perceive risks, and follow instructions.
Other
We give priority to residents of Washington State. However, we do accept applicants from out of state as space is available. We will consider applications from out of state.
If you have questions about the applicant's ability to meet the criteria please contact us to talk more.
If your teen meets these criteria, please apply for the trip.