The Program
The ANASAZI Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Program is designed for youth 13-17 years old who are struggling with substance abuse, emotional, or behavioral concerns. Participants (YoungWalkers) spend a minimum of 42 days in the wilderness of Arizona hiking and camping with little manufactured gear. They live a primitive lifestyle and learn the skills and technologies of the "ancient ones."

The wilderness gives YoungWalkers an opportunity to be in an environment free from clutter and distraction--to ponder their lives, take responsibility for past choices and prepare to begin anew. YoungWalkers learn to cook their own meals (food packs are replenished weekly) and build shelters to protect themselves from the elements. They may hike up to 10 miles in a day and seldom camp in the same place more than two nights.

Treatment Philosophy
ANASAZI is not a boot camp. There is no force, manipulation or confrontation. Caring staff walk the trail with the same food and gear as the YoungWalkers and patiently wait for opportunities to teach. When the time is right they will teach skills and the principles of unconditional love, agency, repentance, forgiveness, and restitution.

Each child is assigned a Shadow (counselor) who works closely with the parents and their child on the concerns that brought the YoungWalker to the trail. Shadows have at least a masters degree and are supervised by the program's psychologists and clinical director. Shadows meet weekly with the YoungWalkers on the trail and keep parents informed as to the progress the child is making.

Parent Involvement
Parent involvement is an essential element to the success of the program and sustaining changes made on the trail. Parents attend an orientation and a 12-hour Arbinger Seminar on Relationships shortly after admission. At the end of the program, parents have the opportunity to spend the last two nights and three days on the trail with their son or daughter. This is a time to build relationships of trust and make commitments to walk forward together.

Safety
The safety of each YoungWalker is of the highest priority at ANASAZI. Group sizes range between three and eight in size with at least one staff for every three YoungWalkers. Trail staff have radio contact with back-up personnel 24 hours per day. Young Walkers are evaluated weekly by a registered nurse for any health concerns.

Education
Click here for information about earning High School credits while at ANASAZI. The educational curriculum is thematic and centered around Native American lore.

Admissions & Correspondence
admissions@anasazi.org
800.678.3445 / 480.892.7403
Fax: 480.892.6701

1424 S. Stapley Dr.
Mesa, AZ 85204 Map

Download Enrollment Packet

Click here for additional admissions information