Trails Carolina Blog

At-risk youth programs are designed to help young people who are struggling with a variety of issues, including behavioral problems, risk behaviors such as self-harm and substance abuse, and mental health issues. Family involvement in these programs is critical to the success of the child’s treatment and long-term recovery. When families are actively involved in…

At Trails Carolina, we believe that all at-risk youth have the ability to turn their lives around and reach their full potential. We are proud to share that our therapeutic wilderness program has helped many struggling teens overcome challenges and find long-lasting success in their personal and academic lives. Some of our alumni students have…

We recognize that building authentic, positive relationships with the at-risk youth we serve is key to helping them feel safe and supported, overcome their challenges, and thrive. Trust and connection are essential components of building positive relationships with at-risk kids and teens, whether you are their parent, sports coach, school teacher, therapist, another mental health…

Today, families have access to supportive, safe, and nurturing therapeutic treatment programs. Modern wilderness therapy programs, like Trails Carolina, are far from the punitive boot camps they are often portrayed as. 

At Trails Carolina, we will give your child the skills to manage anxiety in real-time as soon as they arrive on our campus. They will very quickly gain a sense of belonging at Trails because of the sense of community that naturally occurs with the other students who are dealing with the common struggles of learning to manage adolescent anxiety.

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses in the U.S. It is common for someone who suffers from an anxiety disorder to also suffer from depression and vice versa. The number of children and adolescents that struggle with anxiety and/or depression has increased over time. According to a report from 2011-2012, more than 1…

Traditionally the start of the new year is a time for adjustments and goal setting. We reflect on what we didn’t like about the previous year and optimistically make plans for bettering ourselves for the next. This time is ideal for incorporating these new year’s resolutions into one’s personal life. Most people focus on their…

Not every person can tolerate modern psychotropic medications intended to treat many of these psychological conditions. At least 20% of people cannot tolerate medications for allergies or other reasons. Because of that, finding alternative solutions that can be adjusted to personal treatment plans is important. Exercise has many health benefits for both mind and body.…

As the seasons turn, so do our adventure programming opportunities in Western North Carolina. The cool weather creeping in makes for ideal climbing conditions, and Trails’ students will be headed out for rock climbing. Climbing provides an engaging opportunity for our students to work on their confidence, communication, and cooperation. How Rock Climbing Works Rock…

For many years, teenagers relatively followed the same path when it came to socializing. Football games and after-school dances were a time for adolescents to get together and build new friendships outside a restricted schedule. The weekends were filled with days on the beach and hanging out at the local mall. When it came to…