Challenge Adventures is a nonprofit organization founded in 1989. We provide wilderness journeys for young people eight through 16 years old, using llamas as pack animals, trail companions and therapeutic assistants. The journeys take place primarily in national Wilderness Areas on the Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina under special use permits. The program serves a diverse population of children and youth who face life challenges like behavioral disorders, developmental disabilities, complex trauma and other diagnoses. Since its inception, CA has provided services to more than 1,800 young people. The aim of CA is to assist the regular providers of services to these vulnerable, but resilient youth
alter
  their life
    trajectory,
improve their motivation to set and achieve goals and to view themselves as able
        to achieve more
                than they previously expected.

A Challenge Adventures journey is not intended to be a stand-alone intervention, but is, rather, intended to contribute a unique experience to the overall treatment plan for each client. This contribution is accomplished by accepting a group of clients directly from one or more practices that provide ongoing services. CA coordinates closely with staff of the practices, both in preparing clients for the wilderness journey and in providing follow up on client reactions to the experience. Staff of the referring organization work closely with CA staff in screening suitable clients and staff from the practice are encouraged to accompany clients on the journey to provide treatment continuity.

We espouse and practice principles of nonviolence and cooperation. We view the llamas as our partners in this enterprise. We recognize their ability to form relationships with clients that are free from preconceived notions, so everyone starts on a new page. They bring an element of immediacy that requires all of us to remain in the here and now throughout each journey. Our therapists use these here and now experiences to advance client growth and change.

Length of Journey: CA journeys are short-term, lasting from three to six days, depending on the needs and abilities of the group.

Ages: We work most commonly in the wilderness with youth ages 8 though 16.

Group size: Wilderness regulations limit group sizes to ten people. We generally work with groups of seven clients, two licensed therapists, one support staff and seven llamas.

Staff: All CA staff are mature people who meet the Forest Service requirements as well as our staff requirements and licensing requirements for therapists.

Gear: Participants supply their own shoes, raincoats and clothing. CA supplies tents, backpacks, cooking gear, other group gear, sleeping pads and sleeping bags.

Food: We provide three meals each day plus healthy snacks. Hot breakfasts and dinners are prepared over a camp stove. (See FAQs.) We serve plenty of cocoa, herbal tea and other hot beverages. We can accommodate persons with food allergies or special diets.

Health and Fitness: Most journeys are for beginners and we hike at the pace of the slowest person in the group. However, campers must be in general good health and be able to walk on uneven trails for 3-8 miles each day. These journeys take place in remote areas and carry some degree of risk. All participants must complete a health form and have parent or guardian permission for administering medication and seeking emergency treatment.

Transportation: Groups are responsible for their own transportation to and from the trailhead. (Click here for directions to Black Balsam parking area). The trailhead is off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Waynesville, NC. You will be given detailed directions upon confirmation.