Open Sky was a life-changing experience for our family. The changes our son was able to achieve in only 12 weeks were remarkable. The experience of being in the wilderness, being so radically different than his everyday life, helped to break patterns in a way that really could not be achieved with another type of program. The process of therapy being integrated into all activities of the day and living in connection with a team of other boys really pushed him to understand and express his emotions in ways he was never able to do before. His teammates became like brothers for our son, and he had always had difficulty forming deep relationships before Open Sky. His therapist, Jonathan, was also amazing. We have worked with numerous mental health professionals over the last decade, but no one else was ever able to reach our son. His intuition and skill working with troubled teens was a level above anyone else we have ever worked with. Additionally, the parent part of the program helped us so much. We were able to grow alongside our son, connect with other parents who were going through similar experiences, and learn so much about ourselves and how to improve our communication. I was not fully aware of the importance of the parent piece before choosing Open Sky, but it made such a difference for us. Our son was also encouraged by the fact that we were working as hard as he was--we didnt just send him off somewhere to get fixed but instead wanted to work in parallel with him to improve our family bond. While wilderness is physically demanding by its nature, Open Sky treated our child with respect and care. Never was there a physical punishment or any kind of psychological treatment issues that I have heard from other reviews of wilderness. The nature of the program is to inspire, engage, and support; negative physical or emotional treatment just would not happen in such an environment. I would recommend Open Sky to anyone considering help for their child. It is the best decision we have ever made.

Open Sky was an absolutely wonderful experience in all regards (including parents and child). The team at OS was amazing, experienced, gifted, and unbelievably patient.Having sent our daughter to another wilderness camp I can tell you unequivocally that hands down OS is truly one of the most amazing places for troubled youth and imperfect families in the entire United States.If you do decide to send your child definitely make time for Family Quest. You will laugh, cry, and learn more about yourself and your child than you ever thought possible.

Open Sky was life changing for our son and family. He had struggled on and off with anxiety for several years, which eventually turned to heavy experimentation with substances at only 13 years old. We had a close relationship with our son before Open Sky, but realized that (all of our) teens easy access to substances through social media was bigger than we were equipped to handle and knew we needed help. The decision to send our young teen away in the dead of winter, only a week before Christmas was gut wrenching. I read these reviews at least three times and lamented over not having him home for the holidays and sending him to live outside in the cold winter, but we knew what we had to do to keep him safe.The first 3-4 weeks was a time of worry and sadness for us, but as soon as we started to see him embrace his wilderness experience, we were able to settle in and do our own work provided by the program. We read books, got on parent zooms, parent calls with our sons therapist, our own counseling calls w/an Open Sky family therapist, worked in our Parent Pathways books and actually enjoyed some solitude in knowing that our son was safe and we could finally relax. This is a program for healing the whole family.Around week 9 we spent two nights with him in the freezing cold and snow at Family Quest and seeing the light in his eyes again, the glow of sun kissed skin and the dirt under his nails was an amazing experience. He lead us through ceremonies, yoga (he was pretty darn good!), meditation and showed us how to make oatmeal with gorp and peanut butter.He graduated on March 17th and has now been home for 19 weeks and sober for approx. 30 weeks (he could tell you exactly how many weeks/days of his sobriety b/c he has an app on his phone). He has embraced it and is unapologetically sober. He has new (sober) friends with his enthusiastic sobriety group, a job at a taco truck, and an amazing relationship with us (even better than before he went).When I watch him now in awe, he is thriving, joyful, playful and reflective about how is showing up. He is accountable. Does what I ask of him without complaining and yes to us more. We are on a family vacation visiting family in Spain and Switzerland right now and he has been up for almost every adventure and been fun to be around. This photo is of him now, we call him Gabe 2.0. :-)I know the Open Sky price tag is daunting and it is terrifying sending your child into the wilderness for 3 months, but it was worth every penny and undoubtably one of the most profound experiences he will have in his life. Thank you Open Sky and thanks to our sons incredible therapist Nick who led our son through the journey of discovery and self love. We will be forever grateful.

We participated in the three-day wellness weekend for parents. We had no idea what to expect. It turned out to be one of the more educational and comforting experiences weve had in our difficult journey with our son. The Friday through Sunday workshop included yoga, meditation, coping and communication strategies, breakout groups to connect more directly with other parents and a general orientation of what a typical day at Open Sky was like for our son. My wife wound up connecting with several women who subsequently formed a weekly Zoom support group. We both got a better understanding of what life at Open Sky is like for our son, minus, of course, hiking miles a day and sleeping on the ground. We learned about the Four Line Feelings Check, which we found so useful that we posted it on the mirror in our bathroom. Its something we practice every day when we wake up. We learned how to use the breath to calm and center ourselves. We learned several skills to help us communicate more effectively with our son. Perhaps the best part of the weekend was seeing other families expressing the same fear, frustration and sadness that we felt and listening to families who were further along in the process, talk about how things slowly got better for their children as the weeks went by. By Sunday afternoon, at the end of the weekend, we felt certain that sending our son to Open Sky was the best decision we possibly could have made. We truly believe this experience will be a life-changer for him.

My 15yo graduated from OS 2 wks ago. I cannot say enough positive things about the program, the staff, or the counselors. My child has a new found and well earned sense of confidence and hope. And so do I. His journey in recovery is just beginning. OS has provided him with a foundation on which to build. He knows he can hike through blizzards, make fire from sticks and bushwhack up a mountain. He can also talk about his feelings, look objectively at the behaviors that got him to wilderness and take responsibility for his choices. Our relationship is being restored and I am grateful for the tools we both have gleaned and will continue to practice. OS was a life changer for our family and has made all the difference.

Open Sky is an amazing program full of devoted and hard-working people. I had a lack of positive role models and Open Sky showed me some of the best men and women I think Ill ever know. The hiking was tough, but looking back I realize how crucial it was to my process.It was really difficult at times, I missed my home, my mom, my brother. My mom and brother missed me. But I pushed through it and it was worth it.Open Sky gave me my life back and I truly believe my time there is what built the foundation for me to really grow.Ive known two other people whove gone there from my home town and from what I can tell it helped them a lot too.First time Ive ever felt like therapy helped me. THEY ACTUALLY LISTEN TO YOU!!Its worth it, and also as much as the hiking was difficult the guides always made sure that my group was staying hydrated, well nourished, and safe.Brian Leidel, Jared, Julian, Constantine, Aidan, Ryan, and Natalie. All great great people.Its been just about two years since I went.

Where to begin...our 15 yr old son had missed two years of school, was self isolated in his room, wasn’t eating properly, neglected his hygiene, lost most of his friends, became addicted to gaming as his coping strategy, but after sending him to the Open Sky Wilderness Therapy program, it completely transformed our son. He was very receptive to it, allowing the program to nourish his mind, body, and soul. Open Sky became his safe space and he was able to focus on transforming himself and really seeing who he was and what he could accomplish and achieve in his life. It was truly life changing for us as a family. He was always a wonderful human being, but I really believe he became a better human because of Open Sky as he could finally see himself, respect himself, be himself, forgive himself, and heal himself. He graduated from Open Sky as a young man with an entirely new outlook on life and we feel so blessed for Open Sky and thank Badger and Norman and the rest of the wonderful staff at Open Sky. I would recommend Open Sky to anyone who has has a struggling teenager who has lost their way in life and needs to get back on track. The staff are very helpful, encouraging, respectful, and really challenge the students to achieve their full potential and help them to get back up after falling down and back on their own two feet again. Since graduating Open Sky April of 2020, our son is living in Idaho for aftercare and is back in school and has caught up to his grade level already, is participating in sports again, has friends, and has such a good outlook on life again. It warms my heart and makes me emotional seeing how far he has come since Open Sky, but these are tears of joy as I watch him continue to grow and see the big smile on his face. Thank you and Bless You Open Sky! - Aho

Open sky saved my life. The guides and therapist(Malia) where incredibly welcoming and supportive. I now live with my best friend who I met at Open Sky! The skills we learned continue to benefit us to this day! I will never regret or look poorly upon my time there.

Open Sky Wilderness was a great growth opportunity for our family. The staff is kind and supportive. I felt like my son was safe and well cared for. The pride that he developed after being in the Wilderness for 13 weeks was priceless!

Open Sky had a very positive impact on my daughter and our family. This is a tough decision and so fortunate we selected Open Sky. Kirsten is incredible and my daughter benefited from her guidance. I highly recommend.

Open Sky was an amazing experience for me. It empowered me and allowed me to start the journey toward a life of my own.

I spent nine weeks at Open Sky in 2019. This program saved my life. The entire trajectory of my life is changed for the better. It is incredibly difficult at first, but I wouldnt change my experience for anything.

It is hard to articulate how much Open Sky helped both my family and my son. My son graduated from Open Sky being a new person. A person who had grown in maturity and learned skills that will forever serve him. The guides and the therapist were nothing short than amazing. The family support and teachings we’re also invaluable. I can’t recommend Open Sky enough for all those who have to make the tough parenting decision of sending their kid away to learn skills that will change their path and save their lives.

I went to Open Sky in October 2020 for substance abuse issues. I was 21, depressed, broke, and almost homeless. I finished the program in 10 weeks and went to an Aftercare in California. I now have a job and Ill be 6 months sober in a couple days. I thank this program for helping me ground myself and it was all due to the extremely friendly and professional staff they have there. The CEOs will occasionally meet the students and it seems like they really care about helping people out. Nothing but positive things to say about this place. If youre in need of a serious reboot in your life or just generally want a stronger quality of life I highly suggest you read into this program and hear what services they have to offer. Thanks.-Cole Kelly

Open Sky is an excellent program. The organization, personnel, attention to detail, clarity, execution, etc. are all first rate. My minor childs experience there was overwhelmingly positive and beneficial. I recommend it unreservedly to anyone seeking that type of program.

My daughter is 17 years old and she had been struggling really bad. We would have weeks of chaos. It was destroying her, me, and our family. I had her in therapy and with a psychiatrist. She was in the hospital 2 times. I was desperate to find her help that she needed. She was desperate for help she knew she needed. She didnt like feeling so out of control. I did a ton of research and decided to send her to Open Sky. I love my daughter so much and leaving her there was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. While she was there, I grieved. I had so many emotions and it was really really really hard. The Open Sky program helped me get through it. I was on calls AT LEAST 3 times a week. I also was able to work through a family pathway book that taught me the same things my daughter was learning while she was there. I learned so much about myself during this time. After almost 13 weeks of her being there, I was able to go spend two nights with her at family quest. When I saw her, I was blown away. She learned so much while she was there. I was overwhelmed with how proud I was of her. Her language, her smiles, her self awareness, and her all around new knowledge. When we left, she was a little overwhelmed and I could tell her muscle memory wanted to slip back into old behavior. HOWEVER, we both learned so much in that 13 weeks that we knew how to communicate and take situations into a healthy direction. LIFE IS SO MUCH EASIER NOW! We have rough days but we know how to work through them now and our relationship is stronger than ever. She still struggles but we learn from each other as we go. She handles conflict, relationships, situations, and worldly things much better now. The program at Open Sky is so intentional. Everyone there is trained the exact same way and do things the exact same way. It is incredibly consistent. My daughter made some amazing connections while she was there. She has been home for 1 month now and she told me last night that she is so glad that she went to Open Sky. The process is hard, probably the hardest thing we have ever done, it was scary, it was LONG, it was ALOT OF WORK, and we have ZERO regrets because my daughter and I both know that with the amazing support from Open Sky, her life was saved.

-Im an Alumni and graduated the program in 2012.Jonathan M. aka Badger was a huge part of my success in the program and a great guy. Also one of my favorite human beings ever is Norman E. Many of the staff are very skilled outdoors and exceptional at listening and providing guidance.Open Sky taught me a lot about myself and how to use my awareness with expertise. It was a huge reset to my life and a second chance at becoming a better version of myself. I felt Open Sky equipped me with the emotional tools to tackle tough situations the future would always hold for me. I wake up everyday grateful, Im alive and Im loved. I really couldnt ask for a better resultOpen Sky Wilderness Therapy will do so much for you.

I found my experience with Open Sky to be a positive one. All of the staff were professional and seemed to genuinely care about our childs well being. They all listened very well and guided us in learning how to communicate with each other and to understand our feeling and emotions better, while we were at Family Quest.The program seemed to be quite effective in giving our son a chance to reboot and to prepare for his transition to what comes next. The Family Quest as well as the Wellness Weekend online were very positive experiences for me also because I got a small taste of what he was working with out in the wilderness and in the Wellness weekend, I got to work along side other parents to discuss issues we all may need support with. Also, (just to name a few), the assignments of reading and the I Feel statements, the meditation and Yoga, and the books were, and still are very helpful to me in understanding more about myself, my son, our relationship with each other and our relationships with others.Thank you so much for a wonderful experience and for helping to rescue our son! I am forever grateful.

Everything about Open Sky deserves 5 Stars. The intake process was made stress free because of the OS team’s support and understanding of the difficult/stressful time we were all going through. From day 1, OS communicated with us about every aspect of my16 yo daughter’s time and progress in wilderness. Kirsten was a phenomenal therapist who managed to cultivate a deep connection with our daughter (she misses Kirsten very much). The guides had a tremendously positive effect on my daughter’s life. The guides...THAT’S where the magic happens! The billing department was always quick to answer any questions I had. Every person I came into contact with at Open Sky exuded kindness, support, patience and a genuine caring for our situation. Meetings were scheduled efficiently. The Mon/Thurs parent calls w/ Ben and Grant we incredibly helpful and helped foster connection to the greater OS community. The most important things are that our daughter has been given the tools she needs to regulate her emotions, has developed confidence in herself and a desire to succeed. She actually said at graduation that she wished she could stay longer- this from a girl who begged us to bring her home for the first few weeks. OS is a family dedicated to the mental and physical health of their students and their families. I wish every young person could attend Open Sky. It has been a life changing experience for my entire family.

OpenSky saved my sons life and transformed my relationship with my son. Our journey with OpenSky was not easy and was nothing less than life changing, in the most meaningful way, for both of us. There is no doubt that the therapists, field guides and staff are there out of a strong desire to help those of us who are fortunate to cross paths with them. My sons therapist, Aaron, had a very kind, empathic and magical way of connecting with him that built unconditional trust making him feel safe to share his raw truth and emotions. As a brown mother of a half brown and half black young adult, it was comforting, impactful and necessary to have a family therapist of color at our side. Norman was able to relate to some of the unique struggles that my son, as a young man of color, and I, as an immigrant of color, needed to process. It was comforting to be with someone who understood our cultures, family dynamics, and communities. I believe we were meant to land at OpenSky, because I have come to learn now that they are the only Wilderness Therapy program that had a therapist of color. I cannot stress enough how important it is for students and parents to feel connected with their OpenSky community and that includes through cultural and race identification. I hope that OpenSky continues to challenge the status quo and puts an intentional focus on diversity and inclusion starting from the inside. If I could, I would have Norman, Aaron and the family quest field guides that supported us forever guide us through this bumpy journey called life.

Open Sky was a light in my life during a very dark time for me. I cannot say thank you enough to all of the field guides who challenged me, believed in me, and cared for me during my Open Sky journey. Melia was my therapist and she was AMAZING. I definitely would not be where I am today without her support and care. I am forever grateful for the opportunities Open Sky gave me to heal, grow, and start my journey to success.

Programs like this are so so awful. break code silence!! from a former 2015 wilderness therapy survivor, if you are reading this after going through this ordeal. you are not alone🖤

In January 2018, I attend Open Sky when I started isolating, not taking care myself, and failing in school. While there I was always well fed and looked after! The guides there were personal, understanding and overall easy to talk to! I will always be thankful for my time and experience in the program. I am extremely grateful for the skills and confidence Open Sky has equipped me with in my life moving forward. Aho

Open Sky Wilderness Therapy was a God send. Every teenager and their family should spend at least 6 weeks in this type of program. It will change your life.Our daughter requested to go in order to bring some order to the chaos that had become her life. She was struggling at home, socially, in school, with her technology and with social media. You name it, she was struggling with it. She graduated on December 23, 2020 and is a different person in a good way. She has a clear knowledge of who she is, her core values, her expectations in herself and her relationship with others, her abilities and her limitations. Prior to Open Sky, she struggled with Im not capable, now she has the confidence to achieve virtually anything she wants... and the skills to get it done. More than that though, she is truly in touch with her emotions and has no problems communicating her emotions, her expectation of herself and her requests of others. She clearly understands toxic relationships and how to avoid them. She can better regulate her emotions when necessary to avoid a blow-up or a melt down. She had a firm understanding of her dragons and her gems and recognizes and redirects before situations escalate.Open Sky is not easy. There is no television, no video games, no cellphones, no social media. And that is a good thing. My daughter spent 100 days in the wilderness and hiked 7-14 miles most days. Prior to that, I do not believe she had ever slept in a tent ( a luxury she did not enjoy in the wilderness) or hiked more than a mile or two at a time. She ate cleanly (natural foods, no sugar, no caffeine) for 100 days and learned to eat what she had available. She truly became self-sufficient and independent. She also saw more stars on a single night than most astronomers view in a lifetime. The friendships and memories will stay with her forever.Kirsten Bolt is a rock star therapist. My child was able to open up and discover who she really was, what was holding her back and how to overcome obstacles. The process is structured and time tested to work.Open Sky focuses on the family, not just the student. Most often, the student problems originate with the home environment. While our child was transforming herself, her mother and I worked on our issues. That is a big difference, Open Sky transforms the family. It understands you cannot transform the child, put them back in the same toxic environment and expect the changes to be permanent. It is work for the entire family. Well worth the time and resources invested.

I cannot begin to put into words how grateful I am that we were recommended Open Sky Wilderness Therapy for our 17 year old adolescent son. Not only did it change the trajectory of his life, it also gave our entire family the opportunity to have a deep connection that may not have presented itself if we had not turned to Open Sky for help.My husband and I found ourself at a crossroads. Traditional talk therapy and many other interventions had been tried without seeing any results. Our son was on a path of self-destruction and we were forced to be by-standers. Both heartbreaking and devastating.We were diligent in our research. Although many other programs seemed to meet our requirements, Open Sky just kept coming back as our no. 1 pick. From our initial introduction via phone, speaking to our assigned therapist, attending workshops, meeting with countless mental health professionals, we were struck by all of their professionalism, engagement, and passion for their mission of helping people.We cannot recommend Open Sky highly enough. This is a place where our son was cared about, developed true efficacy and a feeling he could do it, experienced the magic of nature, and got back in touch with his authentic self. It was transformative for our son, and for our entire family.We will use the skills we learned at Open Sky for the rest of our lives to ensure we maintain healthy relationships and connections.

Sending our daughter to Open Sky was one of the biggest leaps I ever made. Id never heard of OS or even wilderness therapy but from the very first interaction I felt I was in good hands. From Shakira who showed such compassion as I filled out paperwork online to JJ who welcomed us with a smile and such kindness at the OS offices, I felt cared for -- genuinely -- and that our child and family really mattered. We were so incredibly blessed to work with Kirsten as our therapist. I cant imagine a better person to help our daughter and ourselves as we did the work necessary to start to heal. I wont lie -- it was incredibly tough at times -- but I wouldnt trade it for anything. Its hard work but take advantage of their wisdom -- do the Wellness Weekend (I was resistant but am now a huge fan) and Family Quest. Again, blessed to work with Brian and Evan who helped, cajoled, challenged us in all the best ways. And if youre at the moment of considering wilderness or choosing a program, you may feel as I did that you are alone but Id encourage you to talk to the folks there -- ask questions and share your concerns. And good luck on your journey.

Not only did Open Sky literally save 2 of our childrens lives, it gave them and our whole family the tools and compassion for ourselves and each other to change our family systems in a positive, feelings focused, and introspective way moving forward. We will be forever grateful to the therapists, guides, and staff for their expertise, guidance, and insights into our childrens specific struggles and needs. Our son is now 25 and finishing his teaching degree and our younger daughter more recently received the patience, support, and therapy to be able to launch herself into the next step of her journey. Open Sky was such an awesome experience for two kids of different ages, gender, and struggles. We would highly recommend this experience for anyone.

Open Sky has surpassed all of our expectations! Our daughter was in Team Cleo with the amazing therapist Kirsten Bolt and many, equally amazing, field guides. I cannot express my gratitude enough for these incredible individuals at Open Sky and for the gifts of a second chance at life that they gave my daughter and our family. Much love and gratitude to you all!!!

I vetted all the Wilderness Programs diligently and used careful consideration when deciding on this huge step for our child and our family. Open Sky checked all of the boxes for us and we are so grateful for our experience and for our child’s openness and outcome. Open Sky truly provides top notch care, expertise, compassion and sincerity. From the admissions personnel, Shahara, who held my hand through the tough decisions in the beginning and was so invested in making sure this was the right fit for our child; to our family coordinator who made sure I was feeling connected to my child’s journey and communicated flawlessly; to the guides (Rob, Conrad, Bailey, Joe), who provide such loving intentional support and guidance and really make all the difference in the journey (they are the heart of the program and such special people and I will forever be indebted ); and to my child’s therapist, Nick, who is so therapeutically skilled that we immediately felt confident that our child was under the most expert of care. He is personally so kind and genuine that we felt connected and listened to which ensured our trust in his work with our child and was completely necessary to the success of the process. Nick truly cared that my child would be able to go on and lead the fulfilling, meaningful life he deserves! All programs should invest as much care and intention into their students and programs as much as Open Sky does. Aho!

A very positive and transforming for parents and student. Excellent staffing at family affairs division.

Our 22 year old son enrolled willingly at Open Sky to address some of the issues he was facing. Although the program is not easy from a physical standpoint, he thrived in the team environment. The guides are top notch - both in their knowledge of the wilderness and in their ability to support your kids in their journey to know themselves. Our sons therapist, Mariah Loftin, was a godsend. Not only did she work well with our son, she helped our entire family learn and utilize the tools OS is teaching to your kids. The required parental involvement is crucial to success in the program so do not expect to not be involved. You will learn right alongside your kiddo in a parallel process. You will have weekly calls with your therapist, be invited to join in a wellness weekend, have the opportunity to do a family quest if therapeutically appropriate, and see your child graduate with pride. In some ways, however, consider OS a stabilizing program. Depending on your child, placement in a subsequent program may be necessary. I dont know that we were prepared for that initially, but realize it was in our sons best interest. He participated with his therapist and us in choosing his next placement and so far, so good.

I would definitely recommend this wilderness program for parents who are suffering, along with their child, and feeling very unsure about what to do next. It is an extremely difficult time, and on top of it all, huge decisions need to be made and sometimes, as in our case, a decision must be made very quickly. I am so thankful, beyond words, for Open Sky, and for Brian Leidal, an amazing therapist for students and their families. The wilderness guides are incredible as well, and the entire management team and staff are supportive and helpful in so many ways. Without a doubt, I strongly promote this program. My hope is that my review here will help solidify someone elses decision to choose Open Sky, and that they too will witness significant progress in their childs wellness because of this outstanding program.

Our son spent 101 days at Open Sky and emerged with confidence, self-worth and purpose. He has greater awareness of himself and others. In addition, he developed the tools to help avoid his pitfalls. He is now looking forward to his future and, for the first time in a long time, so are we. Also, the entire staff is amazing with special shouts outs to Chris, Jordan and Mia. And definitely consider Family Quest....truly worth the extra investment.

I graduated from Open Sky back in 2010. 10 years ago seems like a long time ago. But for anybody considering this program- I highly recommend every single aspect of it. Open Sky was and is the foundation I lean back on. The skills I learned, the personal endurance, and mentally tough attitude acquired from the program serves me daily in my current adult life. The program gave more than an experience, it literally changed my life. I am forever grateful for every single person and team that committed to my well being during the time I spent in Open Sky. It was a beneficial life changing experience.

We cannot say enough positive things about our experience with Open Sky. From the initial dialogue to graduation, everything was as smooth as possible. Our daughters therapist, Kirsten, was beyond amazing and feels like a family member. If you are in need of wilderness therapy, please consider Open Sky.

Went through the program in 2015. I have a lot of gratitude. It was hard, probably harder than any other wilderness program, but I came out a better person.

Open Sky is an amazing program filled with good, caring people. Our daughter received excellent care and made tremendous progress. Her therapist Kirsten Bolt is a true gem. I don’t have enough words to describe Kirsten’s talent and compassion. She was able to help untangle my daughter’s messiness and provide meaningful guidance and support to our family. We are very, very grateful we chose Open Sky!

My daughter had an incredible awakening while at Open Sky. I am full of gratitude and love for the staff and clinical support team at Open Sky. While the cost is high, the return is there. They also helped me place my daughter at a residential program in Montana. Thank you! She is home now and heading off to college in Dallas.

Amazing and life changing. I too looked through all of the reviews before we made our decision. I cant say enough amazing things about Open Sky, the tools that we learned for our whole family, and the transformational, life-changing experience for our son. I truly think this has changed the course of his life. If you are hesitating, I can honestly say its the best money we ever spent for our family.

Without exaggeration - the worst three months of my life. The experience is highly generalized - in the form of “hello troubled young person! Have you tried being in nature for a change? That ought to solve your complex and trauma related mental health struggles!”The therapeutic relationships were functionally useless as there was no privacy - the therapists share the things you say in private with your team members and parents e.g. “I know that Jack puts on a hard exterior, but he’s actually cried several times during therapy” as something being announced to the whole group. The therapists also control how long your stay is giving them unnecessary power over you and creating a massive incentive towards dishonesty / giving the impression of progress even when it isn’t being made.The psychological testing provided is highly inaccurate and nonspecific and easily manipulated by the staff at open sky to justify creating problems where there are none and ignoring the problems that do exist but are more difficult to solve.They convinced my parents that my frequent cannabis use was equatable to a deadly heroin addiction, as such my parents quickly announced that if I didn’t finish open sky, as well as subsequently graduating from an aftercare program twice as long as open sky, as well as submitting to weekly urine testing for the following three years, I would never be allowed to come home again.If wilderness is your only option go to Red Oak instead. Open sky is hell.

This was a life-changing and possibly life-saving experience for our entire family. Everyone at Open Sky treated each of us with warmth and compassion, while they taught us new skills. Trust the process and you will be amazed by the transformation in your child and in yourself.

Open Skys staff was welcoming from day one. They are real pros in every sense.Norman and Jonathan have seen it all before. They are the kinds of professionals with whom you want to entrust with your child.It is frightening beyond imagination to leave a child who is struggling in the hands of any program, but I highly recommend you select OSWT if your child needs to get back on track.

Open Sky saved our son’s life! We are so fortunate to have found It! His therapist, Nic, played a pivotal part in his recovery and a pivotal part in guiding us -his parents-along an unchartered path weekly. It was always a relief no matter where our son was in his recovery process, to hear from Nic about updates on him and mostly that we could rest assure that he was ok, and that he was progressing. To let our son go was truly the hardest thing we’ve ever done, but we are so truly grateful to his therapist, all the guides, his team, the weekly pictures, Wellness Weekend, and Kat, who initially helped us.. We were able to spend some time with our son before going to Aftercare and it is like we were meeting him for the first time and what a glorious amazing few days that was! Thank you Open Sky for saving our sons life!Kathy Spielmann

I went through OpenSky (team eagle!!!) and it changed my life for the better. I am a 19 year old who’s been in therapy since she was 6, I am diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, adhd, severe anxiety, I struggle with trauma and panic attacks, etc. and I went to OpenSky after a near suicide attempt in college. OSWT both saved and changed my life. I made secure and healthy connections there with both students and guides that I feel will last a lifetime. I found empowerment and strength within myself through learning how to make fire, and I learned to love/accept myself without even knowing what I looked like (no mirrors!) while I was there. I also learned a ton of coping/distress tolerance and mindfulness skills to help manage my anxiety, panic attacks, and BPD. The therapy was INCREDIBLE, Chris from team eagle was amazing and the other therapists (Nick, Mariah from Team Durga) were also so lovely, encouraging, and supportive as well. The cultures created by each team was also super cool, the family work was beneficial and effective, and the guides were all amazing, well-trained, and I always felt safe, cared for, and understood by them. I was there through the coldest months of the year (November-February) and I was rarely cold. All safety measures were taken to ensure we were all warm enough and well-fed. If you are on the fence about sending your child here, I would encourage you to take a leap of faith and put your trust in this program. Every person I know who has been through Opensky has been changed for the better because of this place. I have my life back, I have way more good days than bad, and I am closer now with my family more than ever before. Everyday I am filled with gratitude for the things I learned and experienced there that have helped me heal and grow. I cannot imagine a better treatment program. There’s no other place like this, and I would recommend it to any struggling adolescent/young adult and their families.

Professionalism, Integrity, Compassion and Positive Results. Staff and program are excellent. I highly recommend Open Sky and particularly clinical therapist Jonathan Mitchell MA LPC, a perceptive and tenacious individual, he is an exceptional asset to Wilderness Therapy. He is adept at building relationships, encouraging progress, creating change and realizing potential in those he guides.

I just returned last night from our daughters graduation from Team F at Open Sky. Words cannot express how grateful I am to the Open Sky staff and therapists. I saw significant changes in her. Real communication with her siblings, dad and me. Expert reflective listening. Automatic and open “I feels.” I am so inspired by her and grateful for the tools Open Sky has given both her and me for a much better relationship together in the future.

If you’re reading this, you’re probably in crisis with your child and are desperate to find the help that he or she needs. We were in your same boat in 2014 and hired an educational consultant who, after carefully evaluating our child, recommended a wilderness program – specifically Open Sky. We had no idea what wilderness was or what to expect and were of course hesitant to turn our child over to just anyone. Let me help assuage at least some of your fears. From the first call we made to Open Sky, we were treated with respect and compassion. They took a lot of time to learn about our son and answer as many questions as we had about the program. We made the incredibly difficult decision to turn our son over to their care and it was the best decision we ever made. I have always prayed that someone would be put in my son’s life who would truly make a difference, and Jonathan Mitchell was one of those people. He understood my son better than any therapist, counselor, teacher or mentor ever had and knew how to work with him to make him his best self possible. He was also with US every step of the way to support us in navigating our journey as well as our son’s. I was so worried about my son being in the wilderness – he THRIVED. To this day he says it is one of the best experiences of his life – and he was picked up in the middle of the night by a transport team. At graduation, we got to see first-hand what it was like in the field and the bond these boys and guides form is indescribable. Taking your child out of the environment he or she is in – taking away all the distractions and putting them in the competent, caring hands of people like the Open Sky team could literally save your child’s life – I know it did mine. If you are considering a wilderness program, I highly recommend you put Open Sky at the top of your list.

Open Sky is transformative for the entire family. Professional, comprehensive and caring.

Hello! I was a student or i guess was in this program about a year ago. I ended up in a residential center called three points. I believe that i have grown a lot i now have my own job am setting myself up to graduate early and ready to move when i turn 18. The main issue with this program was that the people there mislead me and my parents. They were told that this would be a on campus Treatment they had basically said that yes there would be some outdoor times and then most of the rest would be inside. My first day there i was introduced to my counselor. (via a satellite phone he said to me your not going to see your parents until you do this program. (he ended up being very wrong about that.) He convinced my parents to then wright me a letter that said you better do this program or you wont see us again. After i had left this program my parents and i made a lot of progress on us. the next program i went to was great because i got a community that accepted my parents and i problems instead of trying to strike fear and pain. They took an aproach towards me and them as a whole instead of them as the (gods) over my world. I would recomend sending kids to a program that they can feel safe in. safe to have there issues not one that is dead set on giving them the fears of their entire life. maybe that was just the therapist maybe not. My therapist there was Badger i beleive he does not want to help you as much as he wants to help the parents.

Open Sky, and Team Avatar, profoundly altered our sons life and our family. We are forever strengthened and forever grateful. Jonathan Mitchell, your work is miraculous. We love you!

Generally a nice program, hard to adjust to the extreme hiking at the beginning but staff is supportive, calm, some decent parental involvement. Good therapists, wish there was more therapy. But understanding staff where you can feel heard. I went ten years ago at this point. Im a news anchor these days so I guess things turned out pretty okay.

Open Sky was tremendously helpful for our 17 year old daughter. She was very confused, unhappy and self-destructive when we made the decision to send her to Open Sky. We were scared that we were making the right decision for Wilderness Therapy. We could not be more pleased with how much progress she made in her three months there. The Wilderness experience was just what she needed to re-focus on what is really important in life. Also, the therapists that worked with her were outstanding and really connected with and helped our daughter with realizing her issues and what skills she needs to develop to be happier and more fulfilled in life. She has a long way to go, but Open Sky has given her the best start in her therapeutic that she or we could have asked for. Thank you Open Sky Team!

Open Sky quite literally saved my sons life, as well as our family as a whole. The field therapy, provided by Jonathon, was the most amazing, supportive system we could have hoped for. (Although all of the therapists are truly first class. And the office staff is equally as helpful guiding the parents through the process step by step and being just a phone call away for any assistance needed). The field guides patiently helped my son recognize that he wasnt going to finish his workbook in record time and be sent home. There is a plan for helping each student get the most out of each day, each challenge. They are not only taught to work with a group, but how to help themselves and grow as they change their challenging behaviors. My son, out now 7 years, still reflects saying that his time at OS is what indeed changed his life. He now is involved in alumni activity and fundraising with us to help other students whos families need help through the Skys the Limit Fundraising events. We never saw that coming! His two younger brothers will also tell you that family quest weekend was life changing for them as well. They still talk about it. I never hesitate to recommend OS to any family who is confiding in me their challenges with their child. There simply is not another choice. #openskyforlife

At the beginning of my Open Sky journey all I wanted to do was leave. It’s two years later and now all I want to do is go back. I’m trying to reconfigure my life to live in ways I did when I was there because I was my best self there. Cannot recommend it enough having gone through it even though it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.

My child attended Open Sky in spring/summer 2020. It was an extraordinary experience that gave her a new outlook on life and probably saved her years of frustration, trauma and negative cycling. The therapist at Open Sky, Mary Zaunbrecher was phenomenal. Understood my child and her experience and was also able to help our family grow back together. Could not recommend this program highly enough. Living in the wilderness is tough but the program is very well thought out and managed for the child and the family.

I am an Open Sky Alum and only have good things to say about Open Sky. In fact, I am approaching the second anniversary of my graduation this upcoming week!Looking back on my experience, I can say it was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. During my time in wilderness, my team became my second family and I am still in contact with them to this day. As well, my relationship with my parents became stronger and I had a closer connection with my family by the time I graduated. I learned how to practice mindfulness in the middle of the wilderness(which is quite euphoric) and I got to practice yoga on top of the mountains.All of the people I worked with at Open Sky were wonderful, especially my therapist. I am forever grateful I had the chance to retreat into the wilderness, even though it was challenging.

My son graduated from Open Sky Wilderness 2 years ago. The experience left a most profound effect on our family. From the time you register your child, until graduation, every person you come into contact with is warm, caring and highly professional. My son and I have an honest, loving and authentic relationship because of our Open Sky intense therapeutic experience. They not only saved my sons life but they also restored peace and respect within our family. They are our angels.

Amazing staff - they care about their work and their work is a labor of love. One staff member told me her first day on the job she saw Norman, the CEO, scrubbing floors and in general helping other staff in the most humble ways. My son learned emotional skills he never would have had the opportunity to learn in any other setting. He meditated for 84+ days; this is a life altering program. When my daughter visited my son on a family quest, she said she had never met such vulnerable and emotional smart young men. I wish all kids had this experience.

I believe Open Sky Wilderness Therapy lives their purpose inside and out. This group walks the walk and talks the talk with every breath. From the first call I placed to admissions and continuing months after our child graduated, I have experienced compassion, empathy, professionalism and magic. Yes, magic. Thats the word that comes to mind when I reflect on how Open Sky embraced our son, surrounded him with a safe place to face his dragons, begin to understand who he is and develop practices to support himself going forward successfully through his life through strengthen his relationships. Open Sky works with the entire family throughout the process and we found this to be transformative for our entire family. I stand behind Open Sky, their process and recommend them wholeheartedly.

All most all of the guides were amazing jullian Oliver Topher and thw redheaded bearded guy helped me work through some deep seemed issues I had while Natalie the guid was condescending to me about them and would take away fire from me as a punishment besides her being my mentor and not ever mentoring me like the other guid shift it was a amazing experience id do again in a heart beet much love to everyone their except Natalie

Our family had three experiences with Open Sky and we could not envision being successful in this journey with our children had it not begun with Open Sky. The care with which our children were treated, utmost respect and loving, was amazing. I would recommend it for any family who has a child in distress manifesting unmanageable behaviors. Your family will heal, this process will help you as a parent and will save your child’s life in a way never imaginable. We have a relationship with our two children that I never thought possible. My ex and I were barely talking before we got our kids into Open Sky and now we are close friends. We are both finally on the same page and supporting our children. Our children now ask us how we are doing and as our eldest daughter pointed out “it feels like our family is whole again.” The family integration at Open Sky is the key.

Open Sky was an amazing program involving the whole family. Their dedication to the family and student was top notch along with exceptional support and therapy.

Opensky has changed my life and my relationships with my family. They do amazing work supporting clients and families in interpersonal and intrapersonal communication and connection. Its hard work and Opensky is great at helping people through the process.

Making the decision to send my daughter to Open Sky was by far one of the hardest decisions of my life. It turned out, however to be the best decision I have ever made. My 16 year old daughter was struggling at home and school and the experience she had at OS was life changing. She went on to RTC and 7 months later is doing fabulously! My husband and I took advantage of everything OS had to offer...wellness weekend, family quest, parent coaching and all of it was tremendous. Just meeting Norman Elizondo made the entire experience worthwhile. Hes an amazing human being! I would be happy to discuss my experience with any prospective parent. Please contact OS for my contact information.

Open Sky absolutely saved my life. I was in a horrific place prior to attending this amazing wilderness therapy program. I went for 13 weeks (Team Bhodi) and it’s the best decision my family and I made because it brought me to my true self and I was able to get freedom from drug and alcohol addiction. I highly recommend this place, one hundred percent. For anyone struggling, whether it be mental health, addiction, behavior problems, etc. open sky is the place to go. I will cherish my time spent there for the rest of my life. The lessons I learned, the people I connected with. It all stays with me in my current situation. I’ve been able to graduate from college and move out from my parents house and also got married all because I decided to change my life with this program. I can’t write enough kind words about this place. Every single person that works here and makes this company possible, I’m blessed because you all took the time to do your jobs and help others! Thank you. I’m forever grateful!

Our son attended Open Sky for 11 weeks. It was a transformational time for him as well as for our family. His therapist was AMAZING with our son as well as with the rest of our family. The family component of Open Sky is great. We attended a Wellness Weekend with other parents; we learned a ton and also connected with parents who were in the same or similar boat as us. We also attended a three day Family Quest in the wilderness with our son and his sibling. It was an awesome experience for all of us. This was the first time that our son opened up and shared his true feelings - therapy while he was at home was never able to do this. It was not an easy road for any of us, but our son comments that hed love to go back in the woods for a visit or possibly as a mentor someday. He is currently a successful college sophomore pursuing a degree in psychology with a 3.2 gpa, AND just celebrated 2 years of sobriety on Feb. 1! Open Sky if the GOLD standard for Wilderness Therapy!

Our experience with Open Sky Wilderness was beyond our imaginations. We didn’t know what to expect when our 24 year old son engaged with Open Sky and we soon learned after his arrival that he was in the best of hands. They were great keeping us informed when he first arrived and transitioned. His therapist Brian Leidel was amazing! He discovered the best and most effective way to connect with our son and that contributed to the beginning of the transformative work that took place at OS.Not only did our son benefit from his experience at OS but the parent/family tools and workshops were essential to us on how we could all better communicate and set boundaries. We had weekly calls with Brian, letters to our son as well as family workshops, weekly meditation calls, webinars and reading materials to learn the necessary skills for parenting and communication.Our son was in the field when the country and states of Colorado and Utah shut down due to Covid. We happen to be at Open Sky for a family wellness weekend at that time. As the event’s unfolded seemed like hourly, we were witness to the OS management in motion addressing the crisis with the full determination to establish protocols and policies to keep the kids and staff safe and following the guidelines being established in real-time by the governing health agencies. OS did not shut down and the kids stayed in the field and stayed healthy.We are thankful for the staff, management, field guides and therapists at Open Sky Wilderness. They are top notch.

I attended Open Sky wilderness therapy back in 2009 and I cannot even begin to describe how much of a life changing event it was for me and my family. The whole experience is something anyone could benefit from and it has changed my life for the better permanently. Words cannot even do it justice. I am so grateful to this program and would recommend anyone attend it!

I was a student back in fall of 2018. This program is amazing and truly turned my life around. I am truly grateful for the people who invest into us students.

I had the pleasure of meeting the founder of Open Sky last week and it was an experience I will always remember. Aaron walks the talk. He was uniquely compelled to give his life to helping others. Aaron is one of those rare individuals you meet in life with a true passion for what he does. He obviously could have done anything with his ivy-league education, but he chose, against the advice of those in the industry, to create something unique. A wilderness program founded on a culture of shared values. If you are considering any form or treatment for your child, you cannot go wrong with Open Sky.

This year, Open Sky changed our familys life for the better and I am grateful for what we learned together as a family. I am thankful for the structure of the program, the therapists and guides who worked with our child in the field, the support teams, and the outreach programs – Parents Wellness Weekend, Family Quest, the Weekly Parent Call – all, together helped us in so many ways it is hard to describe. Open Sky is very special place.

Open Sky is the gold standard of Wilderness Programs and our experience there exceeded our expectations in each and every way.From my first call to Open Sky admissions with Shahara Davis, I knew I was in excellent hands. Not only was Shahara a warm consul with expert advice, I felt she cared about son, and she cared about me. To this day, when I hear her voice on the other end of the phone, I am brought to tears. Shaharas kindness, expertise and compassion is what made Open Sky the only choice of Wilderness Programs for our son and our family. I am forever grateful to Shahara because our son went to Open Sky because of her guidance.The family component at Open Sky is one of the many ways that sets Open Sky apart from the rest of the programs out there. My husband and I took advantage of all of the family programs Open Sky offered: Wellness Weekend, bi-weekly parent calls, parent coaching, weekly calls with our sons amazing therapist, Family Quest and Graduation. Each of these programs offer parents different ways to improve their relationship with their child. These programs not only educated us, but helped us heal as a family. I highly recommend each and every one of them.Our sons therapist, Jonathan Mitchell, is truly a modern miracle worker. To say that our son was treatment resistant, is an understatement. Jonathan was able to immediately connect with our son and identify his clinical needs. Jonathan saw things in our son that showed his keen level of expertise in adolescent boys within days of our son being at Open Sky. The progress our son made with Jonathan surpassed all of our hopes and dreams for what our son would gleam from Open Sky. Jonathans ability to be firm and direct as well as kind and compassionate in dealing with both my husband and me, and our son is one of his best qualities. Jonathan is without question the most effective therapist our family has worked with. Simply put, Jonathan helped put the sparkle back in my sons eyes and the smile back on his face. I will forever credit and be eternally grateful to Jonathan as the man who helped bring our son back to us.I give Open Sky the highest of recommendations. If you are looking for a Wilderness Program for your child, look no further. You have found the very best one in Open Sky.

Open Sky Wilderness Therapy was the giant leap our family needed to help our son begin his road to recovery. It is absolutely an extremely daunting challenge, but the staff are truly insightful, knowledgeable, philosophical, compassionate, caring and loving. They push their students to their limits to help them grow and truly realize what they can do for themselves and others.. Frankly, its extremely expensive and its not at all easy or for the faint of heart. Sometimes a drastic and seemingly earth-shattering change is just whats needed in times of crisis. Thank you, Open Sky

Our familys experience with Open Sky dates back to 2010, so this review is long overdue! Open Sky surpassed our expectations in so many ways, and we remain connected after all these years which is a testament to the durability of the organization, their leadership, and their methodology. Our family faced a crisis, and we found real healing through the process that Open Sky brought us through. The unique way they combine professional grade therapy within a wilderness context was extremely powerful for our daughter, and for our family. In particular, we found the letter writing, field calls, parent sessions, and family overnight engaged us directly in the process. We learned perhaps as much as our daughter about how to communicate effectively and cope with our family challenges in a far more healthy way. Their staff are well trained, highly professional, and take the emotional and physical safety of your child extremely seriously. I highly recommend Open Sky.

My family member attended open sky wilderness therapy a few years back and it has had a positive impact on my family as a whole. The staff/therapists/guides are all amazing and very well trained. They only want the best and have continued to play a role in our lives. If it weren’t for open sky, I wouldn’t have the relationship I do with him today.

For many months our son didn’t agree with us on anything. Now we are 100% aligned on this—Open Sky Wilderness Therapy saved his life. At age 15 he rapidly declined into a state of depression, defiance, and daily cannabis use. We were engaged in constant power struggles and escalations at home. We’d exhausted all therapy and interventions locally, and he resented our attempts to find new options. Our gut knew this was NOT our son. He was hurting and we needed to do something drastic to change the course of his life.Making the decision to send him to Open Sky was the hardest thing we’ve ever done. But once he’d arrived safely we finally took a deep breath for the first time in months. Open Sky welcomed him in and provided him with an incredible opportunity to clean up, eat well, connect with nature, and grow alongside similarly-natured boys.Exceptional field guides, who’ve made it their life’s work to support kids in a team environment, challenged him daily. As he’d bump up against their rules, they held boundaries and helped him drop into his true feelings. His clinical therapist was like a surgeon, swiftly cutting right to the heart of his sadness and resulting behaviors. His care for our son was deep. He lovingly held space and pushed him to open his mind and heart, fueling more change in 11 weeks in the woods than he could have accomplished in many years of weekly therapy at home.This experience changed the dynamic of our family, giving each of us new skills we now use daily. Our minds are at ease. Our souls feel connected to our beautiful boy. Our bodies have recovered from the physical manifestations of emotional trauma. And our hearts are full of hope for a bright future. All thanks to Open Sky.

Open Sky truly transformed my life.I attend Open Sky about 3.5 years ago and there’s not a day that goes by where I don’t think about it. The therapists and field staff are exceptional. The food is the best/healthiest food I’ve ever eaten in my entire life.I still remember my first day at OpenSky. I was a 15 year old adolescent girl, I didn’t have a good relationship with parents, hated myself, and didn’t know how to express my emotions. I was terrified but deep down I knew what had to be done.During my time in Utah I reconnected with my parents and created a stronger bond with them. learned how to love myself just the way I am, and accept my past and where I came from. I made forever friends that I still stay in contact with today. Now I am at 17 year old senior in high school, who loves to spend time with family and friends. I now have the skills to regulate my emotions and advocate for myself and my needs. I strongly believe I would not be where I am today without Open Sky. This may have been the hardest decision for my parents to make, but I am thankful everyday for their decision.

Our experience with Open Sky was nothing but deeply positive. Our child learned an enormous amount and, frankly, so did we. Their holistic approach, strong clinical program, and work with parents and family systems made a real difference for us at a very difficult time. We remain deeply grateful.

Choosing to send our child to wilderness therapy was one of the most guilt-ridden and heartbreaking things a parent can do. There are so many emotions during this time, and Open Sky was so supprotive, empathetic and understanding of our feelings. They not only provided an emotionally safe environment not only for our chid, but for us as well. They truly integrate the parents in to the process, and made a truly sad time much more manageable.

Wilderness Therapy was a life changing experience for my whole family. Open Sky s program allowed for exploration, growth and healing on so many levels. I would highly recommend Open Sky to anyone seeking wilderness therapy treatment for their teen or young adult in crisis.

My friend Sid and I both attended open sky earlier this year. If you are in the unfortunate position of having to go to wilderness therapy program I would absolutely recommend open sky. Its pricy for a reason, as the therapists are fantastic and you quickly develop a personal connection with them. I can sincerely say that open sky changed my life for the way better. I love every part of open sky because it is incredibly effective and caring about each persons personal issues and why they are in this situation. At first, this came as a shock and was hard to adapt, but every student eventually leans in and really does the work you need to. My parents have seen a considerable change in me. Overall an amazing program

As a single mother who had tried everything to help my son with his depression and anxiety, I finally found Open Sky. From the moment I called Admissions, to the moment he graduated EVERY interaction with owners, staff, etc. was professional, compassionate and intentional. They are the gold-standard of Wilderness Therapy and life-changing for my family.

If you are at the end of your rope after multiple failed attempts to guide your child -give consideration to Open Sky. My son went into Open Sky, kicking and screaming, on Christmas Eve 2015 and spent 3 months living outside in the dead of winter, enduring and benefitting from all that nature and the skillful and compassionate Open Sky staff had to offer. Had my son not entered a wilderness program he most certainly would have ended up in the criminal justice system. After Open Sky he went to a therapeutic boarding school in Montana and graduated High School there a year early. He subsequently returned home and completed two semesters of community college while living with me and holding a part-time job - frankly with mixed results. Today my son, now 20, is proudly serving in the IDF, having immigrated in 2018 to Israel (where he has no family). He plans to complete his service and attend University there. While not ever the life I would have predicted for my only child, I am proud that my son is living his values and contributing to something in which he believes. He has commented to me that Open Sky was a defining experience more valuable than medication, therapy, boarding school, or any of our attempts to help him. Best regards for continued success to the staff of Open Sky. Nan Z.

Good break from unhealthy reality for teenager struggling with life. Im writing this only 1 week after completion of daughters program so cant speak to long-term effects.The need for an intervention came due to an unexpected event and my experience with Open Sky staff was great - got tons of info quickly, clearly, supportively. Note that they do NOT work with the insurance company and many of those are fussy about this so make sure you get clearance BEFORE you sign your kid up with them.Therapists were great, weekly calls with them while kid was in field were too short (feedback received by therapists who felt same) and option to go out into field with kid was great opportunity. Tons of skills taught to the kids, great atmosphere among staff and kids from what I could see at graduation. Liked the staffs supporting and no b...s... approach. Had no doubt my kid was safe and working on necessary issues. I hope all the good stuff she experienced will stay for long term. Would chose Open Sky again and recommend you consider it as an option.

Open Sky is ahead of its time. What they are passionate and dedicated to is teaching people how to authentically connect with each other and work together as a family based on trust and respect. The deep spiritual and self regulating skills taught have taken root in our family. The gift of being able to peel back the layers and uncover what was really going on with our son is invaluable. If only Opens SKy had an after care campus! Be very discerning about after care. Open Sky walks the talk but not everyone else in this industry does.I give gold stars all around to Open SKy!

My Time at Open Sky Wilderness was awesome. I had a great time there with team Avatar. The staff was fantastic and wonderful to be around and talk to. The Guides are also great to ask for advice and talk about situations. The expos are wonderful. We go mountains and see tons of wildlife and different climates and we laugh and cry and smile and have a great time. We learn about get connected in our toughs and understanding situation that only the wilderness can give you. I had a great time there and i will always remember it. Thanks again for everything you have done. You guys are great from the food to the woods and to everything around.

Open Sky Wilderness helped me open the gateway to the beginning of my self-discovery. I attended OpenSky from November 2017-January 2018. During my 9 weeks at OpenSky, I dove into a part of myself that I never knew existed before. OpenSky reunited me with my love for the outdoors. I made so many memories within my group that I will never forget and I am forever grateful. I went to a therapeutic boarding school after OpenSky and between the two, I found that immense love for myself that I never had known before!

I have had two children go thru Open Sky for very different reasons. They both have been transformed as has our whole family dynamic. I wish everyone had the opportunity to do this. We have a more loving, connected, grateful family because of the tools we learned at OS. We are not perfect or finished but we have the tools to navigate and confidence to use them. Sooooooo grateful.

Everyone who works there is smart, dedicated and passionate about the wellness of the students, the family, and the environment. Amazing place!

I attended Open Sky many years ago and that place changed my life. I can’t even put into words how extraordinary this program is. I learned so many new skills that I still use in my day to day life. I learned about self love and also self forgiveness. The guides are absolutely phenomenal. I want to give a huge shoutout to Chris and Pipen. This program is very hard work and is a bit difficult to adjust to but believe me once you learn to adjust it becomes the time of your life.

My daughter’s journey at Open Sky was an unsettling journey at the beginning for my daughter and myself. I was wondering if she was warm, healthy, hungry, safe once she left our house and was driven to Durango on a cold Saturday morning at 2am. Those thoughts were always in the back of my mind for about 7-8 weeks until Family Quest. It was then I saw my daughter with a resilience I knew she had and she was discovering. I saw her abilities I knew she could do as she was Busting a fire with a bow drill. She was surviving and regulating in a land I maybe camped in comfortably.My daughter’s experience at Open Sky started out as “loathsome” and is looked to as a place where she wants to visit and participate in an Alumni quest. It became a place my daughter didn’t want to leave after her almost 12-week experience. Some of that was fear as she went to an RTC, but she had become someone who could mentor, encourage, model and teach newer girls all of the things that were once overwhelming to herself!Open Sky is an absolutely, hands down amazing program led by incredible staff who believe in your kids, talk to your kids, foster your kids into the people your children quite possibly never thought they could be. I cannot say enough about Open Sky. They truly saved my daughter’s life and invested so much of themselves in her journey. Today, my daughter is getting A’s and B’s at her RTC, she no longer self-harms, vapes, gravitates to alcohol or drugs and she WANTS to spend time with me, her Mom, when I was the last person she wanted to be around before she left for OS. We enjoy talking and CAN talk because of tools we learned at OS. She is regulated and happier than she’s been in a long time. Open Sky has had a lot to do with her becoming a happy person again. Open Sky has a lot to do with me sleeping more soundly at night based on the skills in mindfulness, meditation and self-care I acquired from Family Quest.You are making a serious investment sending your kids to Open Sky and my experience is the OS staff treat that responsibility in the highest regard. Open Sky changes lives. Aho.

This was a life-changing experience, not only for my daughter, but our family as a whole. So greatful for this program.

Excellent program, highly recommend it, whether you think you need it or not!

Hi! I “graduated” from this program in the summer of 2017 after being in the program for a little over 4 months of living in the wilderness. Although I saw amazing results in some of my friends that shared this journey with me, I’m not sure that it was best for me. I experienced a very traumatic mixed-state psychosis and was promptly diagnosed with Bipolar I Disorder in the winter of 2016. After the depression becoming crippling with remanants of mania remaining, I was not functioning well, and even ended up in the hospital for suicidal thoughts. Lost on what to do, my parents and I found an educational consultant in Columbus OH, and we were suggested this program. My psychosis was very centered around paranoid thoughts of being a horrible person who needed to have a spiritual transformation in order to feel better from these feelings and thoughts that I had never experienced before the surfacing of the illness. Having a very close relationship and desire for nature (and the paranoid obsession with spiritual transformation) I thought this was a great idea! After having spent four months here though (contact me for specific details of my stay) I ended up much more sick. I don’t think the organization was well equipped to treat a serious mental illness and chemical instability. However, I now am working with a brilliant psychiatrist and feel the best I’ve felt since the onset of the illness! I do use a lot of the skills that I learned from Open Sky, especially the field guides. I just wouldn’t suggest this program to someone experiencing intense instability from a serious mental illness. Honestly, the months following the program, I felt more defeated and was left with a lot of self doubt because I felt like I didn’t work hard enough to “make my self better” (an emphasis on character building) that seems to be a large message sent by Open Sky. No hate, but just maybe not the best for those who are CURRENTLY mentally ill!!

Our experience with Open Sky was life changing for our son and for us as parents. Our son was very upset with being there for the first week or so, but acclimated quickly and worked hard on his issues. When we were at Family Quest and graduation I asked him if we did the right thing in sending him to Open Sky and would he do it over again and he said definitely, yeah. Our son graduated with about seven other teens/young adults and every last one of them said that they were glad that their parents sent them there. It is very difficult emotionally and physically and, yes, you get pretty dirty, but everyone is well fed and well cared for. Medical attention happened immediately for our son when needed and follow-up on his care was flawless.

Best experience for my whole family. Never once was treated poorly and I learned more about life in those 12 weeks then my whole life. I would do It again in a heart beat.

My son attended Open Sky after experiencing depression and anxiety which went from weighing him down to dragging him down. The staff was helpful, responsive, caring and thorough from my first phone inquiry until our son graduated. The family focused approach helped our entire family and has improved our relationship and communication with our son. The personal work the parents do is deep and intense and is critical to complete. We became better parents for all of our children. The work the students do is deeper and more intense. Our son made the effort, did the work and gained strength and awareness of himself. He still has mixed emotions about his time at Open Sky while recognizing aspects that helped him and tools he uses to process his emotions. He attended in the winter and learned how to take care of himself including making sure he was warm, hydrated and fueled. He always stated they were well fed, the food was good, and although physically fit when he arrived at Open Sky, he gained healthy weight and muscle mass while he was there. I have witnessed that lessons he learned from Open Sky help him make steady strides toward better choices, better relationships, more independence, better overall health and vibrance. This wasnt a magic bullet that worked overnight. Open Sky entered into our lives when we were in a desperate situation and provided the beginning reset and steps toward health, and helped us all with tools to live and love better. I will always be grateful for this new beginning and grateful as the journey continues to unfold.

I am way overdue on writing this review. I cannot say enough about what Open Sky has done for my daughter and for our family. I could not imagine seeing my daughter laughing, having fun, taking responsibility and recovering from depression. Open Sky has started us in this direction and while I know that my daughters depression will be a long term challenge, it was their team that got us started in the right direction. Our ability to handle and care for our daughter had become hopeless because we just did not have the tools or understanding to deal with her challenges. They identified these tools for her and us and got us the start we needed. I am thankful everyday for the work that they did with our daughter.We were referred to Open Sky by an educational consultant that we hired who specializes in therapeutic schools and programs. We have participated in their family therapy programs as well. I could go on forever. We are so lucky to have found them.

Open Sky is highly professional and very safe and supportive. The participants are well cared for, eat well and are very happy when there (often after a couple weeks of “I don’t need to be here”). Open Sky saved our teen when we realized it was beyond our power as parents. We are forever grateful to these true professionals.

Words cannot express our profound gratitude that we have for the Open Sky Wilderness program and all of its staff members including, field guides, Norman, therapists (Morgan), office support (Lauren & Erin), parent coordinator (JJ Simms), medical team, transport team and Tere Snodgrass who was the very first person we spoke with who walked us off of the ledge with relentless support daily the weeks prior to sending our 14 year old son to the wilderness. One year ago today our lives were in chaos and our son was spiraling out of control. We made the excruciating decision to send our son to OS which elicited emotions of fear and anxiety as parents. I am not one to let someone else take the wheel, but we did it anyway. Fast forward to today, our son is thriving, happy and has coping skills to use instead of spiraling out of control. Our communication as a family has improved. We look forward to being with our son now. He no longer has rants, he is no longer defiant, he is no longer avoiding school. He gets along better with friends. He is a true leader. His transformation is recognized by peers, family and his summer overnight camp director who mentioned that his transformation is outstanding and almost unbelievable. We owe everything to Open Sky. What they do there is nothing short of a miracle. We have our son back! He is sweet and loving and a productive part of society and shows up as a team player! Unbelievable! We are so very lucky for the Open Sky experience. My heart feels grateful, my soul feels connected, my mind feels peaceful and body feels relaxed.....finally. Aho