Into the wild

Henriette Lamprecht - In 2009 a participant in wilderness therapy wrote a poem on how it changed his life forever: The Fish river canyon took awayMy struggles pain and fear and gaveMe Joy, peace and the answers toQuestions I struggled with all my lifeI found a new beginning to begin withI found a new me a new life and aWhole new way of facing LifeTHANK YOU FISH RIVER CANYON!TO GOD BE THE GLORY.It was worth every step.Wilderness therapy is an international method using nature to gain self-knowledge and growth, explains Lynette Strijbis.It is used in different countries, but in totally different ways.“In Namibia it was adapted to our circumstances, specifically for teenagers and with a certain aim. Our program also differs from others because of its Christian component,” says Lynette.The youth benefiting are between the ages of 16 and 20 years old and are referred to the program by teachers. “They are less fortunate children, coming from broken and single parent homes. It is children and youth who have potential, but no guidance, support or financial means,” says Lynette. The therapy entails a group of eight pupils and four facilitators who go “into the wild” for eight days – without cellphones, laptops or any contact with the outside world. Each member of the group carries his or her own provisions and equipment for a hike of 120 km.A satellite phone is taken with should a crisis present itself, while an emergency plan is discussed and ready beforehand. The whole purpose of wilderness therapy and the much-anticipated hike is to provide the children with an experience showing them their potential and how to realise it, explains Lynette.“The purpose is for them to believe they will in the future be able to finish other important and big tasks – and experience a sense of accomplishment.”The completion of physical challenges and the feeling of accomplishment enhance the children’s selfrespect and leads to personal growth.“They learn to express their emotions and how important it is to do so. With a better awareness of themselves, they grow resilient and in doing so, become empowered.” This also involves breaking away from a negative past to a better future, says Lynette.“They come to realise change is needed and they want to change. With continuous support and guidance, the scholars also find perspective on their problems and past behaviours.”The program was created 10 years ago by Pikkie Hoffman, who worked with the youth as a social worker. During councelling sessions Hoffman realised that an alternative, more adventurous method was needed to really reach young people. “She did a lot of reading, and based on her own experiences in nature, began to develop the therapy we use today.”The children partake in five hiking trips per year to either the Naukluft, Gaub or Kuiseb River.“Wilderness therapy involves taking part in a physical challenge as a group. With emotional guidance the challenges gradually become more difficult.” Schools and teachers are aware of the program and which children would benefit from it, says Lynette.To make the follow-up mentoring program easier, it normally involves grade 11 pupils from one school.“We’ve had scholars from Karasburg, Keetmanshoop, Swakopmund and Lüderitz. It all depends on the availability of capable mentors who can follow the hiking trip up until the end of grade 12.” Facilitators and mentors are selected and trained.Parents’ permission is needed to make sure the children are healthy and prepared for what lies ahead. Nature provides seven therapeutic elements, says Lynette.This includes self-awareness, group dynamics, physical challenges, exposure to leadership, routine, journalling, as well as sharing stories.The target group are on the verge of important decisions about their future, explains Lynette, therefore only 16 to 20-year-olds form part of the program. “Grade 12 is too full and too short, therefore it’s more practical do to and manage this in grade 11.”Most of the scholars struggle with domestic violence, single parents, identity crises, drugs, peer pressure, past traumas, as well as poverty. The weekly mentorship program is therefore an important follow-up to the hike. Here topics are handled according to needs presented. “The program formally lasts 18 months, after which you always stay part of the Wilderness Therapy-family! “We all meet once a year during the annual Youth Conference in October where stories and experiences are shared.”Other programmes include career week, job shadowing, as well as parental capacity building. So far 400 children have benefited from wilderness therapy.“It has nothing to do with boot camping or the Busch Schule-concept, has no military basis and is not a rehabilitation program for youth offenders or ‘naughty children’. Wilderness therapy teaches them about belonging, indepence and generosity.” (Facebook: Wilderness Therapy Namibia; wildernesstherapy@ecsos.org)

Into the wild

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-19

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Into the wild

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-19

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