Outdoor Therapy Programs
Helping boys develop life skills and self-confidence through outdoor adventures
Outdoor therapy programs use challenges in the wilderness to empower young boys
Teens and young adults who have experienced trauma, abuse, or mental health challenges often grapple with feelings of low self-esteem, trust issues, and difficulty in forming healthy relationships.
Pegasus Schools, Inc.’s outdoor behavioral healthcare program provides a transformative journey of self-discovery and personal growth. In addition to individual and group therapy, we encourage boys to participate in exciting outdoor activities and experiential therapy programs to develop valuable life and problem-solving skills as well as foster teamwork.
Embarking on outdoor adventures and conquering the wilderness helps boys build confidence and self-awareness. Plus, connecting with nature can facilitate emotional healing as well as provide a therapeutic environment for processing past experiences and finding inner peace.
Our outdoor adventure therapy program includes:
Hiking
Teens embark on overnight or multiday wilderness expeditions in the mountains of Northern New Mexico and the lakes of Central Texas.
Camping
Overnight adventure camps in our wooded headquarters give participants the opportunity to learn how to pitch their own tents and develop essential survival skills.
Fishing
Fishing encourages patience, concentration, and mindfulness while providing opportunities for relaxation and reflection.
Ropes Course
Taking on our ropes course helps participants build trust, improve communication, and solve problems together by taking on challenging physical obstacles.
Canoeing
Residents must coordinate, communicate, and work together to navigate various waterways.
Kayaking
Kayaking builds balance, agility, and resilience while providing opportunities for adventure and exploration on the water.
Rock Climbing
On-campus rock climbing facility can help residents develop physical fitness, problem-solving skills, and self-confidence.
Zip Lining
Our fully secure zip line encourage boys to face their fears, build confidence, and develop a sense of adventure.
Pegasus Schools, Inc.’s Venture Crew 177
Our Venture Crew 177 wilderness therapy program provides boys with opportunities to earn their scouting merit badges by learning to prepare their own meals, set up tents, clean their own fish, trek up a mountain, and more.
We have a wooded Venture Crew 177 headquarters located on our campus, complete with all the camping facilities required for outdoor hikes and wilderness adventure therapy. Under the guidance of experienced leaders and mental health professionals, participants not only learn practical skills in a wilderness setting but also develop a deeper connection with others.
Pegasus Schools, Inc.’s experiential therapy program is second to none
Experienced Leadership
A.J. Mercado leads our outdoor and experiential therapy program. He is a certified National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) instructor, EMT paramedic, Red Cross lifeguard and first aid instructor, American Heart Association faculty member, and Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) instructor.
Diverse Expeditions
Our outdoor therapy programs include trips to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Big Bend National Park. These stunning natural landscapes provide participants with unique adventures, challenges, and opportunities for self-discovery.
Safety First
Everything from our ropes course to our camping expeditions prioritizes each participant’s safety. Our outdoor therapy program staff are all experienced with first aid and ensure that all activities are conducted with safety protocols in place.
Supportive Environment
Pegasus Schools provides a supportive environment for participants to overcome challenges, build resilience, and reclaim their lives through experiential learning.