Abstract:
Brendtro, Brokenleg and Van Bockern (2002) describe the Circle of Courage model for creating environments in which all children can thrive. This approach blends youth developmental research, the wisdom of pioneer workers, and Native American philosophies of child care. This model for reclaiming youth at risk posits four elements as essential for positive youth development, belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity. While other underlying physical and safety needs exist (Maslow, 1958), these are the four anchor points of psychosocial maturation (Wood, Brendtro, Fecser, & Nichols, 1999). This paper describes how the four Circle of Courage elements and the underlying foundation of physical and emotional safety are braided into a therapeutic wilderness program, School of Urban Wilderness Survival (SUWS) of the Carolinas.
