Wilderness Teen Programs in and around Tampa, Florida

There are a number of wilderness programs available for teens in and around Tampa, Florida. Some focus on helping troubled teens learn life skills and discipline, while others focus on religious and spiritual training. Some of these programs are heavily secure, long term residential facilities, whereas others are temporary summer camp programs.

  1. Eckerd Academy

    • The Eckerd Academy for Troubled Teens at Brooksville, Florida, is located just 45 minutes north of Tampa. This academy is an outdoor residential treatment program and alternative school for boys and girls from ages 10 to 17. Students at Eckerd may have trouble functioning in social, familial, and scholastic environments. Eckerd combines accredited education with counseling, adventure programs, and relationship and communication building skills. Students participate in hiking and camping, challenge courses, swimming, fishing, canoeing, and conservation efforts while learning self-confidence, respect for others, and good decision making skills. They work in small, family like groups with one counselor for every three students.

      Eckerd Academy for Troubled Teens at Brooksville, Florida

      1-800-554-HELP (4357)

      eckerdacademy.org

    Abundant Life Academy

    • Abundant Life Academy is a Christian boarding school for troubled teenagers that has locations all over the United States, including one in Tampa, Florida. At the Abundant Life Academy Leadership Camp, students continue their schooling while participating in many of the same activities students participate in at full time wilderness programs, such as hiking, camping, and challenge courses. This wilderness program allows students to continue with their studies while gaining the benefits of longer treks. This helps them avoid falling a year behind in their studies. Abundant Life teaches students Christian values while providing counseling on both an individual and group basis. Both boys and girls are welcome, in separate programs

      Abundant Life Academy

      (888)305-6729

      abundantlifeacademy.com

    West Florida Wilderness Institute

    • The West Florida Wilderness Institute is a program for troubled boys who are considered moderate risks by the State of Florida. It is a residential, environmentally secure facility for boys ages 14 to 18, and the average length of stay is six to nine months. This program provides an accredited education along with group and individual counseling. Students participate in activities such as hiking, camping, track, the Marine Institute Olympics, and life experience projects. To participate in this program, boys need to be in good physical health.

      West Florida Wilderness Institute

      1912 Old Mount Zion Road

      Ponce De Leon, FL 32455

      (850)548-5524

    • Adolescence is a turbulent time for any teenager. Weve all heard about how hormones wreak havoc on a teens mood and how peer pressure influences a teens decision-making abilities. But in the midst of all this, adolescence is also a time of identity d