The successful Wilderness School functions as a broad youth serving agency attempting to have a permanent impact on the self-concept, behavior, and attitudes of its students by affecting their feelings and sense of self-worth as well as the major components of their environment (family, living situation, school, job potential), and by providing them with a support system for at least one year. The program has three phases. Recruitment and Orientation involves a two-day referral agency outdoor orientation; recruitment of prospective students, selected only on the basis of their willingness to try; student orientation, a "follow-up" contract between referral agency and student; and a student-staff interview. The Wilderness Challenge is designed after the American Outward Bound Schools and is intended to confront the participant with a new environment, different demands, and challenges to be faced as a member of a group. The Follow-Up Phase monitors the progress of referral agency follow-up and supports and assists the student as much as possible. In September 1977 the School introduced a Special Education Project for students who are handicapped, emotionally disturbed, or in need of special education. Appendices include staff credentials, board of directors, sample contracts, and application information. (SB)