A Wilderness Challenge Program as Correctional Treatment

Abstract

This article provides an overview of the use of challenge programs as a form of treatment for adult offenders, with particular focus on the APPEL program in Williamson County, Texas. The paper describes the development of the use of challenge programs with offender populations and discusses how particular challenge course activities might be used to increase probationers' receptivity to traditional treatment services, examines reasons for the apparent success of challenge programs, and explores various aspects of challenge course implementation in corrections settings.