The goal of this phase is for the resident and his cluster to learn fundamentals of self discipline and pushing themselves through an encounter with nature. The group is expected to be transparent and willing to confront if necessary and each resident is expected to be able to look at themselves in the mirror and assess where they are at in their treatment process and in their life. Each resident is expected to gain confidence through leadership and wilderness opportunities as well as to find ways in which they can help their group. These are the main goals that must be accomplished in order to move to phase four:

• Follow all safety and general trek guidelines set by staff

• Be the leader of the day

• Practice in setting up and taking down camp and helping in all campsite activities

• Complete hiking portion of trek

• Participate in solo, complete all solo work, and follow all solo rules

• Complete “Wild at Heart” Field Manual and contribute to evening wrap up groups

• Initiate conversations with staff and residents

• Have a deep understanding of what brought them to treatment and the drug culture and what it will take to get out

• Willingness to confront self and group members when needed

• Ownership of actions

Length: 9 days

Description: A Trek Guide and a therapist will staff an expedition into the Buffalo River National Park.

• The residents, equipped with top of the line equipment and clothing, will backpack between 40 and 50 miles in the first five days. Each resident will lead one day of hiking from breaking camp in the morning to setting up camp in the evening.

• The last part of Trek is the Solo, days 6-9.

• A base camp is set up for staff like the hub of a wagon wheel. Residents’ individual campsites are set up about 80 yards away in the formation of the spokes on the wagon wheel.

• Each resident has his 50ft. x 50ft. area to stay in, his tent and equipment, his food supply for three days, and his Solo work.

• Each resident’s therapist prepares three days of Solo therapy work. The Solo work is checked before a resident returns from solo. This work is vital in the boy finding his heart and becoming the man God built him to be.