HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) – Sixteen Connecticut teenagers labeled “at risk” by the state Department of Children and Families have completed a rigorous 20-day expedition on the Appalachian Trail designed to teach them teamwork skills and boost their self-esteem.
The therapeutic camp run by the Wilderness School in East Hartford involved living out of backpacks on the trail in Connecticut and Massachusetts. The teens learned skills such as canoeing, rock climbing and rappelling and participated in a community service project.
The DCF says studies show that at-risk kids who complete camps like this one are less likely to break the law or abuse drugs and alcohol.
Democratic Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman and DCF Commissioner Joette Katz plan to recognize the teens Tuesday at a graduation ceremony.
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