A Typical Week

A week in the life of a Vantage Point adventure therapy student

Arrival & Orientation​

When students first arrive at Vantage Point by Aspiro, they are met by our wilderness adventure therapy guides and taken to get a physical examination, outdoor gear, and clothing.

After they receive their examination and gear, students go to our base camp, where they will typically spend two to seven days getting adjusted to life in the outdoors. During this initial phase, we focus on teaching and practicing outdoor living skills. When the student is ready to live safely in the outdoors, they go to their group.

Students at Vantage Point by Aspiro typically follow a set, weekly schedule; however, the schedule may vary due to different weather conditions and group needs. Each week typically involves one to three days in base camp and the rest of the week out on wilderness adventure therapy outings across the state of Utah.

Students participate in adventure therapy activities as well as more conventional talk therapies and autism spectrum therapies.

Skiing

Rock Climbing

Mountain Biking

Primative Skills

Backpacking

Canyoneering

Usually base camp days span from Monday evening through Wednesday morning. While in base camp, students:

  • Receive new food and supplies for the following week
  • Receive letters from parents
  • Individual therapy (eg. autism spectrum therapies)
  • Group therapy
  • Group discussions
  • Mail letters they have written
  • Turn in academic assignments
  • Exchange dirty laundry for clean laundry

Tuesdays are especially busy days, which involve:

  • Feedback sessions with staff
    Individual therapy (eg. autism spectrum therapies)
  • Group therapy
  • Group discussions
  • Staffing exchange
  • Preparation for the following week
  • Wilderness Adventure Therapy On the Trail

Wilderness Adventure Therapy on the Trail

For the remainder of the week, students are on the trail, backpacking up to eight miles a day and participating in wilderness adventure therapy activities. Vantage Point students have the opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful scenery that Utah has to offer.

Service Projects and Guide Qualifications

Since we spend so much time enjoying public lands, a big component of our program is teaching and practicing respect for the outdoors. We also engage in occasional service projects with state parks and other public land agencies. It’s our way of giving back and fostering positive relationships with those who have stewardship over public lands. 

Each group also has a certified Wilderness First Responder (WFR) lead staff. All field guides attend three hours of weekly mandatory Pre-shift training, plus sixteen hours weekly of supported optional trainings to advance/enhance their mastery of adventure facilitation skills specifically designed for this population. We also implement a mandatory twice-yearly national certification for passenger van operation, as well as NVCI/ AGEIS trainings specifically designed for this population.