School of Urban Wilderness Survival and the Circle of Courage

Brendtro, Brokenleg, and Van Bockern (2002) describe the Circle of Courage model for creating environments in which all children can thrive. This approach blends youth developmental research, the wisdom of pioneer workers, and Native American philosophies of child care. This model for reclaiming youth at risk posits four elements as essential for positive youth development: (1) belonging; (2) mastery; (3) independence; and (4) generosity. While other underlying physical and safety needs exist, these are the four anchor points of psychosocial maturation. The four Circle of Courage elements and the underlying foundation of physical and emotional safety are braided into a therapeutic wilderness program, School of Urban Wilderness Survival (SUWS) of the Carolinas. This article provides an overview of SUWS of the Carolinas and discusses four program stages of SUWS in which each stage draws upon one of the four Circle of Courage principles.