Who Can Apply to Alaska Crossings?
Alaska Crossings’ wilderness behavior program is designed to address a variety of issues and behaviors.
Below is a list of some of the issues that a participant may struggle with upon entering the program:
  • Suffering from Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder
  • Depression 
  • FASD/FAE issues
  • Impulsive or hyperactive
  • Struggling with attachment disorders
  • Recovering from sexual, emotional, or physical abuse
  • Having problems with anxiety
  • Abusing alcohol or drugs
  • Beyond parental control
  • Rebellious, angry, defiant (Oppositional Defiance Disorder)
  • Low self-esteem
  • Failing in school grades and attendance
  • Suspended or expelled from school
  • Choosing the wrong friends
Alaska Crossings processes applications and inquiries for new admissions 8:00am-5:00pm Monday-Friday, except for major holidays. If a youth is in crisis, please call 911 or a crisis hotline for 24-hour assistance.
 
Southeast Alaska Residents: SEARHC Help Line 877-294-0074
Other resources: http://www.suicide.org/hotlines/alaska-suicide-hotlines.html
Who is Not Appropriate for Our Program?

Some individuals require a level of care that Alaska Crossings cannot safely provide in a wilderness environment. Alaska Crossings is not a suitable program for youth who are struggling with the following issues:
  • Active suicidal or homicidal ideation
  • History of serious suicide attempts
  • Violent behaviors or serious violent offences
  • Untreated sex offenders
  • History or risk of active psychosis
  • Extensive history of fire-setting behavior
  • Addictions to substances requiring a monitored detoxification process
  • Physical conditions or diseases limiting their ability to safely participate in the program
  • Physical conditions or diseases requiring ongoing nursing care or medical supervision

​In individual cases where such problems may exist but are not clearly and obviously prohibitive of participation, AICS Alaska Crossings’ clinical staff is willing to review and discuss with you whether or not your child is appropriate for our program.
Full disclosure of any of the above conditions must be included in application documents to determine eligibility and ensure the safety and well being of all participants and staff.

*We have a minimum IQ requirement of 70.

Alaska Crossings does not discriminate in accepting participants on the bases of race, color, creed, ethnicity, or national origin. AICS Alaska Crossings is an equal opportunity provider.
Alaska Crossings is Not Able to Accept Youth with the Below Medical Conditions:
  • ​Diabetes
  • Pregnant
  • Enuresis: 3 months prior to program
  • Nebulizer: If a participant has asthma and periodically uses a nebulizer, they may still be eligible if they are normally well controlled
  • Blood thinners
  • Seizure disorder: seizure free for one year prior to program

*On a typical canoeing day participants paddle fully loaded canoes for 6-10 miles, but on occasion may paddle up to 15 miles in one day. On a typical hiking day participants carry backpacks weighing up to 25% of their bodyweight for 1-3 miles over rough and challenging terrain, but on occasion may hike up to 10 miles in one day. Alaska Crossings participants must be able to participate in these activities without physical or medical restrictions. As such, Alaska Crossings has a minimum weight requirement of 90 pounds.
Medical History Disclosure by Parents / Guardians
Parents/Guardians are responsible for accurately completing the medical history portion of the intake packet. If the history reveals conditions that might pose a risk to your child, other participants or staff in our program, our Medical Director will review the information and make a recommendation as to admission and conditions for participation.
Letter from the Alaska Crossings Medical Director, Lynn Prysunka
Dear Parent or Guardian,
​
Your child is soon to embark on an exciting adventure with Alaska Crossings. This program will challenge them both emotionally and physically. As the medical director for Alaska Crossings, I wish for your child to be as physically healthy as possible during the program so that they may get the most out of this experience.

Thank you for taking the time to fill out the medical intake form. It is very important for me to know about any specific medical challenges your child has faced or perhaps continues to deal with. After reviewing this information, we occasionally make recommendations for further medical evaluation to ensure your child’s medical safety before they participate in the program.
​
Lynn Prysunka, Alaska Crossings Medical Director
When your child arrives in Wrangell they will be seen by me or one of my colleagues at our Primary Care Clinic for a physical exam. With help from the information you have provided, I will be able to address any medical concerns before they head out on their program. If they are found to have an infection or injury that can be treated, you will be informed and we will start treatment.

Alaska Crossings is a behavioral based program. Some of our participants have been prescribed medication to help them cope with behavioral or psychological challenges. You and your child’s regular doctors are the best judges of the medications and dosages that best help your child. During the program we do not adjust long-term medications that your child has been prescribed before arriving, unless there is a clear adverse medical reaction. We do not start children on medications to deal with mental health issues. We feel again that this is best done with your regular doctor.

If medical problems arise during the program, they are discussed with the Medical Control Officer in town and appropriate action is taken. Participants who have illnesses or injuries that cannot be managed in the field will be brought into Wrangell and treated in the clinic or through the emergency department of the Wrangell Medical Center. You will be contacted if this occurs.

If you have any questions about how medical issues are managed in the Alaska Crossings organization, please make us aware so we can respond to your concerns.

Sincerely,

Dr. Lynn Prysunka, MD, CCFP
Medical Director
Alaska Crossings Wilderness Program