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

​Who is Not Appropriate for Our Program
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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:
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  • 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.