This free summer program is specifically for youth/young adults who are at risk of or have been diagnosed with substance use disorders and/or co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. Virtual information sessions will take place on Wednesday, July 6, 2022.

We Intentionally Learn & Live Differently (WILLD), expands and enhances Teaching, Reaching Experiencing with Kids (TREK) programming specifically for youth/young adults who are at risk of OR are diagnosed with a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and/or co-occurring substance use and mental health disorder (COD). TREK is a program of LUK, Inc. and has been operating Community-Based Adventure Programming since 2006. TREK and WILLD provide Adventure-Based, Experiential Learning programming (AB/EL). 

Summer programming is twice per week per group, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. All costs for access, gear, food and hydration are covered by a grant from the MA Department of Public Health OYYAS. Transportation may be available if it is a barrier to participation. 

Our Adventure programming allows participants to experience themselves and others in new contexts such that they are able to appreciate aspects of nature, adventure, and interdependence that strengthens the foundation of relationships. We provide participants with activities they may incorporate into their lives (e.g., hiking) and potentially new opportunities (e.g., rock climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, horseback riding). Green Care activities will take place at partner sites throughout the region.  One of our partners is Mesa Farm, and we will be doing Nature assisted activities at their property in Rutland and AB/EL all over the Central Mass Corridor.

WILLD will provide access to individualized clinical services, case management, and Green Care components. Participants will be ages 12-24, with separate Intervention and Treatment/Harm Reduction groups as well as individualized services.

We expect Intervention participants to be younger (ages 12-18) who have been impacted by systemic substance use, the Opioid Crisis or other Adverse Childhood Experiences. The Tx/Harm Reduction group will likely be older (ages 16-24) who carry an SUD or SUD/COD diagnosis.

Please see the attached presentation and flyer for more information. We are currently accepting referrals for the Intervention group now, and will be looking to start the Treatment group ASAP.

Please send questions to [email protected]. 

Referrals can be made by reaching Central Referral - 1-800-711-4585 / 978-829-2222 or [email protected]

-WILLD Summer programming is two-days (Mondays and Wednesdays)

-After-school programming will continue in the Fall 

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