Wilderness Therapy – some praise it, others shame it. In the 1980’s Steve Cartisano created the Challenger Foundation, the wilderness therapy camp that promised to reform wayward teens. It seemed like a perfect solution for concerned parents until kids claimed abuse, and others died while in camp care. Today we venture to Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument to understand how Hell Camp earned its name.

We love our National Parks and we know you do too but when you're out there, remember to enjoy the view but watch your back. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe from wherever you’re listening to NPAD! Become part of our Outsider family on Patreon  or Apple Subscriptions to gain access to ad-free episodes, bonus content, and more. Follow our socials Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. To share a Trail Tale, suggest a story, access merch, and browse our book recommendations - head over to our website.

Thank you so much to our partners, check them out!

Reel: Use our link and code NPAD to sign up for a subscription to automatically get 30% off of your first order and free shipping.

Acorns: Use our link to sign up for Acorns to start saving and investing for your future.

Prose: Use our link for a free in-depth hair consultation and 50% off your first subscription. Plus 15% off and free shipping on all future subscription orders.

Quince: Use our link to get free shipping and 365-day returns.

Sources: Hell Camp: Teen Nightmare, Rolling Stone , Desert News, Variety Magazine, Outside Magazine, BLM, JSTOR Daily, Daily Mail