Facility profile Utah
Wilderness Quest
Formerly Wilderness Conquest
Wilderness Quest was a wilderness therapy in Monticello, Utah. It operated from 1988 to 2013.
About Wilderness Quest
Solacium signed a letter of intent to acquire Wilderness Quest; acquisition expected final first week of September 2007.source
It was a six to eight week program with a minimum stay of 50 days.source
JCAHO accredited; licensed by the Utah Department of Human Services.source
Survivor testimony
What people who lived or worked here say happened. Survivors' own words are published with their permission; forum accounts are what was posted publicly and are reported as claims, not findings.
Reported on survivor forums
- Fornits: A Dr Suess (SUWS) Story (2004, 1 post)
- Fornits: Thanks for the Memories... (2005, 9 posts)
- Fornits: Elliot Sainer?s Empire: AEG: Riding the Wave of (2006-2007, 5 posts)
- Fornits: Lon on Licensure and Regulation (2007, 10 posts)
- Fornits: Jeff Johnson: An Industry Assoc for Escort Services (2007, 5 posts)
- Fornits: Aspiro Wilderness Camp in Utah (2007-2009, 26 posts)
- Fornits: SOLACIUM Holdings LLC (2007-2009, 22 posts)
- Fornits: one more reason why teen residential programs are dangerous (2008, 46 posts)
- Fornits: "Some" Licensed Schools and Programs (2008, 34 posts)
- Fornits: Controversy spurs gentler approach in Utah wilderness (2008-2011, 64 posts)
- Fornits: Programs, inluding CALO, that use Positive Control Systems. (2009, 7 posts)
- Fornits: Wilderness Quest Suspends Operations Until Spring (2009-2010, 6 posts)
- Fornits: Wiki updates - week 50 (2009, 1 post)
- Fornits: Wilderness Quest positive testimonials from students (2010, 3 posts)
Timeline
From the records: who ran it and the deals that moved it, its names, and the deaths, incidents, inspection findings, lawsuits and news stories on file. Point at an event, or tap "More about this", for the details.
1988
Renamed Wilderness Quest
It had been Wilderness Conquest.
Opened in Monticello, Utah
2007
Death
In 2007 a 15-year-old boy, Caleb Jensen, was killed at Wilderness Quest in Monticello, UT, and the program's medical advisor Keith R.
Death
In 2007 a 15-year-old boy, Caleb Jensen, was killed at Wilderness Quest in Monticello, UT, and the program's medical advisor Keith R. Hooker was indicted for negligent homicide.
source
2013
Closed
As Wilderness Conquest
Nothing on record is dated to these years yet.
As Wilderness Quest
Incidents on record
-
2007 Death
In 2007 a 15-year-old boy, Caleb Jensen, was killed at Wilderness Quest in Monticello, UT, and the program's medical advisor Keith R. Hooker was indicted for negligent homicide.source
News coverage
-
Seen 'n Heard - Apr, 2000 Issue (page 3)
The April 2000 issue of Seen 'n Heard reports several updates on special schools and programs, including the formation of a new non‑profit, staffing changes, and upcoming wilderness therapy sessions. No allegations of abuse or misconduct are reported.
-
Seen 'n Heard - Apr, 1997 Issue (page 3)
The article presents brief announcements concerning several therapeutic programs, including staffing updates, program size reductions, expansion plans, and a legal suit related to school outsourcing. No allegations of abuse or incidents involving survivors are reported.
Staff
Administration
-
Greg Hitchcock
Former Executive Director (2007)source
Elsewhere in the industry
- AIM House Staff, 2008
- Mount Bachelor Academy Wilderness Program staff, 2009
- Abundant Life Academy Principal, Board Member, Corporate Officer, Principal, Board Member and Corporate Officer, Board Member/Corporate Officer, 2010-2026
- Zion Educational Systems Principal, Board Member, Corporate Officer, 2010-2026
- InnerPathWorks Co-Director, 2012
- Wingate Wilderness Therapy Staff, 2013
- Cedu Staff, before 2019
- CEDU High School Headmaster, Director of California Operations
- Rocky Mountain Academy administrator
-
Troy Knight
Former Executive Director (2007)source
Elsewhere in the industry
- Clearview Horizon Executive Director, 2009
- Ascent Wilderness Program Healthcare Administration Program Director, 2008
-
Larry Wells
Former Founder, Executive Director (1988-2009)source
Elsewhere in the industry
- Cayenne Recovery Ranch Addiction Treatment Team Lead, 2009
-
David LePere
Former Executive Director (before 2007)source
Elsewhere in the industry
- Cherokee Creek Boys School Executive Director, 2007-2014
- CEDU High School Director, before 2007
- Mount Bachelor Academy Staff, before 2007
- CEDU Middle School Director, before 2007
- Highland Wilderness Adventure Program Staff, 1980
- Natsap President of the Board of Directors
- Compass Rose Academy Former Board of Directors member, Board member
- CEDU Family of Services director
- Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Industry Council member
Notable staff
-
Anngela Ritter
Former Admissions/Marketing Director (2009)source
Elsewhere in the industry
- Life Designs Ranch Staff, 2007
- Life Designs Staff, 2008
-
Janice Knight
Former Clinical Director (2008)source
Elsewhere in the industry
- Elk Mountain Academy Therapist
-
Paula Riggs
Former Director of Admissions (2009)source
Elsewhere in the industry
- CEDU High School Admissions Director, 1997
- Casa Palmera Director of Admissions, 2009
- Wingate Wilderness Therapy Admissions, 2013
- Clearview Horizon Director of Admissions, 2019
- Elk Mountain Academy Admissions Counselor and Director
-
Kim Minarik
Former Therapist (before 2009)source
Elsewhere in the industry
- Life Designs Clinical Director, 2009
- Breakwater Expeditions Trip facilitator
- Treehouse Learning Community Staff
- Life Designs Ranch Counselor
-
Guy Hardcastle
Former Director of Operations (before 2009)source
Elsewhere in the industry
- Ascent Inc. Director of Business Development, before 2009
- West Ridge Academy Director of Business Development, Director of Admissions, 2009-2010
- Ascent Wilderness Program Director of Business Development, 2008
-
Ramon Palacios
Former Staff (before 2009)source
Elsewhere in the industry
- Ascent Inc. Staff, 2006
- Heart Cry Recovery Executive Director, Founder, 2009
- Passages to Recovery Staff, before 2009
- Four Circles Recovery Center Founding team member, before 2009
- Northwest Academy Staff, 2010
- Ascent Wilderness Program Program Director, 2025
- Boulder Creek Academy Chemical Dependency Counselor
-
Derek Cook
Former Clinical Directorsource
Elsewhere in the industry
- Wingate Wilderness Therapy Therapist
- Turning Point Founder
-
Jeff Johnson
Former Admissions Directorsource
Elsewhere in the industry
- Mount Bachelor Academy Admissions Director, 2000
- Aspen Education Group Director of Special Projects/Wilderness Division, Director of Marketing and Admissions, 2000
- Auldern Academy Interim Admissions Director, Admissions Director, 2007
- Onpoint Consultants, LLC Founder, Owner, 2007-2008
- Association of Mediation and Transport Services (AMATS) Executive Director, 2007-2008
- AMATS (Association of Mediation and Transport Services) Executive Director, 2007
- SunHawk Academy Director of Admissions, Admissions Director, 2008-2021
- Association of Mediation and Transportation Services Executive Director, before 2008
- Trails Carolina Admissions Director, Director of Admissions, 2012
- SUWS Idaho Admissions Director, before 2012
- Allynwood Academy Enrollment Development & Referral Relations, Admissions Director, 2014
- Reflections for Youth Executive Director, 2020
- Skyline Journey Admissions Director
- Ascent Wilderness Therapy Admissions Director
- Adirondack Leadership Expeditions Admissions Director
- Three Rivers Montana Admissions Director
- Lone Star Expeditions Admissions Director
- SUWS of the Carolinas Admissions Director
- Boulder Creek Academy Admissions Director
-
Ken Betts
Former Staffsource
Elsewhere in the industry
- Aspiro Group Inc. Program Director, 2007
- Aspiro Wilderness Adventure Therapy Program Director
- West Ridge Academy/Utah Boys Ranch Director of After Care Services
- Daniels Academy Program Director, 2010
- West Ridge Academy aftercare, after care services director
-
Scott Lantay
Former Field Guidesource
Elsewhere in the industry
- Four Circles Recovery Center Field Guide
-
Keith R. Hooker
Former Medical advisorsource
Elsewhere in the industry
- Alternative Youth Adventures Physician, Medical director/adviser
- Passages to Recovery Medical Director
-
Anthony Geraci
Elsewhere in the industry
- Fulshear Ranch Academy President, 2007
- Wellcore, LLC Founder/President, 2007
- Solacium Chief Operations Officer and Chief Marketing Officer, 2008
- Triple Divide Lodge Co-Founder and Admissions Director, 2021
- San Cristobal Ranch Academy Founder
- New Haven RTC Creation/development/operation, before 2025
- Sunrise RTC
- Fulshear Treatment to Transition
-
John Cohen
Therapist
Elsewhere in the industry
- Pure Life Aspiro Clinical Director, 2014
- Wingate Wilderness Therapy Former Clinical Director (2013)
- Open Sky Wilderness Program therapist
Connections on the network map
The companies, people and programs our research map ties to this program. Open it on the network map.
Names
- Wilderness Conquest
Documents
Woodbury Reports Mentions (17)
-
Woodbury Reports, April 2009 (#176), P. 6: Wilderness Quest Woodbury Reports page -
Woodbury Reports, December 2007 (#160), Pp. 28-29: Wilderness Quest Woodbury Reports page -
Woodbury Reports, February 2009 (#174), P. 14: Wilderness Quest Woodbury Reports page -
Woodbury Reports, July 2008 (#167), P. 28: Wilderness Quest Woodbury Reports page -
Woodbury Reports, March 2007 (#151), P. 5: Wilderness Quest Woodbury Reports page -
Woodbury Reports, March 2007 (#151), P. 30: Wilderness Quest Woodbury Reports page -
Woodbury Reports, March 2009 (#175), P. 15: Wilderness Quest Woodbury Reports page -
Woodbury Reports, May 2007 (#153), P. 31: Wilderness Quest Woodbury Reports page -
Woodbury Reports, May 2009 (#177), P. 18: Wilderness Quest Woodbury Reports page -
Woodbury Reports, November 2007 (#159), P. 1: Wilderness Quest Woodbury Reports page -
Woodbury Reports, November 2007 (#159), P. 28: Wilderness Quest Woodbury Reports page -
Woodbury Reports, October 2007 (#158), P. 1: Wilderness Quest Woodbury Reports page -
Woodbury Reports, October 2007 (#158), P. 28: Wilderness Quest Woodbury Reports page -
Woodbury Reports, October 2007 (#158), Pp. 27-28: Wilderness Quest Woodbury Reports page -
Woodbury Reports, October 2009 (#182), P. 4: Wilderness Quest Woodbury Reports page -
Woodbury Reports, September 2009 (#181), P. 1: Wilderness Quest Woodbury Reports page -
Woodbury Reports, September 2009 (#181), Pp. 8-9: Wilderness Quest Woodbury Reports page
From the Unsilenced archive
40 documents about Wilderness Quest that Unsilenced collected and Kids Over Profits does not hold a copy of. They open on Unsilenced's Google Drive. Their whole folder: Wilderness Conquest.
Documents
- 1989_08_17___Operators_left_Challenger_program.pdf
- 1990_01_03___New_use_of_national_forest_land.pdf
- 1990_01_04___Adolescent_treatment_program_proposed.pdf
- 1990_03_07___Outside_water_use_temporarily_banned_in_Monticello.pdf
- 1990_05_09___Forest_looks_at_outfitter_requests.pdf
- 1990_05_09___Public_Notice.pdf
- 1990_05_10___Comments_needed_on_mountain_bike_tours.pdf
- 1990_06_27___Monticello_City_Council_approves_1991_budget.pdf
- 1990_06_27___Public_Notice.pdf
- 1990_07_04___Desert_Therapy_groups_still_tangled_in_review_Part_1.pdf
- 1990_07_04___Desert_Therapy_groups_still_tangled_in_review_Part_2.pdf
- 1990_07_29___Therapist_finds_programs_methods_scary.pdf
- 1990_07_29___Wilderness_Therapy_Program_Operating_in_Utah.pdf
- 1990_08_01___Automated_teller_machine_needed__says_board_member.pdf
- 1991_05_22___Recovering_in_the_wilderness.pdf
- 1991_05_22___Wilderness_Conquest_Ad.pdf
- 1991_09_20___Prosecution__Challenger_an_aberration.pdf
- 1995_02_22___Leeza_looks_at_Utahs_Camp_Hell_programs.pdf
- 1995_09_06___Local_wilderness_camp_cleans_countryside.pdf
- 1997_05_28___Letter_from_Wilderness_Quest_director.pdf
- 1998_08_12___Letters_to_the_Editor_Part_1.pdf
- 1998_08_12___Letters_to_the_Editor_Part_2.pdf
- 1999_06_30___Clarifying_Wilderness_Quest_incident.pdf
- 1999_09_22___Letter_to_the_Editor.pdf
- 1999_12_12___Outdoor_therapy_owes_start_to_BYU_instructor.pdf
- 2000_03_08___Wilderness_Quest_awarded_accreditation_from_joint_commission_.pdf
- 2000_04_05___Charges_pending_in_attack_on_Wilderness_Quest_staff.pdf
- 2001_06_20___Wilderness_Quest_marks_30_years_of_hoods_in_the_woods.pdf
- 2001_07_25___Busy_week_for_Search___Rescue.pdf
- 2002_04_10___Public_Notice.pdf
- 2002_04_11___Public_Notice.pdf
- 2002_06_13___Public_Notice.pdf
- 2003_04_16___Wilderness_Quest_earns_accreditation.pdf
- 2004_02_04___Wilderness_Quest_at_national_conference.pdf
- 2005_01_12___Wilderness_Quest_reviews_successful_year_with_100_students.pdf
- 2005_08_03___Thank_You.pdf
- Additional Links for Wilderness Conquest.xlsx
- Additional Links for Wilderness Quest.xlsx
- Additional Links for Wilderness Success.xlsx
- Wilderness Quest.pdf
Wiki entries
We have questions about Wilderness Quest
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Materials and links
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Reference and research
From SCIAD NET.