Kroka’s Wilderness Expeditions
are the most effective antidote possible
against the epidemic of technology-induced anxiety, loneliness, and depression.

Kroka programs, since their inception, have always been technology-free for staff and participants.  This means, from the moment the program begins until the moment it ends, participants will not carry or use any electronic devices such as cell phones, tablets, smart-watches, gaming devices, laptops, or MP3 players.

For many young people, their time with Kroka is the ONLY time in their life when they experience adults and peers being totally present to one another without the distractions of a screen.   Most young people describe this sensation as incredibly liberating and healing:

  • To fill each day with rich authentic experiences: fresh air,  hard work, and health risk taking adventures and sports.
  • To have the time and space for deep conversation about matters of the head or the heart.
  • To create one’s own entertainment through songs, skits, and organic humor arising from the occasion at hand.
  • To practice essential practical skills: tending a fire, filtering water, mending clothing, cooking a meal, building a shelter
  • To rely on one’s sense of direction, a map, and a compass needle to nagivate through the landscape.
  • To encounter new people with generous warmth and confidence – making new friends, sharing stories, finding common ground

ARE YOU or YOUR CHILD STRUGGLING FROM AN ADDICTION TO TECHNOLOGY, GAMING, OR SOCIAL MEDIA?

Time at Kroka is certain be guaranteed technology-free healing time – however, Kroka is not a wilderness therapy program or a last-resort for desperate families.  We are a non-profit school that provides authentic experiences for cohorts of young people of extraordinary character and determination.  It is essential that all of our students choose to come here of their own initiative and sincere interest.

A KROKA EXPEDITION OFFERS POSITIVE ALTERNATIVES TO TECHNOLOGICAL ENTERTAINMENT:

It is not enough to remove technology from a young-person’s life without also filling that hole with something else positive and challenging.   At Kroka. young people are filled in so many ways:

  • our artistic and literary curriculum (songs, theater, creative writing) stretches participants to take emotional risks and unleash creativity
  • the physical challenge of expedition travel (hiking, canoeing, biking) challenge strength, stamina, and technical skills
  • unique roles or “big jobs” require taking real responsibility for essential parts of the expedition that other people will be counting on each day for survival:  food manager, water manager, fire manager, navigator, gear manager, health officer, rigger, boatswain, etc.

WHICH KROKA PROGRAMS OFFER THE BEST OPPORTUNITY FOR HEALING:

For adolescents ages 16+, Kroka’s semester programs are unconditionally life-changing technology-free semesters – offering four-month or five-month total immersion in a real technology-free life.   For those who cannot imagine being away for that long, we recommend Kroka’s two-week and three-week summer programs, which taken consecutively, can provide up to six continuous weeks of continuous healthy screen-free living.