Wilderness Program at CWC

The Wilderness Program (WP) at Cancer and Wellness Center (CWC) is designed to address the unique needs of young adults in a restorative environment. WP deliberately makes use of the healing effect of wilderness settings.

Location: Midwest
Duration: 5-6 days
Age: 20-40 years old
Cost: Free (transportation is not included)
Description: WP encourages young adults to step out into the wilderness and challenge themselves while allowing nature to help heal. New friendships will be made while learning to appreciate the peacefulness of the great outdoors.
For more details or questions: Evan Byer: ebyer@cancerwellness.org
Phone: 847-562-4979

The Wilderness Program for Young Adults

The Wilderness Program (WP) is the first of its kind at CWC to address the unique needs of young adults in a restorative environment. It involves day-long hiking and extended-weekend backpacking trips at some of the most scenic places in the Midwest. WP is designed to foster personal and social responsibility, and enhance the emotional growth of individuals.

WP deliberately makes use of the healing effect of wilderness settings. The main intention is to provide young adult cancer survivors and caretakers with opportunities to make contact with the meanings and consequences derived from engaging in natural settings over a prolonged period of time.

It is specifically created for young adults, which we define as 20-40. However, if you feel like you are a young adult and would like to be included in trips please don’t hesitate to contact us to see if our programs may be appropriate for you. The program is led by one of our psychologists, Evan Byer. Please contact Evan at ebyer@cancerwellness.org for more information.

Evan Byer, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist who works as a Clinical Associate at our Northbrook office. He received his doctorate in clinical psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology in Chicago. Evan specializes in working with young adults but also sees individuals, couples and families throughout the lifespan. His professional interests include phenomenological approaches to treatment, wilderness therapy, and gelotology (the study of laughter)