What We do!
Rewilding offers young adults who have been directly impacted by the criminal justice system opportunities to participate in wilderness adventures designed to empower participants to reimagine what they are capable of. We have positioning ourselves to be one of the tools available to re-entry/transition programs. We seek to assist these programs efforts to support their clients, reduce recidivism and provide individuals with direction and hope for the future.
Course DESCRIPTION
Our program is focused around outdoor adventure activities including mountain climbing and backpacking. During an outing Rewilding participants will venture into wilderness areas accompanied by experienced outdoorsmen of a similar age range. Together they will work as a team to overcome challenges, a process which pushes participants to realize their greater potential. Our curriculum improves integrity, self- esteem, responsibility, decision-making abilities with a heavy emphasis on vulnerable communication.
Rewilding Philosophy
Rewilding is a peer to peer program. We invite adults over the age of 18 to join other adults on adventures together as peers. Under these circumstances trust and communication is developed as groups work as a team to make decisions, solve problems, overcome challenges and achieve goals. In this way successes are a result of the collective team’s efforts, and thus gratification and pride for that success is earned and shared by all.
Program Facilitators
Jesse Spiegel is one of the founders of Rewilding as well as one of the program facilitators. In his youth Jesse found himself repeatedly mixed up with the criminal justice system. It was his introduction to climbing and adventure that allowed him to redefine himself and chart a new course.
It was these early experiences standing in court rooms where Jesse’s eyes were opened to the blatant inequities within our justice systems. Standing next to his lawyer dressed in a suit he witnessed firsthand the difference in how he, a privileged white man, was addressed by the court and ultimately punished. These experiences left a deep imprint that both shaped his views of our systems and gave birth to the Rewilding organization.
As an adventurer Jesse has been climbing for over 20 years. He has traveled the globe climbing and leading adventures in some of the most technical terrains. Prior to Rewilding Jesse earned a business degree at the University of Denver and started eight businesses in a variety of industries.
Vitek Linhart is one of the founders of Rewilding as well as one of the program facilitators. Once a pro skier and runner, Vitek has a masters degree in physical education and years’ of experience working as a ski coach and outdoor educator.
With this background and expertise Vitek has directed the development and implementation of Rewilding’s strategy for fostering personal growth and development through adventure.
Lets COLLABORATE
We are interested in working with organizations that support formerly incarcerated individuals as they make the transition back into their community. If your organization would like to discuss the possibility of working with Rewilding please click the button to get in touch.