Sky's the Limit Fund

In 2022, the United States Surgeon General declared a mental health crisis in America, and U.S. adolescents and young adults have been suffering for far longer. In the 10 years leading up to the pandemic, feelings of persistent sadness and hopelessness—as well as suicidal thoughts and behaviors—increased by about 40% among young people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Our mission at Sky's the Limit Fund (STLF) is to provide extensive support and financial assistance for wilderness therapy and nature-based therapy programs to adolescents and young adults in crisis and their families in need. Since 2010, we have served over 1,260 families and provided more than $7.2M of support. The total support including our Program Partner’s reduction in fees is over $13M. This helps families who otherwise may not be able to afford this life-saving and life-transforming treatment they need. Sky's the Limit Fund does not charge for programs and services and relies 100% on donations from individuals and organizations.

Adolescents and young adults today are experiencing an epidemic of loneliness, social isolation, and disconnection. Mental health conditions in America are complex, and sometimes traditional clinical therapy and medication does not work. 

Wilderness therapy and nature-based therapy programs are uniquely equipped to address the challenges of social isolation, addiction, and mental health conditions in adolescents and young adults. 

A fusion of outdoor activities, therapeutic interventions with licensed mental health professionals, and collaborative group experiences combine to help participants overcome personal struggles and foster meaningful connections with themselves, each other and the world around them.

These programs offer participants a variety of safe physical challenges that encourage teamwork and collaboration, teach the value of cooperation and mutual support, cultivate emotional resilience, develop the ability to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity, and empower our youth to handle social interactions with greater confidence and emotional intelligence.

These treatments are expensive, rarely covered by health insurance, and cost-prohibitive to many families. Sky’s the Limit Fund provides direct financial support to families to help bridge this financial gap, and expand access to those with financial need.

Testimonials

From parent(s):

“We can’t express enough that this program saved my sons life. He was in a dark space when he attended wilderness therapy last summer. The program changed his state of mind and provided him many tools to use. It also provided our family a way to communicate with each other.”     

“Wilderness therapy helped give our daughter an abrupt and needed separation from friend and behavior choices that were highly detrimental to her future. It also gave our family time to heal from trauma around the home so that we could develop empathy for each other."     

From wilderness therapy graduate:

"Being fully immersed in nature, guided by passionate and empowering staff, and presented with situations where I could learn and grow have given me the strength to keep moving forward. I've gained so many tools and resources to be my best self and have safe, mutually beneficial relationships. I can confidently say my life has completely changed because of wilderness therapy, and I'm eternally grateful to all who supported me. We were often reminded that "You get what you put in" and to "Trust the process". So if you are on the fence about going to the woods to heal, hold these words close to your heart, open your mind, step up, and get ready for change."                              

From program partner: 

“Because of our recent partnership with STLF, I feel even better about the work I'm doing every day with these adolescents and young adults. I'm excited to come to work for each shift knowing my organization is dedicated to helping people afford wilderness therapy, and to sharing the magic that happens here."