Big Cypress Wilderness Institute

/mary-m-johnson big_cypress_wilderness 25959 Turner River Road HCR 61 Box 77 FL 34141-2031 (239) 695-1001 (239) 695-1004 bigcypress-ED@amikids.org 35, Ages 14-18 AMIKids, Inc http://www.amikids.org/ Moderate-Risk /facilities/restrictiveness-levels#Moderate

Non-Secure

20 Ochopee Ron Boyce Director

Yes

Yes

Male

This program provides Behavioral Health Overlay Services (BHOS), social and life skills, and on-site educational classes.  Youth must be physically and mentally able to perform strenuous work in a hot, humid environment within the Big Cypress Reserve. Park service projects, activity-driven curricula and recreational components provide youth with opportunities for growth in self-esteem, self-image, confidence, social skills, teamwork and leadership skills. No arson, or suicide risks accepted. Youth with asthma require medical clearance.  The anticipated average length of stay is 6 to 9 months.

Big Cypress Wilderness Institute (school number 119012) is a Type 2 program offering English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and one elective course. The elective course is typically used to provide additional reading assistance to needy students or vocational training.

Education and vocational services are provided through the Collier County School District. Vocational opportunities include: Culinary Arts.

From Ft. Myers, travel south on I-75 to exit 80 (highway 29). Exit and go south on Highway 29 towards Everglades City. At intersection of Highway 29 and Highway 41 turn left (east). Proceed past Big Cypress National Preserve Headquarters, Wooten’s Airboats and Ochopee. At CR 839 (Turner River Road), H.P. Wayside Park, turn left (north). Program is approximately 3.5 miles on the left. Collier

Yes