FINS
FINS (Families In Need of Services) helps teens transition their lives in more meaningful and positive directions. We emphasize character development, academic achievement and social responsibility to reduce the risk of dropping out of school, substance abuse and future delinquency.
Visit Our FINS Program Webpages
Benefits
- Enhances social skills
- Enriches family relationships
- Improves academic participation
- Decreases delinquent behavior
Student Profile
For teens 13 to 17 years old struggling in their home, school, or peer environments. A typical student may be experiencing one or more of the following:
- Poor academic performance or failure
- Truancy
- Family conflict
- Peer delinquency
- Low self-esteem or motivation
- Poor decision making
- Difficulty with family and/or peer relationships
- Risky behavior, i.e. experimenting with drugs or alcohol; gang related behavior; lying; or stealing
Activities
Depending on the location FINS programs consist of 18 to 20-day wilderness expedition and a 10 to 90-day follow up component that takes place in the students’ home and school environments. Parent involvement is required.
- Wilderness Expeditions
- Canoeing 100 miles or more
- Team Building and Problem Solving Activities
- Challenge Course
- Community Service Projects
- Social and Life Skill Training
- Individualized Goal Planning
- Parent Meetings and Workshops
- Family Mediations
- Personal Challenge Events
Follow Up
- Transition Planning
- Home Visits
- School Visits
- Family Contracting
- Phone Contacts
- Resources for Extended Services
Referrals
Some FINS programs require referrals from local schools or agencies as part of the application process. Families may request a referral.
Program Locations
FINS programs are available to youth and families living in specific counties located within the states of Florida, South Carolina & Alabama.
Florida
Key Largo FINS (Dade & Monroe counties)100693 Overseas Highway
Key Largo, Florida 33037
(305) 453-1298
keylargo@outwardbound.org
Scottsmoor FINS (Brevard, Orange, Seminole & Volusia)
3500 Sunset Avenue
Scottsmoor, Florida 32775
Toll free: 1(866)270-7020
Phone: (321)268-5666
scottsmoor@outwardbound.org
South Carolina
Lowcountry (Charleston, Berkely & Dorchester counties)4042 Highway 17 North
Awendaw, South Carolina 29429
Phone: (843) 849-2545
sclowcountry@outwardbound.org
Alabama
Five Rivers FINS (Baldwin & Mobile counties)265 Young Street
Fairhope, Alabama 36532
(251)990-0323
fiverivers@outwardbound.org