Something was wrong is intended for mature audiences and discusses upsetting topics.

Season 24 survivors discuss violence that they endured as children, which may be triggering for some

listeners. As always, please consume with care. For a full content warning, sources and resources

for each episode, please visit the episode notes.

Opinions shared by the guests of the show are their own, and do not necessarily represent

the views of broken cycle media. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty

in a court of law. Responses to allegations from individual institutions are included within the season.

Something was wrong and any linked materials should not be misconstrued as a substitution

for legal or medical advice.

In our final two episodes this season, Survivor Max and their dad join us to share their experiences

navigating institutions in the so-called troubled teen industry. Max was transported to the

Wilderness Therapy Program, Sage Walk Wilderness School, in 2007 at the age of 14. Sagewalk Wilderness School began operation in Oregon in the late 1990s,

and served adolescents between the ages of 13 and 17

with behavioral, emotional, or academic challenges.

In December 2005, it was acquired by Aspen Education Group, a large provider of programs.

While SageWalk allegedly promoted a model that combined wilderness challenge, therapy, and

skills development, the program came under great scrutiny. In August 2009, a 16-year-old student died of heatstroke

after being required to carry an 80-pound backpack during a hike in high-temperature conditions.

After the child's death, Sagewalk faced heightened scrutiny, investigations, and a wrongful death lawsuit.

Additional allegations surfaced over the years describing neglectful supervision

and pressure placed on students to comply under physically and emotionally taxing circumstances.

Although not all allegations resulted in formal findings, they contributed to the

...