Hi there. I have some experience in dealing with troubled youth and I think your program idea is great but I would be surprised if some how the units didn't get "lost" in the woods. A better solution to the problem might be to teach them how to use a compass and map. The concept is not hard and any reputable outdoors store would be happy to give you a crash course in map use.
In a nutshell you could tell the kids to hide along a set route until they find a way point in the woods (say a large painted sign or board with a hole punch tied to it for marking their cards). From there they can navigate to the next way point. Each way point will have directions to the next.
A decent compass is only $20
http://www.rei.com/online/store/Search?top...vcat=REI_SEARCH
Well I hope that helps. Your a brave person to work with those the rest of us have written off. Good Luck.
Cheers,
Christopher.
