Teen Life How's Teens Deal With...
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Teen Boot Camps Do Boot Camps Really Work? - What Problems Do They "Fix"? - How Have I Been Able To Relate?
What Are "Teen Boot Camps?" Started as an alternative to jail for juvenile adolescents, there are several types of teen boot camps from state run to privately run where the teen will be mentally and physically challenged. These facilities can be a starting place for getting your teen help. In both the state and private environment the camps goal is to scare kids straight generally only giving a good short-term solution. Parents often seek out boot camps with the assumption that a "wake up call" is all that is needed for their troubled teen. Boot Camps are often short-term, however, long-term boot camps have increased in popularity for their ability to help defiant adolescents improve their behavior at home and school. They are modeled after military-style, military exercises, and intense physical training focusing on reality, respect and responsibility. Many teens lack these qualities, yet they desperately need them in order to successfully transition into adulthood. This experience can help teens replace destructive attitudes and behaviors with new perspectives and direction in their lives. The theology behind a short-term camp being that a "quick reality check" will turn a child around who has been acting out. These boot camp style programs are usually ineffective for teens that have developed bad habits over a long period of time and are in need of long term change. What's It Like To Be In A "Teen Boot Camp?" A true teen boot camp will include uniforms, marching in formation as well as a "yes sir" and "no sir" mentality. They will include a very structured environment that includes the trainers getting right in the face of the cadet. Barracks will be similar to those in the U.S. Military's "basic training" program and will be authentic in areas including bunk beds, foot lockers and a very strict, no holes barred system of inspections that must be completed without error if the teen is to survive the ordeal, even for a short period of time. Whether a child is able to handle this type of environment is actually a question that must be considered before a parent puts a struggling teen in the midst of these intense drill instructors and within the environment that does not permit any outside contact for a prescribed period of time. Parents should consider more than just if the cadet can survive. They should consider whether juvenile boot camps are the right choice for a troubled teen. It is clear that teens with behavioral problems that are beyond the scope of these environments should not be considered for teen boot camps. These type of programs are designed as a quick fix and may help a struggling teen with respect, obedience and appreciation. However, they are not a good long term option for teens that need help. Recidivism rates suggest that they are not a good solution for long term change. Can Teen Boot Camps Have Negative Effects On A Teen? Whether your child will be able to handle such an environment is actually a very important question that you must consider as a parent. Before putting your struggling teen in the midst of these strict drill sergeants and within such a harsh environment that doesn't permit any outside contact for a period of time, you must think carefully whether or not your child will be able to survive this. Is There A Specific Age Group That Teen Boot Camps Have The Most Effect On? As a parent, sending your teen away to a boot camp might be very hard. Generally, disturbed teens from the age of 13-15 are sent to boot camps, as these are the most receptive years in a child. At the age of 13-15, it is easier to control and direct disruptive children. But, as the kids get older and still continue to show disturbing behavioral patters, then it gets a bit tougher to deal with them. What Problems Do Teen Boot Camps "Fix"? Some boot camps focus on experiential therapy that can positively affect teenagers with certain issues like Autism, Obesity, ADHD, Asperser's, Behavioral problems and learning disorders. Troubled youth and teenagers with special needs don't generally fit into the ordinary summer camps. Shoplifters, joy riders, car stealers and tearaway's are all sent to boot camps. Parents with teens who are headed down the 'wrong way' will always see dramatic changes in their child's behavior, attitude, and motivation after a visit to one of these boot camps. How Much Do Teen Boot Camps Cost? Boot Camps for teens tend to charge more then a typical Behavior Modification School because they are only 30 days so they feel that parents are willing to pay more for one month then they are for several months over a year. Boot Camps cost between $5,000 and $10,000 for the 30 day stay. Health & Safety Issues Health and Safety of your teen should be considered when choosing a juvenile boot camp. Boot camps have come under fire recently with health and safety issues. Some may attempt to push a child too much or may be to extreme with their in your face approach. Many choose to use too much military drill instructor techniques. While the drill sergeant may have success with military basic training cadets who have voluntarily gone to boot camp. Ex-drill sergeants may be ineffective with a struggling teen that is not as motivated as some one enrolled into the military. How Have I Been Able To Relate? I have not personally experienced a Teen Boot Camp first hand, but I am very fond of someone who has. John* who is sixteen now, was enrolled into "Respect Camp" when he was 13. His mother and stepfather decided he should go because John was heavily involved in drugs for a kid his age, and his attitude toward his mother was completely out of control. He had even been getting into physical fights with his stepfather, so his mother and stepfather didn't really see any other way than to send him to a Teen Boot Camp. He had spent a few months there going through rigorous training and exercises. When he returned home, his attitude had improved for a short while. But sooner or later his negative attitude returned and his issues with his family were back to the way they had been before "Respect Camp." So, in some cases, it really is just a waste of time and money. But in others, there really is quite a success rate. It all just depends on the child and how they let the Teen Boot Camp affect them. Sources & Links On Teen Boot Camps: Remember, I'm here to help you the readers, with everyday problems and situations. If you have any ideas for an article, that you want addressed, feel free to e-mail me! Love, Christina |
