Kinds of Boot Camps for Troubled Teens

The kinds of teenage boot camps for troubled teenagers range from length of stay to ownership. Long-term as well as short-term teen boot camps exist, and so do private boot camps and state boot camps. Certain boot camps for troubled teens will not accept those teenagers who do not agree to participate in the camp while others will take in defiant teens even if they do not consent. Some boot camps can even last for a weekend.

Long-term boot camps vs. Short-term boot camps

Generally speaking, most long-term boot camps can be more effective for your defiant teen but some short-term camps have their own kinds of benefits. For a younger adolescent whose defiance is just beginning, a weekend boot camp to keep him in top shape might do the trick. But for those defiant teenagers whose actions have been repetitive and whose behavior has been exhibited in prolonged defiance may require a year.

“Free” Boot Camps (or those owned by the State)

If cost is a major consideration concerning your choice of teen boot camp, there are actually “free” boot camps which the state sponsors. They may be otherwise known as prison boot camps. A drawback of these types of boot camps is the fact that your teenager will not be a far way from home. After the camp is over, your teen may easily get in contact with those negative influences or peers that may have jumpstarted his defiant behavior in the first place. You must also consider the fact that the participants in these boot camps are mostly court-ordered. If your teenager has not had his own share of brushes with the law it might not be a good idea to expose him to those who have this early. When you take these points into consideration, the “free” part of the boot camp may actually seem to cost your teen more than you might initially think.

Specialty Boot Camps for Particular Teen Troubles

Specialty boot camps also exist which cater to a number of different issues. There are Christian boot camps which may include working on a teen’s spiritual well-being. There are also a number of specialty boot camps dedicated to the treatment of substance abuse. In these types of camps, not only may a teenager receive academic enrichment but therapy for substance abuse simultaneously. Teenagers are individuals with different types of problems. This is where specialty boot camps can prove to be very handy. These types of boot camps may have programs that can range from 2 weeks to months. If you know of a specialty boot camp that may cater to your troubled teen’s particular needs, then go with the camp that can help him the most.

Considering the Importance of Support Groups and Tough Love

If money is what is stopping you from getting your defiant teenager some help, there are actually a number of support groups around the country which represent the use of tough love. These groups may make you more aware of what legally allows you to discipline your teenager and to what extent.