According to Boot Camp Info, a boot camp is a structured environment in which discipline, structure and intense physical activity take place in a military-style environment. A boot camp is generally utilized by parents who are looking for a solution to their teen's unruly behavior. A boot camp is generally run privately and independently and are not controlled by the state. It is slightly different from a boarding school or actual cadet military training as the main goal is to create independence, perseverance and raise self-esteem with a teenager or older child.
Function
One of the main functions of the teen boot camp is to teach the teen a lesson that he can walk away with and use in the real world. Restore Teens states that the main goal of most short-term boot camp facilities is to change the teen's surroundings and instill new learning techniques. Teens are taught to make positive choices and they are rewarded for their good behavior. Physical instruction could be carried out military-style with a routine of getting up early, performing intense physical activity, such as running, obstacle courses or climbing. Teens are taught self-worth and fulfillment by having chore duties that include cooking, cleaning, gardening, laundry as well as taking care of their own bunks and personal space. The goal of these activities is to instill a new routine and a new way of living they can take with them when they leave.
Time Frame
Teen Boot Camps states that most troubled teens stay at a boot camp facility for around 20 to 40 days at a time. The time frame for most boot camps varies depending on the program the child attends, financial concerns from the parents and availability through the facility. Some facilities offer summer programs where the child or teen can attend for up to four months.
Types
While most boot camps are similar to a military setting with a barracks, mess hall and sterile atmosphere, some camps offer a different approach. The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention states that one of the first juvenile boot camps was developed in 1985 in Orleans Parish, Louisiana. Since then many developers have taken a different approach that is more appealing and offers a change of environment for teens and kids. Wilderness camps offer the child a natural atmosphere and focuses more on surviving amongst natural elements. Depending on the location of the camp, in the desert or in the mountains, kids will learn how to protect themselves and gain perseverance and strength through intense physical constraint. Ranch-style camps offer kids the opportunity to persevere and learn how to respect farm hands and working on a real ranch.
Costs
Most boot camp programs are not covered under private health insurance because they are not a licensed form of therapy. While most locations sub contract licensed therapists and physicians to regularly participate in private and group sessions, they are not with the teens the entire time. Boot Camps Info states that some programs, such as wilderness-style programs, can cost up to $18,000 per stay. Some programs offer monthly installments and accept major credit cards.
Effects
The outcome of boot camps is to restructure participants' behavior and ultimately their way of unruly thinking. While most facilities suggest the teen will walk out of the program with a better understanding of discipline and pride, Teen Boot Camps make an opposing statement. They point out that because the expectations at boot camp are high, many teens will do whatever it takes to get through the program and then are back to their old behavior and lifestyle when they are released.
Member Comments
mzigg September 23
This article talks about what boot camps ARE, but doesn't adequately address their effectiveness (or lack of effectiveness). Wrong title for the article.