Teen boot camps assist teens who are troubled, out of control or have anger management issues. Teen boot camp is a last resort to assist teens who are not deemed mentally or physically impaired. The goal of most teen boot camps is to establish positive behaviors through hard work and discipline. Teaching teens how to respect others and themselves while focusing on effective social skills allows them to readapt into society.
Types
There are three different variations of teen boot camps: a wilderness program, military style and therapeutic. Wilderness programs incorporate hard-core and physically demanding pressure on the teen. Teens are taken to a remote outdoor location where a team of outdoor survivalists and military-trained personnel closely guard them in a wilderness environment. Teens are exposed to the wilderness and learn how to care for themselves through survival techniques. A traditional teen boot camp may incorporate military-style training into the teen's length of stay. This means the teen is forced to follow a strict regimen of military-style training that includes physical training, mental strength skills, discipline, obedience by incorporating authority and respect. Therapeutic boot camps are not as physically challenging as other boot camps but still focus on structure and responsibility. They explore the teen's individual issues through mental evaluations followed by therapy and counseling.
Atmosphere
A boot camp atmosphere is extremely structured and enforced. Teens are not able to slack off and be verbally abusive to others. The program is held in an environment that allows the adults and instructors to verbally speak and physically reprimand teens who are not following orders. Reprimands include training or work that pushes the teen to their maximum physical endurance level. This type of therapy is used to instill a responsible attitude of self-discipline and increased self-worth that only the teen can accomplish on his own.
Reasons
The reasons why teens are sent to boot camp are either at the discretion of their parents or through a recommendation by law enforcement or school. Teens who showcase out-of-control behavior, isolation, drug use, physical abuse, verbal abuse and commit crimes are good candidates to attend a boot camp session. Parents who are unable to control their teens and their behavior may find teen boot camp a last resort.
Time Frame
Teen boot camps generally have to be held over a length of time for training and therapy to be complete. According to boot-camps-info.com, most boot camps average between 28 and 35 days, costing between $8,000 and $14,000 dollars. More intense boot camps and wilderness camp programs can last between three and six months.
Effects
The effects on the teen completing boot camp are to regain an understanding of how to be respectful to others and to showcase self-worth and improved self-esteem. Acknowledging that substance abuse and disrespecting others is not a way to succeed in life will allow them to change their perspective on their own emotional growth. Instilling values such as staying in school, promoting positive friendships and respecting family members and educators are some of the main effects that each program tries to achieve.
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