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In theory it sounds pretty simple. Match your troubled teenager’s problems with the services of a particular facility. That means two things. You need to know your teenager’s needs and exactly what each type of facility has to offer.
But a general choice is probably not good enough. If you decide that a boot camp is the ideal location for your boy or girl, you then should ask, “Which one?” The camps may have the same set-up and goals but each will have their own style and methods. The location too is important. Asking parents who have already had a teenager at a particular camp may be an excellent way to help you choose.
So what teen programs are available and what should you look for?
Boot camps are not for the feint-hearted. They are like army training camps with lots of physical activity, firm discipline and basic accommodation. This is no holiday camp. Usually these camps are suitable for teenagers who have been troubled for a number of years and who have been ignoring rules and disobeying their parents and teachers for some time. That’s when they’ve actually been at school. Some boot camps offer services to do with therapy and psychology to help educate the residents. It sounds brutal but of course the worst part is not being allowed to stay in bed, having to run those miles and having to eat wholesome food. If you want your teenager to respect others, including their own parents, then a boot camp could be the answer.
Wilderness camps are so-called because of their location. They certainly aren’t in the middle of town. These camps are in the desert or mountains or some rural setting which is pretty isolated. They can last for as long as 60 days although shorter sessions are held. They aim to pit participants against nature asking them to prepare their own food and tackle the physical activities of outdoor adventures. Participants have to capture their own water supply, gather firewood, make fire to light their firewood and cook their own meals. If you want your teenager to build self-confidence, learn new skills and become independent, this type of camp has much to offer. Your teenager will learn the importance and benefits of teamwork, of working with and not against others.
Boarding Schools are in many ways ordinary schools except that the students who attend have been referred to the school because of problems they are experiencing. It might be the teens are from an unhappy domestic situation or have fallen in with the wrong crowd or need to get away from their current situation to make a go of their life. Of course the obvious difference is that at the end of the school day, the students don’t go home to live with their parents. The students board at the school and may only return home at weekends or at terms breaks. As well as routine educational activities, students are taught life skills to help make them worthwhile members of society.
The curriculum varies from school to school hence the need for you, the parent, to check out what’s on offer and choose the right school for the needs of your troubled teenager. In some schools, the student signs up for a certain length of time e.g. two years. The curriculum includes programs to promote healthy relationships, emotional growth and academic success. Often the arts and outdoor adventure are part of this whole-person approach.
Residential Treatment Centers are designed to work with deeply troubled teenagers who may be suicidal, suffer from drug or alcohol abuse, have mental health problems or depression, etc. These centers are usually superbly equipped and staffed by professionals. Obviously cost is a factor here and one piece of good news is that some insurance companies will pay for some of the costs of between 30 to 60 days tuition in certain centers. As a parent you would have to have grave concerns for your teenager if using such a facility. It means your son or daughter is in harm’s way. The centers work closely with the parents in offering intense one-on-one counseling to assist each patient. It is a safe environment and one from which your teenager has an excellent chance of making a strong recovery.
Good advice is that you should have a follow-up plan once your teenager checks out of the residential treatment center. Even a 60 day stay may not be enough for a seriously troubled teenager. From the center your child could go to an appropriate boarding school such as mentioned in the section above. Sometimes there is no such thing as quick fix. Be prepared for the long or at least the longer haul.
Christian and Faith-Based Schools; Some so-called religious schools may not actually teach religion as such but share curriculum ideals such as honesty, hard work, respect and kindness such as would be found in a Christian school. If you believe the teachings found in the Ten Commandments are a good basis for educating children, then this type of school may well suit your teenager. The basis of this type of school is that the family is important and respect for one’s parents is the basis for every happy family. Often these schools are boarding schools and outdoor education forms a solid part of the curriculum. Often the school will have animals. Students are put in charge of an animal or animals such as a horse. Not only does the teenager learn the skills or feeding, grooming and riding, they learn to take responsibility for the care and maintenance of the animal. This of course flows into the rest of their life helping them to become responsible and show respect for others. Again there are many such camps and this is where your research skills are important.
Do remember though that you are choosing a facility which is the best for your teenager and not for you.
Summary
Teenagers are unique. Troubled teenagers have their own specific problems and issues. Once you are sure you know their problem, you are in a position to find the best program. The options offer a wide range from tough and hard to more gentle. Thoroughly investigate all options because you are dealing with a precious commodity – your troubled teenager.
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