Boot Camps vs. Wilderness Camps

Boot Camp for Teens

Boot Camps for teens are most often militaristic and are designed to Òbreak downÓ the teen. Boot camps are often used as an alternative to jail in the juvenile justice system. These camps often consist of military type training including strenuous exercise and work detail. Some would say these camps utilize scare tactics to steer behaviors. These boot camps are used as a means to regain immediate control and force compliance and obedience to persons of authority. Some studies have shown undeniable results stating success in rehabilitating these youth from troubled teens to contributing members of society. Some experts disagree because the core issues that brought the teen to the camp were not dealt with on an emotional or psychological level. Individual therapy is a key element that is often found absent in these organizations. Some believe that the issues of defiance, drugs, criminal behavior, etc. are simply surface issues which stem from much deeper internal issues such as abuse, developmental delay, dysfunctional family systems, etc. If these issues are not addressed and resolved now, the child will be left to do so at a later time. It is argued that simply changing ones behavior using the ÔBreak them down and build them upÓ method in fact does not resolve these deep rooted issues. This confrontational aggressive approach will change this behavior quickly and effectively. The question is will this change last?

Wilderness Camps for Teens

A Wilderness camp is often confused with boot camps. Wilderness camps often incorporate and utilize therapy as part of the process. Wilderness programs rely on a therapeutic environment and experiential education. These wilderness camps utilize the outdoors to provide this experiential education. These professionals will put the youth in tough situations where they will have to rely on principles such as communication, team work, dedication, work ethic, individual will and strength to overcome and accomplish the task at hand. The children are guided to success while embarking on this journey of self exploration. Those who operate these camps often feel as though they are tainted by the bad reputation of boot camps. Wilderness programs are not designed to simply through kids in the woods and force them to survive. This is a safe environment where children are challenged to explore their feelings and talk to people, instead of suppressing their anger, sadness, self doubt, and other issues that are harmful to todayÕs youth. The Therapeutic approach is likely to take longer to get the results you want, but the results should be lasting.

Boot Camps vs. Wilderness Camps

The structure and design of these two programs are far apart. Wilderness camps that offer this therapeutic approach should not be confused with boot camps. These programs do not utilize force, scare tactics, and unnecessary restraints to gain compliance. Boot Camps operate at a very high level of intensity and believe strongly in confrontation involving screaming and intimidation. In addition they utilize physical punishments such as work detail attached to a behavior. Wilderness programs utilize natural consequences with a therapeutic approach designed to help the child truly learn from his behaviors. The decision of which approach is better is one left up to the parents. Parents should use extreme caution when trying to find the right option for their families. Each program should be looked at closely. Parents have the right to interview each program, and to visit these camps whenever possible. Parents are encouraged to seek help from a qualified professional when making this decision.