Boot Camp Alternatives

It used to be true that most troubled youths either grew up to be troubled adults, figured their problems out on their own, or were sent to a boot camp or military school for troubled youth. You can probably picture the crew-cut, 1960's dad telling his long-haired, pot-smoking teenaged son that he better get his act together or he's going to land in military school. Well, when this was the case, boot camp was probably the only real option for upset and frustrated parents. Now, however, there are alternatives to boot camps for troubled youth everywhere you turn.

One of these options is a residential treatment program for troubled youths. Many of these programs are run by compassionate non-profit organizations who are the furthest thing from the military you can imagine. Residential treatment programs for troubled youths usually involve several components, including formal schooling, drug and alcohol rehab, group and individual counseling, and fun interaction with other troubled youths. By the end of a residential treatment program, troubled youths can become completely different people - normal, happy, well-adjusted teenagers and young adults.

A second popular alternative to boot camps for troubled youth is the wilderness camp. This short-term program is similar to a boot camp in that it involves getting away from home for a few weeks or just a couple of months, but the similarities end there. Instead of instilling values through rigid discipline, wilderness camps put troubled youth in a new, wonderful environment where they learn to survive in the wild, to treat natural things with respect, and to build relationships with responsible adults and like-minded peers. Wilderness programs can give troubled youths a sense of confidence, a new leadership ability, and a personal peace that can't be had when they are constantly being bombarded with negative thoughts and images.

Besides these two programs, there are also day camp programs and private schools that may be helpful for troubled youths, but residential treatment and wilderness programs are the most like boot camps in that they are short term and intensive. So if you're looking for a treatment program for your troubled youth but don't want to turn to the harsh and possible hurtful boot camp, research the availability of these options in your area. Chances are likely you'll be able to find something that will help you and your child.