Boot Camp For Troubled Teens: Effective Camps & Military Schools (All 50 States)

Parenting at-risk teens is often challenging, causing parents to seek alternative solutions to restore their kids to the right path. These alternative solutions could be boot camps, residential treatment programs, or therapeutic programs. In this article, you will learn:

· How to deal with a troubled teen?

· What bootcamping is all about?

· The difference between boot camps and boarding schools.

· Why do these programs work for troubled teens?

Table Of Contents

How Do You Deal With a Troubled Teen?

Parenting troubled teens is not an easy job. It is filled with high and low moments that bring joy and pain. It is normal to feel like things are beyond your control when raising a highly sensitive teen.

One moment you are both having a great time laughing over a meme. The next, they are screaming at you when you offer advice on handling projects. It takes great wisdom to be the parent they need you to be in these painful situations.

You’ll need to avoid communicating with them when you’re feeling triggered because talking to them when you’re angry or feeling frustrated by their actions will not yield positive results.
Instead, once your anger has simmered, try to find common ground and be there for them even though they will reject your help.

It will be beneficial to establish some sort of boundary or rule with your teen when they are angry. Try to give them a safe space to relieve their anger. Also, take note of their triggers or warning signs. If, for some reason, you feel threatened by your teen by the off chance, do not hesitate to call a loved one or the necessary authorities for help.

The famous proverb says it takes a whole village to raise a child. Therefore, when you notice recidivistic behavioral problems among at-risk teens, you might need outside help from troubled teen programs to induce positive changes.

Here is what you need to know about these teenage boot camps, residential treatment centers, wilderness programs, residential treatment programs, and therapeutic boarding schools that cater to the needs of troubled youth.

Where in the USA are they Located?

According to the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs, about 140 accredited therapeutic programs exist across the US that adopts a data-driven treatment approach. They can be found in nearly all the states, including New York and New Jersey.

State	Boot Camps and Therapeutic Programs	Ratings
Alabama	New Lifehouse Academy *The Pinnacle Schools/Elk River, Residential Treatment Program Columbus Girls Academy*, Therapeutic Boarding School for Teenage Girls	4.1
Alaska	Alaska Crossings	5
Arizona	Arivaca Boy’s Ranch *Anasazi Foundation, Wilderness Program Copper Canyon Academy, Therapeutic Boarding School for Teenage Girls Decision Point Center, Residential Treatment Center Estrella Vista Ranch, Residential Treatment Center for Teenage Girls In Balance Ranch Academy, Therapeutic Boarding School for Teenage Boys Spectrum College Transition, Residential Therapeutic/Transitional Living for Young Adult (17-24) Boys Spring Ridge Academy*, Therapeutic Boarding School for Teenage Girls	4.3
Arkansas	Subiaco Academy	4.9
California	Polaris Teen Center *Optimum Performance Institute, Young Adult Program Newport Academy Male, Residential Treatment Center for Teenage Boys Newport Academy Female, Residential Treatment Center for Teenage Girls National Therapeutic Services, Residential Treatment Center for Young Adults Family Life Center, Residential Treatment Center for Teenagers Bridges to Recovery*, Residential Treatment Center for Young Adults	4.9
Colorado	Open Sky Wilderness Therapy *Collegiate Coaching Services,* Therapeutic Boarding School for Young Adults *Forest Heights Lodge, Residential Treatment Center for Boys (5-14 years old) Insight Intensive at Gold Lake, Young Adult Program for Young Adult Boys Open Sky Wilderness Therapy Program*, Wilderness Program for Ages 13-17 & 18-28	4.5
Connecticut	Adult & Teen Challenge Connecticut *Devereaux Glenhome School,* Therapeutic Boarding School for 10-21 years old *Grove School,* Therapeutic Boarding School for Teens *Wellspring & The Arch Bridge,* Residential Treatment Center for Children Ages 6-18 years old	4.7
Delaware	Havenwood Academy	4.2
District of Columbia	City Kids	4.8
Florida	Eckerd Connects *Pasadena Villa, Residential Treatment Facility for Young Adults Lakeland Grace Academy, Residential Treatment Facility for Teenage Girls Gateway Military School,* Military Academy for Teenage Boys Springboard Home for Youth in Crisis, Residential Treatment Center for Teenage Girls *Florida Preparatory Academy,* Therapeutic Boarding School	5
Georgia	Skyland Trail *Breakthrough Recovery Outreach,* Residential Treatment Center for Teenage Boys Second Nature Blue Ridge, Wilderness & Outdoor Therapeutic Program for Teenagers Ages 11-17 years old	5
Hawaii	Adult & Teen Challenge Keaau	5
Idaho	Twin Eagles Wilderness School	4.9
Illinois	Kemmerer Village	3.5
Indiana	Oaklawn, The Children’s Campus	3.5
Iowa	Prairie Ridge Integrated Behavioral Healthcare	4.3
Kansas	Kansas City Girls Academy	3.8
Kentucky	Mission Teens Inc	4.2
Louisiana	Louisiana Virtual Charter Academy	4.7
Maine	New Vision Wilderness Program	4.5
Maryland	Allegany Boys Camp	4.8
Massachusetts	Boston Higashi School	5
Michigan	Lake Michigan Academy	4.7
Minnesota	Voyageur Outward Bound School-Twin Cities Center	4.9
Mississippi	Passages Adventure Camp	4.2
Missouri	Agapè Boarding School	3.9
Montana	Clearview Girls Academy
Nebraska	Nebraska Youth Camp	4.9
Nevada	K W Legacy Ranch	3.9
New Hampshire	Adventurelore LLC	4.4
New Jersey	Matheny Schools	3.8
New Mexico	Cottonwood Gulch Expeditions	4.4
New York	NorthWaters & Langskib Wilderness Canoe Camps *Adirondack Leadership Expeditions,* Wilderness Program for Teenagers 13-17 years old *Hawk Circle,* Wilderness Program *Christian Brothers Academy,* Military School for Teenage Boys *La Salle Insitute,* Military School for Teenage Boys *New York Military Academy,* Military School for Teenagers ages 7-12 years old	5
North Carolina	Asheville Academy	4.1
North Dakota	Crystal Springs Camp	4.9
Ohio	Ohio Wilderness Boys Camp	4.7
Oklahoma	New Lifehouse Academy	4.1
Oregon	Evoke Cascades	4.7
Pennsylvania	Bald Eagles Boys Camp	4.6
Rhode Island	Adult & Teen Challenge Rhode Island	4.9
South Carolina	Cherokee Creek Boys School	5
South Dakota	Keystone Treatment Center	4.3
Tennessee	Lakeshore Camp & Retreat Center	4.9
Texas	Thrive Girls Ranch & Home	5
Utah	Aspiro Wilderness Adevnture Therapy	4
Vermont	Farm & Wilderness Foundation	4.5
Virginia	Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing	4.9
Washington	Eastside Academy	4.8
West Virginia	Greenbrier Academy for Girls	3
Wisconsin	New Vision Wilderness	4.8
Wyoming	Wings of Faith Academy	3.3

What is Bootcamping?

Boot camp programs (otherwise known as wilderness therapy programs) are short-term correctional programs that emulate the authoritative, strict discipline structure of military schools to correct behavior issues of at-risk teenagers.

At-risk teenagers are teenage boys or girls exhibiting negative behaviors that include breaking the law, substance abuse, mental illness, oppositional defiant disorder, gambling, stealing, sex, running away, anger, lying, and other criminal behaviors.

In these teen boot camps, kids are woken by drill sergeants to follow a rigorous daily schedule that consists of physical training, school, and drills.

Such military-style boot camps were created with the high hopes of reducing these behavioral issues among troubled teens.

What is the Difference Between Boarding School and Boot Camp?

Therapeutic boarding schools and boot camps are efficient programs designed for troubled teens. Two significant differences between both programs are their duration and pedagogies.

Both programs offer structured schedules, but they are different pedagogies upon closer inspection.

Duration: Boot camps are short-term, while the therapeutic programs are long-term. Boot camps typically run for a couple of weeks, while therapeutic boarding schools run for either a year or two.
Pedagogy: Therapeutic programs integrate recreational activities, therapy, and education through individualized structured training schedules and a healthy community to help troubled teens heal.

It is a good idea for kids dealing with addictions and emotional issues or disorders.

Boot camps or wilderness integrate adventures or militaristic experiences that teach kids self-discipline and critical thinking through rigid schedules and physical activities. It is found to be more effective among juvenile teens.

Why Do These Programs Work?

Contrary to popular belief, such programs as residential treatment centers, therapeutic boarding schools, and especially wilderness programs are known to effectively heal troubled youth.

Horror stories of former campers regarding boot camps have led to significant reforms within the troubled teen industry.

These reforms encourage young adults participating in these programs to develop life skills needed for them to integrate into society.

Self-Knowledge

One of these significant reforms includes incorporating programs to foster a sense of autonomy among participants.

This self-knowledge has reduced recidivism among troubled young adults when they join the outside world after completing these programs. Reduced recidivism rates are signs of lasting change among the kids.

Safety

Also, these programs work because they offer safety and support for kids with psychological and behavioral issues. There is no one size fits all approach to dealing with troubled teens.

Individualized Treatment or Experiential Learning

Some programs focus on kids achieving therapeutic healing and academic achievement through individualized training under the watch of a licensed medical health professional.

These professionals have a clear understanding of the kids’ mental health needs.

In contrast, others, such as mid-course correction camps, believe experiential learning through challenging physical tasks will benefit kids.

Family

These programs emphasize the role in which family involvement plays in the emotional growth and healing of the child. Not only does the child heal, but the rest of their family does too.

Bonding

These programs offer group activities for kids facing similar dilemmas to develop social skills with themselves, their therapy guides, staff members, and counselors.

In fact, boot camps have been proven to work better than any other type of residential treatment programs and are a proven method for helping teens who have serious mental issues. Troubled teen industry experts say that boot camps have a success rate of over 90%, which is far higher than any other type of program.

How Much Do they Cost?

A lot of factors influence how much these programs cost.

Some have longer durations, and others have more experienced professionals.

You should bear in mind that you will not know the exact amount unless you make inquiries through the program’s official channels. However, here are some estimates of how much these programs cost.

· Teenage boot camps could cost between $2,000 and $10,000 monthly.

· Residential treatment centers could cost anywhere between $1500-3500 monthly.

· Therapeutic boarding schools could cost anywhere between $1,500 and $5,000 monthly. There’s also the additional processing fee that could cost about $2,000.

What Age Kids Can You Send?

The minimum permissible age for kids being sent to wilderness boot camps, residential treatment programs, or therapeutic boarding schools is 10 years. However, for others, it is 11 years.

When Researching Boot Camps For Troubled Girls, what should I look for?

Here are a few suggestions to find ideal boot camp for girls:

Location – This is probably the number one thing you need to consider when searching for the best girls’ boot camp. You want the camp to be as close to your home as possible.
Website – Check the camp’s website for details about the program and the staff. If there is not a website, then call the camp and ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions and do a little research on your own. There is nothing to be lost by asking questions and you may gain a lot by finding out more about the camp.
Staff Qualifications – You want the camp to have qualified and compassionate staff who understand what it means to be a teenage girl.

Check if they are accredited and licensed.

First and foremost, ensure that the program has been approved by a reputable organization such as the Joint Commission (JACHO) or the Council of Accreditation (COA).

You should also verify that the program is authorized to function in the state where it is located.

4. Program Length – Find out how long the program will last. Will it be a short term residential treatment program, or will it be a long-term aftercare program? Ask the camp what their track record is, and find out how many previous clients have stayed and completed the program.

5. What is their therapeutic environment?

6. What is their security like?

Do they have access control requirements? Can anyone just walk into the camp or do they required visitors and people entering the camp to have access to be there. Are badges required? These are questions you should ask so you know what their security environment is like.

Best Boot Camp for Troubled Girls

There are concerns that boot camps will be detrimental to girls who have experienced abuse. Therefore, it is in your best interest as a parent to seek a better alternative, such as a therapeutic boarding school or a residential treatment program.

When seeking out either of these programs for a troubled teenage girl, here are some preferred qualities to look out for.

· Find out the different forms of therapy offered, such as Equine, Family, CBT, etc.

· Find out whether your daughter will be provided with an excellent education.

· Ensure that family inclusion is a priority. You’ll need to be able to communicate with your daughter through phone calls, scheduled visits, etc.

With that being said, here are four leading therapeutic boarding schools for girls that you should know of.

Spring Ridge Academy

Located in Arizona, Spring Ridge is on a mission to provide a life-changing structure for its residents. Here’s what you can expect from this academy.

· A well-rounded experience that integrates family, academics, and therapy.

· Encouraged family involvement.

· Highly trained dedicated staff.

Asheville Academy

Located in North Carolina, Asheville helps troubled young girls communicate effectively and build relationships with family and friends. The academy boasts of:

· A 97-acre private property for healing and reflecting.

· Therapeutic programs for young girls aged 10 – 14.

· Personalized family programming.

· Equine and animal therapy.

Columbus Girl’s Academy

Located on a peaceful 34-acre ranch in Texas, Columbus helps young women gain life skills and overcome past struggles.

· It is a safe residential treatment program for ladies aged 18 – 24.

· Use a data-driven approach called the Fulshear Integrated Attachment Model to facilitate change.

· Offer various forms of therapy such as equine, group, individual, family therapies for long-lasting mental health.

Clearview Girl’s Academy

Clearview, located in Michigan, is a Christian residential treatment center. They offer affordable clinical help covered by your insurance to at-risk female teens.

· They offer a multidisciplinary clinical staff consisting of licensed psychotherapists, physicians, orthodontists, mentors, etc.

· They also offer weekend workshops to parents of troubled females to foster family inclusion needed for effective communication, self-awareness, and relationship building.

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#1. Therapeutic Boarding Schools

One of the effective schools in addressing troubled teens is through sending them into a therapeutic boarding school.

Therapeutic boarding schools are long-term teen treatment centers that operate more like a school, with a large number of kids, scheduled classes, licensed teachers, and other amenities.

Extracurricular activities were abounded in programs like these and might include everything from classic school groups like drama and debate to more odd sports like horseback riding and skiing.

This kind of school is specifically designed to help the parents and assist teenagers who are experiencing mental and behavioral problems.

These institutions accept troublesome teenagers as students for a time ranging from six months to several years.

This is said to be effective due to a long time of training and these teens will attend classes, receive in-depth treatment, learn new life skills, and reconstruct their lives throughout this period.

Moreover, individual and group counseling are provided several times per week. In that way, when the teenagers return home, they will be able to carry on with their lives in a constructive manner.

Benefits of Therapeutic Boarding Schools:

Staff and faculty members are among the top qualities of these teen-focused help centers.

Teachers, administrators, doctors, nurses, counselors, and therapists are all employed in an excellent therapeutic boarding school.

Therapeutic boarding schools can give supervision, structure, discipline, and safety to disturbed teenagers that they often lack at home, employment, or school.

Disturbed teens can become a part of a caring community at a therapeutic boarding school for troubled teenagers.

Consistent therapy is one of the main therapeutic needs of the students.

This is perfect for those dealing with substance addiction, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD).

Therapeutic boarding schools can help troubled teenagers heal through individual counseling sessions and supplement group therapy, allowing problematic teens to participate in therapy daily.

At the top therapeutic boarding schools, family treatment is available to ensure that the troublesome teen’s concerns are addressed.

As a result, the teen learns how to overcome their negative behaviors.

#2. Residential Treatment Program/Center

Residential treatment centers for troubled youth are the better alternative for helping teens learn to overcome their challenges and prosper.

Residential treatment institutions require kids to stay at the facility for at least six months at a time, while some teens may stay for years to finish the healing process.

Teens attend weekly counseling with their therapist as well as daily group therapy at a therapeutic boarding school.

Built-in therapy, combined with academic work and other activities, can help teenagers work through their difficulties.

These treatments are long-term facilities where teenagers can get therapeutic and medical help for conditions such as ADD, eating disorders and substance misuse.

Many residential treatment programs include planned activities and recreation to aid in the behavior modification goals of each teen.

Group and individual therapy sessions to address the teen’s difficulties are a key part of a teen’s day here.

#3. Teen Boot Camp – Boot Camp Program

When nothing else has worked, these parents can send their troubled teen to a teenage boot camp as a therapy alternative.

These places have highly tight, regulated programs that teach teenagers to be accountable for their behavior.

Moreover, teens will also gain vital life skills that they can apply later.

Although an adolescent boot camp is still a highly structured, discipline-focused environment, these camps have become more humanitarian in recent years.

The purpose of these disturbed teen programs is to teach them to take responsibility for their actions. Teenagers are also being taught how to develop healthy lifestyle choices.

They don’t reprimand teenagers, which was a common practice in the past. Instead, via constructive skill development, the teen is sculpted to make positive choices.

A behavior boot camp can be a wonderful start for troublesome kids who are having a hard time committing to positive changes because it is ideal for short-term transformation.

There is usually no academic component to behavior boot camps.

These short-term programs are frequently based on military or warrior training which includes an intense fitness component as well as therapy and activities and is run on an organized timetable, akin to a military boot camp in terms of lingo and rankings.

Boot camps are effective approaches for tackling particular teen concerns.

It’s crucial to send your kids here for the proper reasons, as boot camps aren’t the answer to all teen issues.

However, resistance can become a severe issue when teenagers begin to express themselves and seek their own identity.

If your teen is defying your family norms, school restrictions, or is even in problems with the law, their rebelliousness has gone too far.

Boot camps are great for breaking troubled teenagers. But by doing so, whatever your teen is going through, you must reach out and try to understand.

Boot camp is not a good idea to choose if your teen has deeper psychological or behavioral difficulties that require therapy.

Before you do anything, talk to professionals, do your homework, and most importantly, talk to your teen.

#4.Wilderness Camp – Wilderness Therapeutic Program

These are therapeutic camps that last anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

In this type of program, teens are removed from their existing unfavorable surroundings of family and school and are forced to live in more basic conditions.

They will learn self-reliance, how to set up camp, cook, do chores, and appreciate the beauty of nature from experienced leaders, guides, and counselors.

Academics are usually not a part of wilderness programs. Hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, fishing, and other outdoor activities are common in wilderness camps.

These programs are fantastic in motivating disturbed teenagers to begin working on their problems and commit to long-term transformation.

At wilderness camps, teens can learn new outdoor skills and learn about the outside world, but the main focus of these camps is to have the attending teenagers follow orders.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is there a boot camp for 12-year-olds?

Yes, there is a boot camp for 12-year-olds. Most boot camps for troubled teens are designed for ages 10 – 17. Contact the camp for details on the age range and entry requirements.

Is there a boot camp for 14-year-olds?

Yes, there is. Most boot camps have an upper age limit of 17, but some often end at 14.

Enrolling your troubled teen in a correctional camp or suitable treatment program may just be what they need to change their lives and fulfill their purpose in life. These programs need to be accredited by the necessary bodies before enrolling your child there.

What is wilderness programs and what is it’s purpose?

Wilderness programs are used for teenagers and young adults between the ages of 13 and 25 who have been diagnosed with mental illness. The purpose of wilderness programs is to help the participants become healthier and more self-sufficient.

Wilderness therapy is an effective treatment for behavioral, emotional, and mental health issues. It allows the individual to remove themselves from their everyday environment in order to work on the issues that are causing them distress.

What is oppositional defiant disorder?

Defiance, disobedience, and hostility are characteristics of oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). People with ODD are often in constant conflict with authority figures like parents and teachers, and they tend to argue, blame others, and actively defy or refuse to comply with people who try to supervise them.

Boot Camp For Troubled Teens Summary

In short, a boot camp is an intense, structured program designed to help teens and young adults get the help they need to improve their life and to make sure they don’t return to their destructive behavior after the program ends.

It is important for teenagers and young adults to be aware of the resources that are available to them so that they can make informed choices about their treatment options.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a problem such as substance abuse, depression, anxiety, or anger management, there are plenty of great programs available to help. A boot camp can provide the support necessary for teenagers and young adults to learn healthy ways of dealing with their problems.