Boot Camps For Teens from Casa Grande, AZ
As an alternative to Boot Camps For Teens from Casa Grande, AZ, WinGate Wilderness Therapy is the parents choice for premier Outdoor Therapeutic Adventure Programs. WinGate is located among the world famous red mountains of Southern Utah. Our staff of counselors have over eighty years of combined experience in wilderness therapy, and the WinGate team understands the proper, individualized treatment of troubled teens. We accomplish this strategy by directing and supporting our teens in the awareness and execution of a "new path," giving a better direction for life.
Although not a Boot Camp, WinGate is a preferred substitute for these programs. The typical philosophy behind most Boot Camps is: if you discipline and scream at children enough, they will "fall in line." The discoveries from research are that while enrolled in these extreme, "military-like" boot camps, defiant teenagers may actually fall in line... However, this "rehabilitation" is unfortunately only temporary and based out of fear, thus not producing any "lasting" changes in the teen camper.
Ultimately, it is universally accepted by experts, that the boot camp experience not only didn't work, but would often make the teens' problems and issues worse! It is imperative that any parent considering a Boot Camp for their teen to consider other viable alternatives for their teens rehabilitation.
Wilderness adventure programs, such as ours, are notably much more successful if "transformation" and "restoration" are the goals. WinGate Wilderness Therapy is recognized nationally as a premier "therapeutic transitional living" wilderness program. The peaceful and distraction-free environment of our wilderness geography can soften and help even the most "rebellious" and "treatment-resistant" adolescents.
Our purpose is to bring forth peace and renewal to the emotional health of our teen enrollees, while guiding the struggling boys and girls through an awakened transition into adulthood. At WinGate, we teach both individual accountability and independent living skills, which will be a foundation upon which to build a life of lasting health and balance.
A WinGate family advocate is available today, call us at (800) 560-1599 so we may help your struggling child!
Boot Camps For Kids from Casa Grande, AZ
Out of sheer desperation, some parents will turn to teen boot camps in an attempt to protect their adolescent from incarceration or even the possibility of death. However, before sending a teen to a boot camp facility, one should do their homework on boot camps vs. wilderness therapy or residential treatment. Like most facilities and programs, not all boot camps are created equal. You should know that there have been numerous incidents of death among the "less than adequate" boot camps. The tragic combination of corporal punishment administered by poorly trained staff, sadly, has led to the deaths of several teens while attending a boot camp.

You can feel comfortable and confident that WinGate, as a superior wilderness behavioral health program, licensed by the State of Utah, is a long-time member of the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP). This accreditation and affiliation is a resource and beacon to both parents and professionals that WinGate offers the highest quality services to the teenage wilderness participants and families we serve.
In essence, our hope and goal is to help shape a "heart of peace," which replaces the "heart of war." Wilderness therapy for emotionally challenged teens is unique in that there are consistent and continual opportunities for observation and intervention. These moments are uninterrupted by the usual day-to-day disruptions and distractions found at a traditional inpatient treatment center setting.
The wilderness atmosphere produces for our counselors, twenty-four hours a day, the epitome of Alliance-based therapy blended with Group therapy, conducted by our staff of therapists.
Teen Boot Camps
In "military training camp" fashion, teen boot camps are created to teach both structure and discipline to "wayward" young people. This "instruction" is generally performed through the application of "military-style" control which includes strenuous physical activity. The objective of boot camp staffers is to "challenge the camper" with the "hope" of instilling confidence and self-reliance.
However, it's critical for parents to recognize that boot camps have recently come under severe criticism, by mental health authorities and practitioners, for being "too harsh while not addressing the juvenile's underlying psychological issues via proper counseling and therapy."
We have come to know that our adolescent wilderness clients in "wilderness treatment" possess a greater capacity for attention, thus enabling a more focused and thriving process for healing. We witness our ~studentteen3~s growing closer to their peers while developing a stronger bond with the field therapists as well.
The peaceful environment of the outdoors enables the teenage wilderness participants to gain more quickly an insight into their previous, unhealthy behaviors, allowing them to make proper and adequate changes. These nurturing, yet challenging conditions, allows our adolescent wilderness clients to gain perspective, grow up, and achieve an improved level of maturity all while addressing behavioral obstacles and issues.
Juvenile Boot Camps

In the past, a few private boot camps and military academies have given "scholarship" or "grant" programs for families in need of financial assistance. However, these "grant" programs usually turn out to be "loans," disguised as "financial aid," to be paid back in monthly installments. What's more, most of these boot camp programs are extinct and are therefore hard to find.
In short, free boot camps for struggling teenage boys and girls typically do not exist. However, there are state-funded boot camps that can be utilized only if your teenager has been or is in the state juvenile system. Although state-funded boot camps may be the only financially viable option for some families, this option causes serious drawbacks worth considering.
Therapeutic healing and counseling are certainly not emphasized at Juvenile Boot Camps. The boot camp staffers are not licensed nor are they trained to administer direction for the "emotional issues" and "psychological disorders" that are normally at the root of all behavioral problems in adolescent boys or girls. These boot camps give only discipline and authoritarian control. In the end, boot camps resemble "jails" more than "therapeutic interventions."
At WinGate Wilderness Therapy, we include the parents and family in your at-risk adolescent's progress and therapy. Over the years, we have served thousands of boys and girls from Casa Grande, AZ and from all over the country. Our track record has demonstrated to cause results that are life changing.
We know that emotionally challenged teens can become healthy, independent adults, and can develop as strong people motivated for success. Call WinGate Wilderness Therapy today at (800) 560-1599.
Casa Grande, AZ Area Resources for Parents:
Horizon Human Services - Horizon Human Services is a non-profit, behavioral health agency licensed by the State of Arizona providing a variety of outpatient and residential services Pinal County. For over thirty years, the Agency has been in service affording quality behavioral health services in the identified geographical service areas.
We help families with a struggling teen from Casa Grande, AZ. At WinGate Wilderness Therapy, we involve the entire family, especially the parents, in your teen's therapy and progress. We have served thousands of boys and girls, and young adults over the years. Our track record is proven to cause life changing results. Troubled teens can grow to be healthy adults, and struggling young adults can emerge as strong people who are motivated to succeed. We understand that the entire family needs the assistance that we can give, in order to be whole and successful. To get more information about fees and enrollment, call WinGate at (800) 560-1599. We can help your child today.
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