Boot Camps For Teens from Casper, WY
WinGate Wilderness Therapy, the premier Outdoor Therapeutic Adventure Program, is chosen by parents as a substitute to Boot Camps For Teens in Casper, WY. Established among the beautiful red mountains of Southern Utah, and with a combined experience of over eighty years of wilderness therapy, the WinGate staff understand the complexities of how to properly treat troubled teens. This treatment is accomplished by supporting and directing them in the learning of a new path and direction for life.
Although not a Boot Camp, WinGate is a preferred alternative to these programs. What most parents don't know is that "Boot Camps" began years ago as "shock incarceration" programs for only adults, designed for "first-time" offenders. The intention of the boot camp experience was to make the "time served" so shocking and abhorrent, the offender would be "scared straight" into model behavior, to avoid another sentence.
In the end, authorities recognized that boot camps, using "military-style" discipline, not only did not work, but oftentimes worsened the problem. It is critical for all parents considering a boot camp for their child, to investigate other viable alternatives for the rehabilitation of their teen. Wilderness adventure programs, such as ours, are considerably more productive when transformation and restoration are the objectives.
WinGate Wilderness Therapy is recognized nationally as a premier "therapeutic transitional living" wilderness program. Here we teach both independent living skills and personal accountability, leading to a lasting life of health and balance for our teen campers.
You can expect the finest results from our compassionate and experienced staff, here at WinGate. Our research-validated approach to wilderness-based treatment causes our work to WORK! The peaceful, distraction-free atmosphere of our wilderness area benefits even the most "treatment-resistant" and "rebellious" adolescents.
Our purpose is to bring forth peace and restore emotional health. The goal is to see your struggling boy or girl transition into adulthood, living independently as a healthful individual. You can reach us immediately at (800) 560-1599. We are here to help you and your struggling child today.
Boot Camps For Kids from Casper, WY
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 Casper, WY 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.
Parent Resources for Troubled Teens from Casper, WY
One of the most historic cities in the west, Casper, WY is called "The Oil City" because of the original oil boom. It also is rich in real cowboy culture. The migration of land seekers following the Oregon, Mormon and California trails, Casper, WY was settled near the site of Fort Caspar.
Significant military episodes occurred during the 1860's, including many American Indian attacks. The original fort was renamed Fort Caspar after Lieutenant Caspar Collins was killed nearby by several Indian warriors.
However, Casper, WY is not any different from other parts of the country when it comes to the dangers and temptations that teens face in their daily lives. Living in a great city doesn't make teenagers immune to the problems of drug or alcohol addictions. The problems of emotional or behavioral problems also exist everywhere, along with the difficulties caused by inappropriate friends.
Many types of difficulties exist in the Casper, WY area, least of which is not the abuse of drugs and alcohol. In an article from the Scripps Howard New Service, Laura Misjak wrote "Mexican gang leaders have found new territory to conquer -- expansive American Indian reservations where populations are often low-income and police presence low.
Methamphetamine use has skyrocketed in tribal communities where addiction rates to alcohol and other substances are traditionally high. Federal law enforcement agents say the increased drug use can be blamed on the movement of gangs east from the U.S. West Coast through reservations"
Located in Casper, WY, you may find the Wyoming Behavioral Institute is able to help with the problems faced by your troubled teen. Some of the issues possibly treated by the Wyoming Behavioral Institute may include:
- - Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- - Attention deficit disorder (ADD)
- - Oppositional defiance disorder (ODD)
- - Bipolar disorder
- - Schizophrenia
It is important to consider that your teen's difficulties need a different type of treatment that takes place further away from their comfort zone at home. In doing so, you may find that WinGate Wilderness Therapy is the perfect fit to achieve true change in your child.
Teen Behavior Difficulties and Education in Casper, WY
Your child's educational experience is also a significant factor in seeking a normal living process. It is important that your teenager gets help with their behavior or addiction problems. It is also important that the academic part of his or her education is addressed during that help. The wilderness therapy program at WinGate Wilderness Therapy addresses all those components that help your trouble teen begin a new life of recovery from whatever difficulties they are facing.
Unfortunately, Casper, WY is no different from many other cities in the growing plague of drug abuse and the other events that often follow the increase in drug use. At WinGate, we understand and can help you in these difficult times. Call WinGate Wilderness Therapy at (800) 560-1599.