Boot Camps For Teens from Columbus, GA
WinGate Wilderness Therapy, the premier Outdoor Therapeutic Adventure Program, is chosen by parents as a replacement for Boot Camps For Teens in Columbus, GA. Fixed among the magnificent and world famous red mountains of Southern Utah, WinGate is recognized nationally as a model "therapeutic transitional living" wilderness program. With a combined background of over eighty years of wilderness therapy, the WinGate counselors recognize the complexities of how to properly execute treatment for troubled teens.
Although not a Boot Camp, WinGate is a preferred alternative to these programs. No research-based findings have been found that "favor" the boot camp experience, especially when considering the boot camps' basic "intentions" for rehabilitation. Recidivism rates of boot camp participants (referring to a person's "chance of relapse" back into criminal behavior) are about the same when compared to former prison inmates.
Consequently, more mental health practitioners are pointing their sharp criticism toward Boot Camps for being "too harsh while not addressing the juvenile's real underlying psychological problems through proper counseling and therapy."
What most parents don't know is that the "boot camp" began years ago as adults-only, "shock incarceration" programs 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.
Wilderness adventure programs, such as ours, are considerably more productive when teen transformation and restoration are the parents objectives. At WinGate, we teach both independent living skills and individual accountability, which is the foundation upon which to build a life of lasting health and balance.
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. You can reach us immediately at (800) 560-1599.
Boot Camps For Kids from Columbus, GA
Out of sheer desperation, some parents will turn to teen boot camps in an attempt to protect their teen from incarceration or even the possibility of death. However, before sending a teenager 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 leading wilderness therapy 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 provides the highest quality services to the teen students 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 struggling teenagers 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 residential treatment program setting.
The wilderness atmosphere produces for our therapists, twenty-four hours a day, the epitome of Experiential therapy blended with Alliance-based therapy, conducted by our staff of clinicians.
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 teenage participants in "wilderness treatment" possess a greater capacity for attention, thus enabling a more focused and thriving process for recovery. We witness our ~studentteen3~s growing closer to their peers while developing a stronger bond with the counselors as well.
The peaceful environment of the outdoors enables the teen students 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 teenage participants 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 offered "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 emotionally challenged adolescent boys and girls typically do not exist. However, there are state-funded boot camps that can be utilized only if your adolescent 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 help for the "emotional issues" and "psychological disorders" that are normally at the root of all behavioral problems in teens. These boot camps offer 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 troubled teen's progress and therapy. Over the years, we have served thousands of boys and girls from Columbus, GA and from all over the country. Our track record has demonstrated to cause results that are life changing.
We know that struggling teenagers can become healthy, independent adults, and can develop as strong people motivated for success. Call WinGate Wilderness Therapy today at (800) 560-1599.
Assistance in Columbus, GA for Parents, Teens and Young Adults
As one of the best outdoor therapy programs for Individualized clinical treatment and Alliance-based therapy in the US, WinGate Wilderness Therapy echoes the philosophy of this premier organization of volunteers and professional counselors.
Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) - The department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities provides community services through contracts with private, for-profit, non-profit, and quasi-public agencies, under contract with DBHDD through the regional offices. Consumer choice is a value that is embraced throughout the system, and is fostered through the development of different kinds of provider agencies, including consumer operated agencies. These organizations vary in scope of services provided including those services commonly utilized by anyone with a mental illness and those services that address more individualized needs.
Intensive inpatient services are available to adults requiring hospital treatment. Utilization of inpatient services is closely monitored and every effort is made to prevent hospitalization by first using community-based Crisis Stabilization Programs, 23-hour Temporary Observation units, and Mobile Crisis Services.
Wilderness Therapy Programs for Columbus, GA Youth
At WinGate Wilderness Therapy, we understand the common issues that teenage children face every day. And we will help adolescent's deal with their social-related problems in a healthy and productive way. Our powerful alliance-based treatment approach relies on connection, trust, and respect to inspire internally motivated change of the kind that lasts a lifetime. We are familiar with the common problems faced in the Columbus, GA area.
Positive Quote:
"My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world." - by Jack Layton