WinGate Wilderness Therapy is located in Kanab, UT, and currently does not have a facility located in Greenbelt, MD. Students from Greenbelt, who wish to enroll in our program, will be required to travel and temporarily relocate to Utah.

Boot Camps For Teens from Greenbelt, MD

Wingate Wilderness Therapy - Boots at the boot camp experience for struggling adolescentsWinGate Wilderness Therapy is a premier Outdoor Therapeutic Adventure Program, chosen by parents as an alternative to Boot Camps For Teens from Greenbelt, MD. With a combined history of over eighty years of wilderness therapy experience, the treatment counselors here at WinGate recognize the complexities of how to properly administer treatment for troubled teens.

Fixed among the magnificent and world famous red mountains of Southern Utah, WinGate is recognized nationally as a model "therapeutic transitional living" wilderness program. Although not a Boot Camp, WinGate is a "parent-preferred" alternative to these programs.

No research-based conclusions have been found that "favor" the boot camp experience. These results are especially true when taking into consideration the boot camps' fundamental purpose of "rehabilitation." When compared to former prison inmates, the "recidivism rates" for boot camp participants (referring to a person's "chance of relapse" back into criminal behavior) are roughly the same.

Most parents don't know that the "boot camp program" began years ago as an adult-only, "shock incarceration" program designed for "first-time" offenders. The purpose of this 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.

Consequently, more mental health specialists are pointing their sharp criticism toward Boot Camps for being "too harsh while not addressing the adolescent's real underlying psychological problems through proper counseling and therapy."

Wilderness adventure programs, such as ours, are considerably more productive when teen "transformation and restoration" is the goal. At WinGate, we teach both independent living skills and individual accountability, which is the framework upon which to construct a life of lasting health and balance.

WinGate's "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 Greenbelt, MD

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.

Teen boot camps

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

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 Greenbelt, MD 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.

Boys Boarding Schools for Dangerously Troubled Teens from Greenbelt, MD

Greenbelt, MD is much like every other city. Teenagers in this generation experience many difficult choices. Living in an outstanding 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.


Your troubled teen might be able to be helped at Thrive Center for Comprehensive Mental Health, but that might not be the best answer for your son or daughter.

Even though we are not located in Greenbelt, MD, Wingate Wilderness Therapy provides a way to help you and your teenager confront the depths of frustration caused by serious problems.

Unfortunately, Greenbelt, MD 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 Therapy to get the help your family needs at (800) 560-1599.

Addicted Teens From Greenbelt, MD can be Helped at WinGate Wilderness Therapy

Teenagers face many difficulties in today's culture and while WinGate Wilderness Therapy is not located in Greenbelt, MD, we certainly can help your trouble teen escape from the depression and stress caused by serious problems.

Family chaos and anger is a common result of a troubled teen experiencing emotional or behavioral issues or struggling with substance abuse probblems. WinGate Wilderness Therapy programs address the whole problem, not just symptoms of deeper difficulties. You can trust our experienced and well-trained staff to help your troubled teen achieve full recovery and restoration.

Call WinGate Wilderness Therapy right now at (800) 560-1599 to get the help your troubled teen needs. It might be hard to start the process, but the results will help your son or daughter get back on track for living a worthwhile and rewarding life.