Boot Camps For Teens from Olympia, WA

Boot Camps For Kids from Olympia, WA

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 leading wilderness treatment 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 teen 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 troubled teen boys and girls 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 long-term residential rehab program setting.

The wilderness atmosphere produces for our practitioners, twenty-four hours a day, the epitome of Group therapy blended with Experiential therapy, conducted by our staff of mental health counselors.

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 clients in "wilderness treatment" possess a greater capacity for attention, thus enabling a more focused and thriving process for change. We witness our ~studentteen3~s growing closer to their peers while developing a stronger bond with the clinicians as well.

The peaceful environment of the outdoors enables the teen 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 teenage 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 delivered "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 teenagers 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 support for the "emotional issues" and "psychological disorders" that are normally at the root of all behavioral problems in adolescents. These boot camps deliver 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 Olympia, WA and from all over the country. Our track record has demonstrated to cause results that are life changing.

We know that troubled teen boys and girls can become healthy, independent adults, and can develop as strong people motivated for success. Call WinGate Wilderness Therapy today at (800) 560-1599.