Boot Camps for Teens from Pittsburgh, PA

Boot Camps For Kids from Pittsburgh, PA

Out of sheer desperation, some parents will turn to teen boot camps in an attempt to protect their teenager from incarceration or even the possibility of death. However, before sending a adolescent 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 premier wilderness camp 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 gives the highest quality services to the teenage wilderness clients 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 at-risk adolescents 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 center setting.

The wilderness atmosphere produces for our clinicians, twenty-four hours a day, the epitome of Family treatment blended with Brainspotting therapy, conducted by our staff of practitioners.

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

The peaceful environment of the outdoors enables the teenage wilderness clients 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 students 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 provided "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 troubled teens typically do not exist. However, there are state-funded boot camps that can be utilized only if your teen 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 guidance for the "emotional issues" and "psychological disorders" that are normally at the root of all behavioral problems in teenagers. These boot camps provide 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 struggling teenager's progress and therapy. Over the years, we have served thousands of boys and girls from Pittsburgh, PA and from all over the country. Our track record has demonstrated to cause results that are life changing.

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