Boot Camps For Teens from Tacoma, WA
As an alternative to Boot Camps For Teens from Tacoma, WA, WinGate Wilderness Therapy is the parents choice for premier Outdoor Therapeutic Adventure Programs. WinGate is located among the world famous red mountains of Southern Utah. Our staff of counselors have over eighty years of combined experience in wilderness therapy, and the WinGate team understands the proper, individualized treatment of troubled teens. We accomplish this strategy by directing and supporting our teens in the awareness and execution of a "new path," giving a better direction for life.
Although not a Boot Camp, WinGate is a preferred substitute for these programs. The typical philosophy behind most Boot Camps is: if you discipline and scream at children enough, they will "fall in line." The discoveries from research are that while enrolled in these extreme, "military-like" boot camps, defiant teenagers may actually fall in line... However, this "rehabilitation" is unfortunately only temporary and based out of fear, thus not producing any "lasting" changes in the teen camper.
Ultimately, it is universally accepted by experts, that the boot camp experience not only didn't work, but would often make the teens' problems and issues worse! It is imperative that any parent considering a Boot Camp for their teen to consider other viable alternatives for their teens rehabilitation.
Wilderness adventure programs, such as ours, are notably much more successful if "transformation" and "restoration" are the goals. WinGate Wilderness Therapy is recognized nationally as a premier "therapeutic transitional living" wilderness program. The peaceful and distraction-free environment of our wilderness geography can soften and help even the most "rebellious" and "treatment-resistant" adolescents.
Our purpose is to bring forth peace and renewal to the emotional health of our teen enrollees, while guiding the struggling boys and girls through an awakened transition into adulthood. At WinGate, we teach both individual accountability and independent living skills, which will be a foundation upon which to build a life of lasting health and balance.
A WinGate family advocate is available today, call us at (800) 560-1599 so we may help your struggling child!
Boot Camps For Kids from Tacoma, 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 Tacoma, 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.
Problem Teens From Tacoma, WA Need Professional Help
A headline in The Seattle Times indicated Tacoma's Other Crime Area -- Eastside's Gang Activity Is Rivaling Hilltop's, City Police Say.
Like just about any city, Tacoma, WA still has a significant number of troubled teens. Problems ranging from depression and behavior difficulties to drug and alcohol addictions can create teens with serious issues.
Greater Lakes Mental Healthcare is a community mental health center and might be able to provide the help to your struggling child.
However, the problems your troubled teen faces might not be helped by this type of treatment, but could more likely be helped by the outstanding services offered at WinGate Wilderness Therapy. Even though we are not located in Tacoma, WA, we could be exactly what your teenage son or daughter needs.
Teenagers dealing with drug or alcohol addiction, emotional problems and behavioral issues can be helped by experiencing the program at WinGate Wilderness Therapy. The impressive testimonials we receive from both parents and participants give evidence of the success we bring. Trouble teens from Tacoma, WA gain a new sense of worth and learn how to make positive and beneficial decisions.
We Can Help Teens With Serious Problems From Tacoma, WA
Although WinGate Wilderness Therapy is not located in Tacoma, WA, we certainly have the knowledge, resources and overall ability to help your troubled teen escape from the stress and problems caused by their behaviors.
WinGate Wilderness Therapy program is well-established in the behavioral therapy world. We have an outstanding success rate in restoring teenagers to a productive and rewarding life. WinGate helps teens from Tacoma, WA regain a strong sense of worth and restore the positive relationships with family.
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.