Types of Troubled Youth Camps

Types of Troubled Youth Camps

If you have a teenager who cuts, struggles with an eating disorder, lies constantly, or is defiant and even violent, you need help now. Troubled youth camps might offer just such assistance for you and your troubled child or young adult. But how do you know what type of program is right for your child? There are, after all, many troubled youth camps available today. Where you decide to send your child will be influenced by his or her particular needs, by the goals and regulations of different programs, and by the costs of different types of youth camps.

If your child struggles with self-esteem, a day camp that focuses on building a good self-image may be a good solution for you. Many non-profit organizations have programs like this that help troubled youth learn important life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and communication. Simply working with other teenagers who may be in the same emotional situation can be enough to boost the spirits of at-risk youth.

For more serious problems with self-esteem or for youth who are defiant and who need an overall attitude adjustment, a long-term camp might be necessary. One intervention for troubled teens that is becoming popular is the wilderness camp. In these camps, well-trained, compassionate counselors lead small groups of youth into the wild for days or weeks on end. The youth learn vital survival skills while dealing with their issues in a place very remote and disconnected from the negative influences of their everyday lives. Because wilderness camps typically place troubled youths in a small-group atmosphere, they can also be an excellent way for teens and young adults to form close friendships that will help them cope with their problems once the camp is over.

Boot camps are another viable option for troubled youth, although their popularity is beginning to wane as the wilderness camp takes a strong hold in the treatment of troubled youth. Boot camps are typically short, usually lasting just one or two months, but they can make a huge impact on a youth's overall attitude. Boot camps tend to be most recommended for youths who have been in legal trouble and who need to learn that their actions have specific, measurable consequences.

A boot camp for troubled youth, as you might guess, is based on military discipline and exercises. Each day, youth exercise both their bodies and their minds, and under the rigorous discipline of the counselors, they will most definitely learn to control their actions and emotions so that they can make better choices when they get back home.

While there may be other options for troubled youth in your area, these are the basic differences between troubled youth camps. As you can see, each type of youth camp has its own strengths and weaknesses, so the camp you choose for your child should suit his or her needs in order to really make an impact on your child's current situation and future.

Additional Resources: Help for Troubled Teens - Free Resources for Troubled Youth