Christian Boot Camps
There are boot camps and boarding schools for troubled teens that are founded on Christian principles. Some are truly established as 501C-3 entities and are able to accept tax deductible contributions from outside entities and individuals. Some legislatures are trying to remove the tax deductible contributions to all organizations which would definitely hurt programs and schools that rely on donations from charitable organizations and people. It might seem logical that a school founded on Christian beliefs and principles would obviously follow the teachings of Jesus.
This is not necessarily the case. While there are Christian programs that really operate from a code of Christian ethics, there are programs that don't. As with any potential placement of a teen in any program it is always critical to visit and determine first hand if the program is what it proclaims to be. A surprise visit should be allowed at anytime for a program that doesn't have anything to hide.
You Can't Make Me
It is true that you can lead a horse to water but you can not make it drink. This analogy is also true with religion. You can force a child to go to church but it is impossible to force a belief system on him or her. Time has shown that the best teacher is a positive example. This principle is especially applicable when placing a child in a Christian Boot Camp of Christian Boarding School.
Just because a child is enrolled does not mean they will come home saved or even believing in God. Some parents mistakenly believe that putting their child in a Christian program will result in a converted teen that will share their belief system. This is no more true than sending a teen to basketball camp will result in an NBA contract.
Positive News Doesn't Sell
The entire concept of forcing Christianity or religion on a person is contrary to the teachings of Jesus. The fact of the matte is that forcing religion doesn't work, and there are many parents that have tried and failed who will agree. It seems that the more something is forced on someone the less they are willing to accept it. This is true with just about everything not just religion. Some parents have pushed so hard to try to get their children's believe systems in line with their own, they have accomplished the exact opposite. The child forced to attend church will lose the desire to ever go again once they are free to choose their own path.
The Christian programs have helped a lot of children, many of which have made life significant changes allowing them to live happy drug free lives. As with anything there will always be naysayers degrading religion and religious programs in general. These people will gladly report one negative experience ignoring the hundreds of positive experiences a program has had. This tactic has been a part of reporting ever since reporting began. While unfair, it is a fact of life that some people would rather tell what sells rather than the truth.
Christian Boot Camp Reality
If you are a parent of a troubled teen and you want to instill Christian beliefs upon your child, a boot camp may a be the right choice. If you are unsure of the what type of Christianity the school teaches, give us a call and we can walk you through some of your options. Keep in mind that boot camps are hard. The best way to describe a boot camp is tough love. You cannot force someone to believe anything. This may be hard for parents who want their religous beliefs passed on to their children.