Short stay teen boot camps, what do they offer?

If you have decided that your troubled teen needs to spend the summer break away at camp in order to help them change their behavior, you need to read about the different camps available. If you really believe that your teen simply needs a strong reminder about how to behave properly then a short stay boot camp may be an alternative.

As long as you are aware that these camps are unsuitable for teens with depression or severe emotional difficulties then it may be a choice to correct unacceptable behavior.

Features of teen boot camp

• Rigidly structured routine, no choices of activities unless earned


• Early rising, chores, early bedtime


• "Military style" instructors who must be obeyed


• Physical punishment for disobedience


• Additional physical chores for minor infringements, isolation for severe disobedience


• Focus on rigorous physical activities, such as running, walking, and assault courses


• Focus on teamwork, the individual has to work as part of the team or else the team suffers


• Uniform, rarely do teens at boot camp where their own clothes


• Loss of previous identity, the new teen is made to feel their past is no longer relevant


• Total focus and reinforcement of the need for self discipline and following the rules

The personnel working at teen boot camps are not renowned for their gentle approach, and it has to be said that there has been some bad press about bullying tactics used at these institutions. However, proponents of teen boot camps, including parents of teens who have attended, praise the structure and the discipline as being crucial to a teen turning around their behavior.

It has to be noted, that for parents whose teens have become willfully disobedient and violent towards their family, teen boot camp may be the only way to bring them back. There, they cannot bully their family, nor are they allowed to bully other cadets or students, and the adults in charge of them are frequently ex military and will stand for no nonsense.

Which kind of teen may benefit from boot camp?

• The teen whose anger management issues have not responded to counseling because they will not accept any counseling!


• The teen who has expressed an interest in the military but is undisciplined


• Teens who are unfit, lazy and aggressive when challenged but have no mental health issues

The teen for which teen boot camp should not be considered are those with serious learning difficulties, depression or emotional instabilities. Other teens may benefit, but you should check out the program offered, it should be supported by trained therapists, not just be run by sergeant majors!