| Yes it is true that the right boot camp can be a | | | | communicating with others. Often a troubled teen |
| real help for your troubled teen. And yes it is also | | | | will feel frustrated believing no-one understands |
| true that not all boot camps are the same. As a | | | | them. On top of that, many teens don't have the |
| parent with a troubled teen, you will know that life | | | | verbal skills to explain their feelings. That's why |
| can sometimes be tough. And if you are a | | | | the regular discussion sessions have multiple |
| troubled teen, living at home with your family is | | | | benefits. The teens learn how to express |
| not always a bed of roses either. There needs to | | | | themselves, hear what other teens are thinking |
| be an answer for both parties and that answer | | | | and develop relationships with many other camp |
| can well be a boot camp. But it needs to be the | | | | residents. |
| right type of camp. | | | | It's natural for some parents to think that their |
| If the teen in question has ADD/ADHD then as | | | | teen will suffer a feeling of loneliness or even |
| their parent you will know your teen needs | | | | abandonment if sent off to a boot camp. This is |
| security and a lack of surprises. That is where the | | | | never the case because the qualities of a family |
| right boot camp with its regular system of | | | | life are replicated within the boot camp. The staff |
| activities, discussion and lack of surprises comes in | | | | members at the camp become the parents and |
| handy. All teens want predictable discipline. They | | | | the family which the teen has left behind. |
| need to know where they stand and that the | | | | So finally we come to the decision about selecting |
| discipline goalposts won't be shifted mid game. | | | | the right boot camp. They are not all the same |
| This is where the ideal boot camp program | | | | and here are some tips to help in your selection. |
| comes into its own. | | | | Avoid a sterile setting. If your teen is used to a |
| A good boot camp will offer plenty of positive | | | | therapist's consulting room, find a camp site which |
| activities during the day with open discussion | | | | is the exact opposite. Look for a camp with |
| sessions in the evening. Communication is a vital | | | | plenty of fresh air, open space and the benefits |
| ingredient in the health and well being of every | | | | of the great outdoors. Counseling is vital. Make |
| teen and especially a troubled teen. One to one | | | | sure the camp has a program which has |
| conversations with a member of staff help but so | | | | discussion groups and one to one sessions for all |
| too do the group discussions. The camp residents | | | | participants. Always check the facilities |
| get the opportunity to express their feelings and | | | | beforehand. The choice of the right camp will |
| hear from their peers. They learn the benefits of | | | | have a positive and possibly a life-changing |
| being open and honest and learn the skills in | | | | experience for your teen. |