What Is a Military Boot Camp?

Boot camps are short-term versions of military-style programs, usually largely physical in nature with very little if any therapy. Many boot camps have earned bad reputations because of harsh physical requirements.

There is a big difference between a boot camp and a therapeutic outdoor program. Parents should thoroughly investigate any program before enrolling a child. Does the program have therapists on staff? What is the clinical approach? How do they measure progress (phases or levels)?

If they are just bringing kids in, marching them through a program, then sending them home, you most likely will not see lasting change in your adolescent. Programs that have primarily a therapeutic approach integrated into the wilderness experience tend to have much higher success rates.

The Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Industry Council has conducted neutral studies of effectives of outdoor (wilderness ) therapy programs. You can visit their site here: OBHIC

More information on boot camps

Weight Loss Camps

Boarding Schools for Girls

Fast Facts About Adolescents

Despite impressive declines over the past decade, the United States still has the highest rates of teen pregnancy and births in the Western industrialized world. Teen pregnancy costs the United States at least $7 billion annually.

Aspen Ranch
Aspen Ranch offer programs for troubled teens at their therapeutic boarding school in Loa, Utah. Through a combination of traditional therapy, equine therapy, and accredited academics, troubled teens and their families get the help they need to work towards healthy, positive relationships. Call 866-858-4883 to learn more about Aspen Ranch.