Wilderness Programs Features

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Boot cams are known to be military-style facilities which include in their wilderness programs discipline, military exercises, rigorous physical training, and fear of authority. These factors are meant to transform a troubled teen into a "good soldier" following the rules. Another important aspect which has to be taken into consideration is being represented by the fact that most wilderness programs including boot camps are not addressing underlying emotional or behavioral problems. Also, it is important to be considered the fact that long-term effectiveness is limited without therapy or behavior modification. The best chance for long-term is to follow it with a treatment program, in case parents choose to send their troubled teens to wilderness programs such as boot camps.

Making part of wilderness programs, wilderness camps are considered to be a quite good alternative to boot camps, because of the fact that instead of the aggressive approach which boot camps tend to use, wilderness programs focus on behavior modification programs with a component of the program held outdoors. Urban distractions are being removed in order to make it easier for troubled teens to reconnect and to accept responsibility for their choices. Another important aspect is being represented by the fact that wilderness camps may not include academic component because they are generally held in summer. Also, they often provide with substance abuse treatment for troubled teens.