A boot camp is a very strict, highly controlled facility where a parent would send a teenager that is disobedient, rowdy, out of control. Such troubled teen may possibly start to experiment with prohibited substances, and may have some minor legal problems.

Boot camps work best for problems that have been caught early by the trouble teens. They work best with first-time, diplomatic offenders. Trouble Teens that have critical behavior for an unlimited period of time are less likely to get good results. Some camps have been criticized for excessively harsh behavior, and some health and safety issues have come up. So it is important to do some research work on individual boot camps before sending your teenager away, and to explore every option.

Most parents normally begin looking for boot camps because of the strict structure connected with military style boot camps. Other options that are becoming trendier are the military schools and specialty boarding schools that are geared toward producing long-term results in a teen’s behavior.

Boot camps are an admirable choice, if you are looking for a short-term program. Boot camps typically focus on self-discipline, respect for authority, and correcting defiant behavior. They are much like a military boot camp, with similar physical activities and exercises. Our article entitled "Summer Camps for Troubled Teens" has a general overview of these programs, along with some pros and cons.

Boot Camps for trouble teens are short-term programs, normally 30 days. Teenagers that are looking to join a good exercise program during the summer may get benefit from a boot camp. Teenagers that do not have any emotional or behavioral problems, but are just stuffing off a little in school and just need a little wake up call, may benefit from a juvenile boot camp.

Teen Boot Camps are short term so they do not provide treatment. Because of the environment, you may not even be able to contract with outside private services to work with your teenager with affecting and behavioral problems. Thirty days are not enough to make lasting changes in trouble teen. Boot Camps do not have long-term follow up or support that is needed for troubled teens and parents.