| Shakespeare wrote, "How much sharper than a | | | | boot camps is that if you scream enough at children |
| serpents bite it is to have an ungrateful child." I think he | | | | and discipline them, they will "get in line." Angry, defiant, |
| is only partially right. In my estimation defiant teenagers | | | | oppositional teenagers may fall in line while in the |
| rank at the top of the list. A defiant teenager is "boldly | | | | intensely overwhelming, military-like environment of a |
| resisting authority or an opposing force; intentionally | | | | boot camp, but in most cases these short-term |
| contemptuous behavior or attitude." | | | | "scream camps" do not create lasting changes in |
| What are a parent's options in this situation? | | | | troubled teens. It is more likely this type of setting will |
| - Many times counseling is the first option parents turn | | | | create more hostility and resentment toward authority |
| to for help. This approach can often help if a teen is | | | | figures. |
| willing to talk about his problems and desires to change. | | | | - Wilderness Programs are alternative summer camps |
| - Military schools may also be a good choice, but most | | | | that emphasize experiential therapy that can have a |
| schools will not allow students to stay in the program if | | | | profound affect on teens with issues such as ADHD, |
| they choose not to follow the rules. This leaves a | | | | Autism, Asperger's, obesity, learning differences, or |
| serious problem for the parents of teens who do not | | | | behavioral problems. Troubled teens with special needs |
| want to change and refuse to understand the | | | | often don't fit into traditional summer camps. Parents |
| negative consequences of living a life that involves | | | | who have teens heading down the "wrong path" will |
| drugs, alcohol, crime, gangs, or other illegal and | | | | often see dramatic changes in their teen's attitude and |
| self-damaging activities. | | | | behavior, after a wilderness camp or other alternative |
| - Boarding Schools can be a good choice for | | | | summer camps. |
| teenagers who need to learn the benefits of self | | | | - Christian Schools can be the place for experiencing |
| discipline. Discipline is the first and probably most | | | | more positive peer influences, be subject to a higher |
| significant aspect boarding schools can instill into your | | | | standard of conduct to help your teenagers develop |
| teen. | | | | self discipline along with their academics, study and |
| - Boot Camps are an option but one that should be | | | | learn to apply biblical truth to their lives. After all the |
| considered with great care. The theory behind many | | | | Bible was the first textbook used in America! |