Washington State Summer Teen Behavior Programs

While some amount of rebellion is a normal part of the adolescent's quest for independence, HealthyChildren.org notes that when your child shows a persistent pattern of oppositional and defiant actions she might have a true behavioral problem. If your teen has a diagnosis such as oppositional defiant disorder, is in repeated trouble with authorities or has a substance abuse problem, you'll find several summer behavioral program options across the state of Washington.

  1. Thinking Themes

    • If you're looking for a camp that can help your teen to work on his issues while learning a new skill, Washington's Aspiring Youth offers theme-based summer programs. With locations in Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond and Kirkland, Aspiring Youth has camps with themes such as improvisation/theater, video production, building and contraptions, and specialized summer horse and arts programs that are just for girls. Teens with an array of problems, ranging from mild behavioral problems to autism spectrum disorder, can learn and develop with the help of masters-level counselors.

    Substance Abuse Issues

    • According to the Washington state Department of Social and Health Services, in a 2010 youth survey, 28 percent of teens reported having had at least one alcoholic drink in the prior 30 days, 20 percent had used marijuana at least one time and 16 percent had five or more alcoholic drinks during the same day during the preceding two weeks. If your teen uses a substance that is causing behavioral issues, a summer treatment program might help her. The Youth Eastside Services offers treatment programs, counseling and support groups specifically for kids between 10 and 20 years old of age. Likewise, Daybreak Youth Services -- with locations in Spokane and Vancouver -- offers substance abuse programs for teens while they are off from school for the summer. Daybreak provides both inpatient residential services and an outpatient program.

    Military Style Camps

    • A basic training, or military type, camp gives teens with behavioral problems the chance to build self-confidence and gain discipline skills. Washington's Camp Outlook, in the Eastern Washington town of Connell, is a juvenile offender basic training camp. This program features a military-style model that offers structure and behavioral remediation for Washington teen offenders ages 14 through 19 years of age. If you're looking for a program that features more of an extra-curricular feel -- over a camp or residential venue -- the Columbia River Young Marines offers structure, discipline and self-esteem-building activities on a weekly basis.

    Working Out in the Wildreness

    • Wilderness programs provide an adventurous environment for troubled teens to work with each other, building social skills and gaining confidence. Rites of Passage NW, in Bremerton on Puget Sound, is a wilderness therapy program that helps teens develop discipline, self-esteem and life skills at the Olympic National Park Wilderness. Another option is Outward Bound. While not all of Outward Bound's programs are traditional behavioral camps, the Northwest Outward Bound school provides older teens with the opportunity to build skills, and confidence, through wilderness activities and camping experiences.

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