Federally-Funded Boot Camps for Kids

The juvenile justice system and parents have turned to boot camps for kids in the hopes of helping troubled teens turn their lives around. These juvenile boot camps tend to be a short-term solution to helping teens with defiant behaviors. There are two main types of boot camps for kids: the federally-funded boot camps and privately-run boot camp programs.

  1. Federally-Funded Boot Camps

    • Federally-funded boot camps are state-run alternatives to jail for juveniles. These boot camp programs are free for teens when the court orders them to attend. Teens are typically ordered to boot camp after committing a crime or series of crimes that would normally result in jail time. These military-style institutions use discipline and rigorous physical training to teach respect for authority, how to follow rules and improve overall behavior.

    Benefits

    • Boot camps can be effective for teens who are enrolled early enough in their destructive behavior patterns. The in-your-face, military-style treatment and structure, as a starting point, can serve as a wake-up call. The general fear of returning to boot camp may be enough of an incentive to turn negative behaviors around.

    Considerations

    • While boot camps for teens may have a short-term impact, statistically teens will return to the negative behavior patterns that landed them in a boot camp to begin with. In recent years, boot camps have been under question as to whether or not the military tactics used are safe for minors. The extreme approach used in these boot camps can leave unhealthy psychological effects on teens.

      Research has proven that long-term growth and success is more often seen in teens who attend residential treatment facilities or boarding schools rather that juvenile boot camps.

    Privately-Run Boot Camps

    • An alternative to federally-funded juvenile boot camps are privately-run boot camps for kids. The more popular privately-owned boot camps tend to be church-sponsored. These faith-based camps address behavior issues through strict discipline, structure and hard work, and often focus on the spiritual well-being of the teens.

      These types of boot camps that are not funded by the government usually operate under a nonprofit status and are supported by churches, organizations and individuals. Camps run anywhere from a single weekend, two-week programs and up to two-year stays. The costs vary from camp to camp and depend on the duration of the program. Private boot camps can be held in a home-like correctional setting where teens will live with house parents or in a dorm-like facility.

      Whether it is court ordered, or the parents of defiant teens are looking for help in turning the life of their teen around, boot camps for kids can be a short-term solution to helping teens come home as a better person.

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