Juvenile Boot Camps Nearest Austin, Texas

Generally, boot camps are an outdated and ineffective model for rehabilitation in the long term, with a long history of abuses. According to a 2007 report in the "Journal of Juvenile Law & Policy," "recent studies indicate that boot camps are not effective and fail to fulfill any of the five purposes for which they are used." Austin, Texas, does not have state or private juvenile boot camps, but there are some alternatives available.

  1. PEAKS Camp

    • At-risk youth participate with their adult sponsors because the relationship will become a connection and a support for the future.

      The PEAKS Camp is in Austin, Texas, and is for at-risk youths 10 to 17 years of age. The co-ed program requires one or two young people to attend the camp along with their sponsor. The PEAKS Camp states that, "All adult sponsors are staff with experience in youth services; they are expected to know something about the youth they bring, and preferably to have a prior relationship." Often these sponsors are counselors or parents, and they can earn continuing education units. Activities include rope challenges, games, swimming and other water activities, art, drama, hiking, canoeing and archery.

      PEAKS Camp's goal is that through "experiential learning and positive interaction, youth and adult participants will have the opportunity to enhance their feelings of self worth, increase their relationship skills and discover their strengths and limitations." Therapy is provided by professionals in a group therapy setting.

      Texas Network of Youth Services
      2525 Wallingwood Drive
      Austin, Texas 78746-6923
      512-328-6860
      tnoys.org

    Resolution Ranch

    • Resolution Ranch is a working ranch in Cameron, Texas.

      Resolution Ranch is not a traditional boot camp, although it is often just one step before juvenile detention for many teens. Resolution Ranch states that it is "not a teen boot camp that utilizes confrontational military tactics to coerce teens into obeying the rules." It is a nurturing, therapeutic environment to support boys in rehabilitation. Counselors work with boys from 13 to 17 years of age on self-esteem and individual skill building and in 12-step support groups.

      Resolution Ranch
      512-923-9636

    The Pegasus Freedom Program

    • Cognitive-behavioral therapy by licensed therapists is effective for behavioral modification.

      The Pegasus Freedom Program is on 105 acres of land located just south of Lockhart, Texas. In the Pegasus Freedom Program, "Therapy is provided from a cognitive behavioral approach by licensed therapists." The University of Texas-University Charter School Pegasus Campus provides education for the youth so they are not missing school while being in the program. There are about 13 exciting activities for them to participate in. Some of these activities involve sports, such as basketball, softball, volleyball, golf and hiking. Boys can also go fishing in a stocked fish pond, swim in the pool, learn to drive or participate in the recreation-room activities. Additionally, there is a vocational woodworking shop where boys can make things. Privileges are earned on a level system as a behavioral modification program. This program is for boys only, ages 10 to 17. Pegasus also has a program specifically for juvenile sex offenders.

      The Pegasus Freedom Program
      512-376-2101
      Fax: 512-398-2760
      pegasusschool.net

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