Boot Camps

Boot Camp History
Anyone that has served in the military knows what a boot camp is, but for everyone else we will try to explain the phenomena that surround the phrase today. In the Military the first few weeks are spent doing intense calisthenics, running, accompanied by many “in your face” confrontations. The idea is that if a soldier is not in good physical shape, disciplined, and able to follow instructions he will compromise himself and others around him or her. In past years a juvenile delinquent may have been given the option to serve time in jail or opt to join the military. This served two purposes; first it removed a problem teen from the streets and second it helped fill the military with able young men.

Boot Camps of Today
The days of boot camp only associated with the military are long gone and the term has come to mean everything from computer programming seminars to physical fitness retreats. The term now seems to refer to a concentrated effort on something that you are trying to accomplish. With such diversity in definitions of terminology, it is easy to see why people become confused for the reason they are seeking help for their child.

Juvenile System Boot Camps
One option associated with boot camps is connected to the juvenile system. Some states have structured youth programs that are conducted like the military of old. The juvenile offenders are sentenced to spend time in a simulated military book camp with drill instructors, barracks and chow time. They are to address their superiors as, “yes sir”, “no sir”, march in formation, and make their beds with 45 degree angles on the corners. The sentence varies in length and the juvenile is not free to leave. There have been some incidents in the news lately of abuse within this type of program.

Private Boot Camps
There are still some Private Boot Camps that are in operation today. Private Boot Camps are run similar to Juvenile System Boot Camps, but the student/cadet is placed under the direction of a distraught parent. The child is usually heading in a path for destruction, using drugs, and flirting with the legal system. Parents, out of frustration, will turn to such options with the hope of saving their son or daughter. Many of the Private Boot Camps are Christian based and combine religion with the structure to assist the troubled youth.

Boot Camp Success Rates Success rates are subject to many things. A few things to consider when you are quoted a success rate

• Were surveys conducted by the company seeking the statistic or an outside source? (In other words what was the motivation for the research?)
• How long does the student have to be in the program to be included in the research?
• What percent of total enrollment was included in the study?
• What questions were asked of those included in survey? (In other words, were they designed to achieve a high score)?
• What is success?
  
  • -High School diploma?
  • -Drug free at program completion?
  • -Acceptance into Harvard?

Summary
Because success has so many variables and is subject to each person individually, it is virtually impossible to quote any type of success rate that would apply to everyone. Boot Camps like any option will have students that will return home and live happy, fulfilled lives. They will also have students that will go onto the correctional system. That being said there are still boot camp options that are helping troubled teens. Like any type of option there are programs that operate within the law and those that don’t. It is wise to research as completely as possible any option you consider including a tour of the facility. If you are unable to visit a program or boot camp you will be forced to rely on the word of those you are talking to.