Parents may find themselves struggling with their teenaged son or daughter because of their participating in any of numerous negative activities, which may include promiscuity, drugs and alcohol or other addictions and/or trouble with the law. In this situation, parents may find themselves searching for outside help, possibly by sending them to what are often called "teen boot camps." Camps for troubled teens in Canada tend to focus on changing behaviours and attitudes through education, the influence of a good environment and positive role models. Read more
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Sports Camps Canada
Our coed summer sports camps are geared toward kids ages 4-18 of all abilities and skill levels. From beginner to elite, there is a camp option for everyone. Improve Your Skills & Have SERIOUS FUN at Sports Camps Canada!
North Toronto, Toronto; Vancouver; Calgary; Online
Sport (multi)
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City of Toronto - Specialty Plus Camps
Looking to enjoy nature and being outdoors, these camps are for you! Camp Naorca & Camp Claireville both provide fun, hands-on opportunities to discover the hidden wonders and importance of Toronto’s parks and gardens.
Bathurst Manor/Clanton Park, Toronto; Brampton
Science:
Nature/Environment
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Harbourfront Centre Camps
Since 1979, Harbourfront Centre Camps have fostered an inclusive learning community that encourages long-lasting connections to contemporary arts, culture and ideas. .
Harbourfront, Toronto
Traditional (multi activity)
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Ruth Rumack's Learning Space
Cutting-edge Direct Instruction and academic support centre in Toronto offering 1-to-1 individual support for students K-12, innovative group classes and standardized test preparation for SSAT, SAT, and ACT.
Deer Park, Toronto; Davisville Village, Toronto; Annex, Toronto; Online
Education:
Academic/Tutoring
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Kinark Outdoor Centre
A central Ontario summer camp for families and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Minden
Traditional (multi activity)
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COVID-19 alert: Temporarily closed
Camp Kennebec An amazing summer camp experience for campers with special needs. All the fun of camp, with supportive and experienced staff to give your camper the summer of their life! The focus is on fun first!
Sharbot Lake
Traditional (multi activity)
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Radiant Girls
Girls Wellness & Leadership programs, with prof. coaches, chef's and trainers. Featuring Yoga/Pilates, Outdoor Adventures, Confidence & EI Activities, Meaningful Art, Leadership Games, Relationship Building, and More!
Burlington; Hamilton; Online
Education:
Leadership
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Venture Academy Summer Program for Troubled Teens
Supportive & therapeutic environment for struggling students. Assessment, educational support, life skills and outdoor activities. Earn school credit, acquire skills & stay safe!
Kelowna; Barrie; Red Deer
Traditional (multi activity)
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Behaviour Matters
Focused on developing social skills, emotional/self-regulation and self confidence. Programs are interactive, skills, and strength-based, consisting of games, team building; role-plays, art, discussions, take-home tasks.
Lawrence Heights, Toronto; Online
Education:
Leadership
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Innovation Camp Thinnox
STEAM BOOTCamp GTA.Animation,Game,Coding,Architecture,Robotics,UI/UX Graphic,WEB Tech,Fashion Tech,DRONE Engg,AR/VR Tech.STEAM ahead with your Career-Goals, Join Technology,Engineering & Design InnovationCamp at Thinnox!
Mississauga; Online
Computer (multi)
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COVID-19 alert: Temporarily closed
Kandalore Kandalore is the finest traditional summer camp in Canada, providing the best of both canoe tripping and in-camp activities. Specialized leadership programs for 16 and 17 year olds.
Minden
Traditional (multi activity)
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GTA Photography Classes : Camps
Photography & Video Camps for kids (8-12) & teens (13-18). Campers learn from award-winning photographers & apply their new skills on daily field trips. Give your child the BEST SUMMER EVER!
Ottawa; Downtown East, Toronto; Illinois
Visual arts:
Photo/Video
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InterVarsity Circle Square Ranch Grand River
Both a day camp and an overnight camp, offering exciting programs such as horsemanship, swimming, high ropes, climbing wall, archery, campfires, tomahawks, and many more. Excellent Leadership Camps available for teens.
Brantford
Traditional (multi activity)
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InterVarsity Pioneer Camp Ontario
An award winning Christian summer camp in Muskoka for ages five to 17 featuring dozens of awesome activities, teen programs in leadership development and wilderness adventure & unforgettable experiences for every camper!
Huntsville
Traditional (multi activity)
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Code-it Hacks
Blend of 5 flavors in our Kids Coding & Robotics Camp in Toronto! Learn to Code, Learn to build: Robotics & Circuits, Outdoor play:Logic Games & a field trip to a tech company! Never a dull moment in our camps & programs
Bloor West Village, Toronto; Online
Computer (multi)
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Ontario Educational Leadership Centre
Leadership training for students in Grades 6-12 in the arts, athletics, French language sports, SHSM, school leadership and more. Leadership courses are facilitated by qualified Ontario Teachers. #WeLead
Washago; Online
Education:
Leadership
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McMichael Children and Youth Art Camps and Programs
The McMichael provides an unmatched backdrop for children, youth and family programs. For details on Children's Camps, Art Classes, Accessible Studio Workshops and Family Days, visit mcmichael.com today!
Vaughan; Online
Art :
Visual arts (multi)
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Genius Camp
The fastest growing STEM camp in Toronto and the GTA, offering programs in Robotics and AI, Coding, Programming, Advanced Math, Practical Science, 3D Printing and Modeling.
Mississauga; Downtown West, Toronto; Markham
Education:
STEM
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COVID-19 alert: Temporarily closed
Northwaters & Langskib Canoe Tripping Programs Wilderness canoe adventures with heart & meaning in boys, girls and all-gender programs. Trips weave together challenge, community & confidence to connect youth to the land, each other, and their own unique spirit.
Temagami
Adventure:
Wilderness Out-tripping
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Encounters with Canada
A leadership program, where teens develop civic leadership skills, learn about Canadian institutions, meet famous and accomplished Canadians, and explore exciting career options
Ottawa
Education:
Leadership
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InterVarsity Circle Square Ranch Big Clear Lake
Circle Square Ranch is a life changing Christian summer camp for kids and teens ages 6-17. We offer a wide range of activities including horseback riding, water sports and ropes. Your summer adventure starts here!
Hamilton; Huntsville; Land O' Lakes Tourist Region
Traditional (multi activity)
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Artech Camps Canada
Artech is the Ultimate Creative Technology camp specializing in Game Design, Animation & Coding. Virtual camps, fully interactive for kids 7-17. With this initiative we are able to reach kids virtually anywhere!
La Have; Online
Computer (multi)
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Outward Bound Canada
Outward Bound Canada provides challenging adventures in the outdoors across the country that develop self-respect, awareness of others, interpersonal skills, and a sense of accomplishment.
Alberta (1); British Columbia (1); Canada (1); New Brunswick (1); Ontario (1)
Adventure (multi)
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COVID-19 alert: Temporarily closed
Camp Wabikon An experience kids love. A family parents trust. Wabikon is sleepover camp for boys and girls ages 6-17. Campers from around the world feel like part of the family and enjoy activities on a challenge-by-choice basis.
Temagami
Traditional (multi activity)
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Supercamp @ Vanier College
Supercamp is an ACQ-certified day camp providing over 20 arts, science, sports and learning-oriented programs. Most importantly, our camp is over 80 employees devoted to creating memories to last a lifetime!
Montreal
Traditional (multi activity)
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Township of King
With a mixture of sports, arts, and nature based programs, you are sure to find the perfect camp or program for your child! High Five and OCA Certified. Visit www.king.ca for more information.
Traditional (multi activity)
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Neilson Park Creative Centre
Arts-focused camps, classes and workshops supporting a creative learning environment where children, teens and families are encouraged to explore and enrich their lives through the arts.
Markland Wood, Toronto
Art (multi)
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SportLife
A unique team sports camp, simulating the career of professional athletes! Sports include: ice hockey, flag/touch football, basketball, soccer, baseball, ball hockey and much more!
Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue; Montreal; Huberdeau
Sport (multi)
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YMCA-YWCA of the National Capital Region
Choose active and fun Neighbourhood day camps close to home, with themed weeks and out trips, OR a traditional outdoor day (or overnight) experience at Camp Otonabee with ropes, paddling, nature hikes, swimming and more
Ottawa
Traditional (multi activity)
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Stagecoach Performing Arts
We offer a selection of summer camps and teaching acting, dancing and singing - with a performance at the end of every week! High quality lessons, low teacher to child ratio, child protection policy and more.
Oakville; Mississauga; Online
Education:
Musical Theatre
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Idea Lab Kids Oakville
Innovative programming with a focus on STEM. Summer camp, after school, birthdays and more. Courses for all ages in coding, game design, circuitry, toy engineering, the arts, VR, robotics, 3D printing, cooking and more!
Oakville
Education:
STEM
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Camp Oconto
Founded in 1924, Oconto is a traditional girls overnight camp located on the beautiful shores of Eagle Lake north of Kingston, Ontario. Over 20 activities are offered on 80 acres of land and 2km of shoreline.
Sharbot Lake
Traditional (multi activity)
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COVID-19 alert: Temporarily closed
YMCA of Oakville YMCA of Oakville camps are found at several locations across the community with activities including swimming, day trips and more. Learn more!
Hamilton; Oakville
Traditional (multi activity)
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HUMBER ARBORETUM NATURE CAMPS
A nature-focused exploration and adventure camp set within a beautiful urban green space. This hands-on camp helps children foster an appreciation for the the many wonders of the natural world.
Rexdale, Toronto
Science:
Nature/Environment
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Arrowsmith School Cognitive Intensive Program
The Cognitive Intensive Program strengthens the Symbol Relations cognitive function. Strengthening this area means a more powerful and positive capacity to understand, participate in and contribute to the world.
South Hill, Toronto; Online
Academic/Tutoring:
Instructor lead (group)
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Ontario Tech University Summer Camps
Explore unique science and tech programa at Ontario Tech, including LEGO , Makerspace, Coding, Minecraft. Family Camps. Camps will require minimal parent support once the camp site has been successfully accessed.
Oshawa; Online
Science (multi)
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Sylvan Learning Oakville
At Sylvan of Oakville, we have STEM Summer Camps, STEM Club, tutoring in JK-Gr. 12 math, reading, and writing, as well as SAT/ACT prep courses.
Oakville; Online
Education (multi)
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Laurus Summer Camp
Montreal, Laval and Beaconsfield's #1 Lifestyle Summer day camp! We blend fun, education & specialty training in arts, academics and sports! Weekly program for kids ages 3 - 15! Registration is open in November for 2020!
Quebec (5)
Traditional (multi activity)
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Bear Creek Outdoor Centre
We are a small camp with a spectacular community of campers and staff. We focus on having a great time building interpersonal skills and connecting with each other in a fantastic natural setting.
Renfrew; Ottawa
Traditional (multi activity)
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COVID-19 alert: Temporarily closed
Canadian Opera Company Explore opera through our innovative and engaging programs created for kids and families!
St Lawrence, Toronto; Downtown West, Toronto
Music:
Vocal training / singing
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Fire Fly Stables
Learn to ride English on well trained horses. Daily riding lessons, theory & practical in the barn, arts/crafts, team building and of course a few camp traditions. Year round lessons with all weather riding facilities.
Hamilton
Sport:
Horseback Riding/Equestrian
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Kids in the Spotlight
Kids in the Spotlight is an evidence-based performing arts organization helping children and youth develop self-confidence, social skills, and harmonious relationships with family and friends.
International; Jasper; Montreal
Education:
Musical Theatre
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Sylvan Learning Burlington
Sylvan STEM Camps are high quality, low ratio camps with LEGO Robotics, Coding, Science Experiments, Engineering builds and more hands-on STEM activities. REMEMBER Effective summer tutoring is also available for JK-Gr.12
Burlington; Online
Education (multi)
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Active Scholars
A unique summer experience, Where Sports Meets Education and campers get to engage in both STEM Learning & Basketball or Soccer Development. Each week we offer a unique experience for continued growth and engagement.
Ajax; Guelph; North Toronto, Toronto; Online
Traditional (multi activity)
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Medeba Summer Camp
Medeba Summer Camp is an overnight camp that uses adventure and community to provide the best week of your child's summer! We provide a full range of traditional and extensive adventure activities to choose from.
Haliburton; Online
Traditional (multi activity)
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The Pine Project
Get outside this summer and discover your full potential! As Ontario's leading nature connection organization, our outdoor day and overnight camps empower kids to explore nature, try new things and build resilience.
Bloor West Village, Toronto; East York, Toronto; Minden
Science:
Nature/Environment
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Temagami
Adventure:
Wilderness Out-tripping
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Academic Camp Canada
Exciting academic summer camps for 12-17 year olds in British Columbia, New Brunswick & Ottawa. BCCA accredited. Combination of inspiring academic learning, activities & trips. Computer Science & Medical Studies camps
Mill Bay; International; Rothesay; Ottawa
Education (multi)
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COVID-19 alert: Temporarily closed
Camp Wanapitei Wilderness canoe-tripping camp based in Northern Ontario, paddling Ontario, Quebec, and the Territories. A strong tripping program is complemented by caring staff, community focus and a diverse in-camp program.
Temagami
Adventure:
Wilderness Out-tripping
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YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka
The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka offers a variety of values based camp programs through our day, family, leadership and overnight camps throughout the Simcoe, Muskoka and Parry Sound regions.
Orillia; Midland
Traditional (multi activity)
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Zebra Robotics
Robotics and coding after-school, weekend, competition, and summer camp classes that are virtual classes for students from Grade 2 to 12. Serious STEM learning with a unique curriculum and wholesome support system!
Mississauga; Milton; Online
Computer (multi)
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Cedar Ridge Camp
Cedar Ridge Camp is a wonderful place where campers have the opportunity to get outside and develop friendships.
Bancroft
Traditional (multi activity)
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Kilcoo Camp
Kilcoo has an earned reputation as one of Canada's foremost traditional summer camps. Boys come to Kilcoo to enjoy the activities, to gain confidence in themselves, to learn to work with others and to "just have fun"!
Minden; Moore Park, Toronto
Traditional (multi activity)
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COVID-19 alert: Temporarily closed
YMCA of Southwestern Ontario Overnight Camps The YMCA of Southwestern Ontario offers two amazing overnight camps for campers aged 5-16 - YMCA Camp Queen Elizabeth (CQE) in Georgian Bay Islands National Park and YMCA Camp Henry in Point Pelee National Park.
London; Leamington; Port Severn
Traditional (multi activity)
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The Maker Bean Cafe
Creative technology camps to engage your kids & teen. Topics include Robotics, Inventions, Minecraft & Video Game Programming.
Dovercourt Park, Toronto; Wallace Emerson, Toronto
Education:
STEM
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Toronto Zoo - Zoo Camp
Located at the Toronto Zoo, Zoo Camp offers unique adventures to stimulate kids' interest in the natural world. Go behind-the-scenes at Canada's largest zoo.
Rouge, Toronto
Science:
Zoology/Animals
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Ross Creek Centre for the Arts
SummerArts combines the best of camp with the best of the arts, with great food, a full rec schedule, campfire, and of course a core of incredible arts programming, all on a beautiful campus overlooking the Bay of Fundy.
Canning
Art (multi)
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COVID-19 alert: Temporarily closed
Junior Red Riders If your child can ride a two wheeled bicycle without assistance, we can teach them how to ride a DIRT BIKE! Fully comprehensive program focusing on FUN & SAFETY
Markham
Sport:
BMX / Motocross
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Mobile Doc Shop
Mobile Doc Shop Summer Camp - Day Camp - Toronto Islands. A documentary film making camp teaching the use of smartphones to produce films. The camp includes Recreation time - frisbee golf, walking tours, and team sports.
Toronto Islands, Toronto
Visual arts:
Photo/Video
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Brain Power Enrichment Programs
With more than 30 years of success, Brain Power is an innovative leader in enrichment education for bright and gifted students. Brain Power is a transformative model for what gifted education should be about in the GTA.
Vaughan
Academic/Tutoring:
Instructor lead (group)
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Learning Disabilities Society
Customized and creative week-long camps that help students (grades 3-5) with learning disabilities develop new skills through fun, hands-on camp programs with a high instructor and camp counsellor to camper ratio.
Vancouver; North Vancouver; Online
Education (multi)
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YMCA Camp Pine Crest
We provide a fun program for campers who want to gain independence, interact with nature, make friends with new people, and develop leadership skills. Overnight canoe trips are a staple that make for the best adventures!
Torrance
Traditional (multi activity)
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Crestwood Valley Day Camp
A Toronto DAY camp offering 20-25 Daily Activities, Baseball and Basketball Camps, LIT/CIT,*"4' Heated Inground Salt Pools*w/daily lessons-WEEKLY CARNIVAL, Gymboree & ROSE REISMAN CATERING! LOW RATIOS! Call 416.444.9595
Bridle Path, Toronto
Traditional (multi activity)
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Wesley Acres - Harbour Ridge
A traditional Christian Camp, located in Prince Edward County just across the lake from Sandbanks Provincial Park.
Picton
Traditional (multi activity)
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Gee-Gees Sports Camps
The University of Ottawa Gee-Gees pride ourselves in offering a wide variety of bilingual sport camps to youth in the Ottawa and Gatineau area.
Ottawa
Traditional (multi activity)
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False Creek Racing Canoe Club
A multi-disciplinary paddling club offering recreational and competitive camps and after-school programs for kids of all ages and abilities all year round!
Vancouver
Sport (multi)
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The Laird House Adventure Camp
We offer eco-friendly sports camp/year round programs for youth 8-14. Created & taught by Certified Ontario Teachers they include: gardening, re-cycling natural resources, basketball, beach volleyball, badminton & more!
Brampton
Traditional (multi activity)
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Interlochen Center for the Arts
Immersive summer arts camp for music, visual arts, theatre, film, dance, and creative writing. Multi-week programs for grades 3-12 and one-week instrumental institutes for high school students.
Michigan; Online
Art (multi)
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The Second City Training Centre
Come play improv games and write sketch comedy! Learn to think on your feet, meet new friends and have fun!This will be the best summer ever!
Leslieville, Toronto; Downtown West, Toronto; North Toronto, Toronto
Art :
Theatre Arts
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Of course, parents may need to look at and change some of their own behaviours and attitudes and how these might be negatively impacting communication with their teenaged son or daughter. Simply relying on an outside "fix" like a teen boot camp is not a holistic approach to making real change.
On the other hand, there are many cases where teens simply need a radical change in order to break negative patterns. There are many troubled teens who do not fare well in traditional counseling environments, and there is some evidence that these teens are finding success in long-term treatment programs such as those offered at some camps. The National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs conducted a study showing that teens with problem emotional and behavioural issues improved during treatment at a residential program. In addition, they maintained a healthier outlook long after they left the treatment programs. Among problems these teens faced were ADHD, depression, and oppositional defiant disorder.
The study provided hard evidence over the anecdotal evidence traditionally provided by the industry. It followed 1,027 graduates of troubled teen treatment programs for one year after they completed their program and focused on how consistent the teens' behaviour remained.
For parents dealing with problem teens, we wish you wisdom as you search for a solution. We urge you to investigate the industry deeply in order to make the best informed decision you can. Consult the list above and enquire how these camps can help you with your troubled teen and how they believe they are different from dubious "treatment programs" of the past.
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