One of the issues of parents about wilderness camps is safety. How safe are wilderness camps? Actually, the camps have many field staff members who are equipped to handle first aid and risk management. Every team in the camp has their own staff, who constantly communicate with the central station or the headquarters though two-way radio. Each team is often checked several times per day. Hence, all the teams have their own mobile phones and satellite phones. Emergency support crews are also available 24 hours that could readily respond anytime. In fact, most camps assign one staff for every three to four kid, plus the therapist or counselor whose responsible for their cases.

The camp directors and other professionals are also directly involved during the entire process. Their participation assures the safety and effectiveness of the programs.

Many ask how the wilderness could save or change troubled teenagers. See, the atmosphere of the nature provide a rich, safe and healthy environment for the kids. It enlightens their mind and gives them a more positive perspective. They will be able to understand and process their emotion, which lead to personal responsibility. Hence, they can already make choices that are socially acceptable.

Feelings or emotions are highly important. Take note that having them in their extremity does not justify bad behavior. In the camp, teenagers are helped to understand that their behavior is a choice. In turn, they will gain control over their choices while improving their self-worth.

The wilderness camps let nature teach teenage kids to own their feelings and become responsible as individuals. When such kids try hard to survive, it is a good sign because they are gradually responding to the “call of nature” to become better people.

The general mission of most wilderness camps is to change the negative behavior of teenagers, and replace them with better and positive conduct. Such facilities intend to enhance the physical and mental health of teenagers through nature’s challenges. They also encourage kids to make some lifestyle changes, as far as  thoughts and preferences are concerned that have adversely influenced the behavior.

For many teenagers who have been living at the convenience of the modern world, the natural environment can be a very intimidating place. However, the idea of challenges often motivate the kids to strive hard to understand and adapt to their new environment. In turn, they will embrace self-discipline through self-discovery and readiness to conquer the risks. Also, their confidence will be renewed. They will become mature and endure self-worth.

Generally, wilderness camps have four areas that help teenagers overcome their issues. They are nature experience, individual therapy, the family and group or peer therapy. The camps usually reinforce the teenage kids to get from modern distractions. Consequently, the transition of environment enables the kids to acquire or reacquire the essential social skills that they have lost to being bad. In turn, they will have a better and easier experience during the treatment period.

During the individual treatment, the kids spend time with their therapist. The sessions often include activities that allow personal growth. The therapist also observe and evaluate the bad behaviors of the teenagers, and then lead them to constructive activities. The series of process will help kids replace their negativity with new and positive thoughts.

The family also plays a very important role during the program cycle. Their support will mean a lot to the healing of the kids. Communication between parents and the kids should be improved or reestablished.

In other activities, teenagers are encouraged and expected to be with other kids. The relationship of the kids with their peers is also equally important. It will test their dynamics as being part the group. As a result, they will be able to reflect with the experiences of others.

Remember that wilderness camps might be similar in their programs. Generally, their aim is to provide a safe and healthy environment for teenagers (troubled or not) so they can become better individuals. They mostly emphasize on “taking responsibility for actions or behaviors.” Thus, they encourage kids to express themselves in ways that might not hurt other people. Here are some examples of wilderness programs:

 * Increasing exercise
 * Developing outdoor skills
 * Learning to work with others
 * Trust-building
 * Problem-solving
 * Guided communication with parents and other family members
 * Developing strong social skills
 * Exploring of personal issues through group processing
 * Developing course goals

Who could be in the wilderness camp?

Not all kids are qualified to be in wilderness camps, whether they intend to be there for recreation or rehabilitation. However, troubled teenagers who qualify for such programs have behavioral, clinical or learning issues. In turn, these factors are contributing to their socially unacceptable behavior. Most of wilderness camps take in kids from 13-18 with:

 * substance abuse
 * depression
 * drug/alcohol experimentation or abuse
 * poor relationships with family and friends
 * problem with anger management
 * difficulty in following or recognizing authority
 * ADD/ADHD
 * manipulative behavior 
 * short of coping skills
 * oppositional defiant disorder or ODD
 * low motivation
 * no impulse control
 * academic or learning difficulties
 * conduct disorder

Most wilderness programs require the participation of family members. The troubled teenager can easily cope up if there is a strong support system, especially coming from his or her family. Traditionally, the programs allow a three-day family workshop. The process often establishes a safe environment for the family to reconcile and reunite emotionally.

Remember that many cases of troubled teens are largely founded on family issues. Resolving unsung expressions and  misunderstandings can speed up the process. Communication usually dwindles that’s why kids are getting into trouble. In some occasions, particularly with teenagers, they use bad behavior as a way to communicate their opinions or even their needs. In short, they want their parents, or everybody else in the family, to pay more attention to them.

Hence, the workshop intends to create or renew the bond between parents and the kids as well as everybody else in the family.

Wilderness camp provides an environment that is free from negative external factors. It replaces all the negativity with positive reinforcement with the help of mother nature. The natural atmosphere  offers a structured yet rustic lifestyle with healthy relationships among other participants or campers.

The challenging activities in the camp often reflect both family and social scenarios with strong boundaries and structures. In turn, the whole process, whether it be rehabilitation or recreation, gives teenagers a chance to realize their actions.  By doing so, they become motivated to pursue life after their stay in the camp.

In short, teenagers are getting a natural therapy from nature. Places as well as other living things around them allow a certain conscious reflection, which teen kids usually miss in reality or in their usual lifestyle.

One of the benefits wilderness programs is understanding and embracing spirituality. If your family lacks this essential life’s quality, it is a high time to be engaged. It will really help your troubled teenager. Take note that spiritual activities in wilderness camps require the family’s involvement, not just the parents but all family members. The process often result to spiritual development as an individual, and spiritual unity as a family.

The only downside is some teenagers do not like the idea of religion or even being spiritual. Depending on your child’s case or even your (religious) preferences, there will be alternative activities to suffice that part of the entire therapeutic flow. As long as the family are willing to be involved during the process, the camp staffs are willing to create an appropriate activity leading to the same results.

Not every troubled teenager can be admitted in a wilderness program. Generally, there are several factors to be considered. Most importantly, is your kid up for the challenges? Or, are you sending your kid for a rehabilitation or a recreation program?

If your kid needs to cope up with his or her behavioral issues, then you’re up for a rehabilitation program. Therapy will be provided to remove all those acquired negative influences. However, aside from the cost, you should be able to prepare you teen that there will be less contact for a long period. Also, the activities are physically challenging.

Most wilderness programs have adventure hikes or expeditions that focus on personal development. The good thing about this activity is that your child can explore and embrace the importance of nature, while improving as a self.