The Primary Differences Between Non-profit Boarding Schools and Boot Camps for Troubled Teens

Parents who are struggling to manage their teen’s behavior often turn to outside sources for help. The top options for troubled teens are often boarding school or boot camp. Both program types offer troubled teens the opportunity to change their behavior, receive counseling and therapy, and improve their lives and the lives of their families.
When deciding whether to send your child to boarding school or boot camp, it is important to compare the two program types. Knowing what types of services are offered at each location is often the deciding factor for parents of troubled teens.

Boot Camp

Boot camps for troubled teenagers focus on discipline. Boot camp programs provide a strict, no-nonsense environment with very clear rules and regulations. When these rules are not followed, campers receive immediate discipline for their misbehavior. The discipline provided by boot camp counselors is intense and demanding. Teens are required to participate in vigorous physical activities or perform manual labor as penitence for their transgressions.
In addition to providing much needed discipline, boot camp gives teens the opportunity to develop a positive self-image. The activities at boot camp are challenging. They are physical in nature and push teens to their limits. Being challenged in this way, while participating in the safe environment of boot camp, gives teens the chance to build their confidence and learn their value.
Boot camp programs are relatively short. While some programs can last for a few months at a time, most boot camps for troubled teens are a week or two in length. Boot camp costs are often very high. Some disciplinary boot camps can cost upwards of $1,000 per week.

Non-Profit Boarding Schools

One of the main differences between boot camp and boarding school is that boarding schools focus on education, more so than discipline. While boarding school has rules that must be followed, the staff and teachers focus on educating the student, rather than enforcing strict rules and disciplinary actions. Boarding schools aim to educate students, build independence, and prepare them for the world beyond high school.

Boarding schools also focus greatly on providing students with the therapy and counseling that they need. Boarding schools employ licensed psychologists who are trained at providing individual therapy, behavioral modification therapy, and emotional counseling. Both individual and group counseling is available. Boarding school schedules allow students to take time out of their day to attend therapy sessions, and students also have the ability to check in with their psychologist as needed throughout the school year.

Non-profit boarding schools are designed to be affordable. Due to their nature, they are much less expensive than their for-profit counterparts. Tuition rates are subsidized by donations. Often times, a family is charged a specific tuition rate based on the family’s individual income. Scholarships and grants are also available in order to help families cover the costs of tuition.