Wilderness Programs

Has anyone ever sent their kid(s) to one of these or know of anyone who has sent their child(ren)? The programs such as Aspen Achievement Academy, which is based in Utah. I'm seriously thinking of sending my two boys (14 & 16). I would like some feedback on the program if anyone knows anything about it. Thanks.

I knew someone who went to Outward Bound. He was a kid in a program that I taught for a while in college. Did wonders for his self reliance and self esteem. He was kind of a jerk before, but after he stopped doing things for the sake of being mean. He did get a a little sanctimonious though. He was 17 when he went, a few years after I knew him.

Xited1:

Did you try to research the program online, looking for testimonials, etc.?

I do think that if you're seriously considering something like that, you're doing the right thing by trying to get input before sending your children there.

Many, many years ago, my uncle (2 years older than me), was sent to one of these 'schools' by my grandparents, located near Provo, Utah. He came home with stories of having the cr*p beat out of him on a regular basis. Yes, he was probably rebellious and probably told the 'counselors' where they could stick it. However, in my opinion, this was a symptom of whatever the problem was, and beating the cr*p out of an already possibly troubled teenager is not going to fix anything.

I can't remember the rest of the details because it's been a very long time. What I remember is that when he returned, he hadn't stopped partying at all. He just got better at not getting caught. Even though, in effect, he 'stayed out of trouble', ultimately, this didn't help because he was stoned when he fell off his skateboard at 19 and died.

I don't have children or know anyone else who has ever been through one of these programs so this is all I have to share.

The program that Otto mentioned is supposed to be a great self-esteem builder but it's not a program specifically focused on teens with possible drug problems or other serious problems. Still, I can't see how it could hurt.

I guess it all depends on what the motivations and goals are for considering a 'program' like either Aspen or Outward Bound.

A friend of mine has a couple of problem teens and was referred to a program through the police department. You might try there and juvenile 'hall' in your town.

Good luck!

EDIT: Xited1, if I had out-of-control kids, I'd be looking into these types of programs. I don't think that there's anything wrong with trying to get one's kids inline to help them in the long run. Sometimes, a parent needs a little help.

I'm not sure my kids are really out of control, I know they are experiementing with pot, but what kid doesn't? This program is very expensive and even though my kids are worth it, I don't know if I want to spend the rest of my life paying for it, if it isn't going to do my kid any good. I've searched here in Nevada, and unfortunately there is NOTHING locally for help. And I have searched and read the "blogs"? if that's what you call them, regarding some participants in those programs, but that is a few out of how many that have actually attended? But still I do consider what they say. Thanks for the info and support.

I'm in Tahoe. I believe that there are wilderness programs like you may be looking for up here and elsewhere in the Sierra. I think I've seen them advertised in magazines like Sunset and some of the outdoor enthusiast magazines. Sometimes they're listed under camps.

It's true...many of us experimented back then, and as my friends and I 'joke', we're decent adults!

I think that the fact that you're interested in providing some extra 'guidance' for your boys is impressive.

I wish I had more input about how to find these places. Maybe someone with children or someone in the 'industry' will send you some ideas. Why am I so interested when I don't have kids of my own? Because I was one of those kids that probably would have not wasted several years of my life if anyone had bothered to give me a little input.

All I can think of is searching the internet and possibly contacting some family support organizations in your community. They might have some ideas. Or even contacting 'regular' summer camps. They probably get the occasional call from folks looking for a guidance or behavioral camp. Oh, and even some city and county Chambers (of Commerce) might have some information.

Hope you find something that suits your situation, Xcited.

SG