The Best Wilderness Camps and Their Programs



Posted: Tuesday, October 06, 2009

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Once you decide to send your child to a wilderness camp, the process has just begun. Finding the ideal camp for your teen is a task every parent must complete. Choosing the right camp for your teen is the crucial decision. Any wilderness camp will just not do. Of course a good camp is a good camp but there are distinctions. And here are some tips to help in your decision-making. First you want to look at the type of therapy on offer. If your son or daughter has a specific condition such as ADHD, you want a wilderness camp which has therapy to address their needs. General therapy is not good enough. This is not a holiday as such but a time and a place to help your child turn their life around.

Then you should consider the staffing situation. How many staff members are therapists and how many are outdoor educational experts? Your child needs a balance of these types of instructors. And how many kids are on camp? If the staff student ratio is high, there is a chance your child will not get enough specialist treatment. It might be a nice break but never forget the real purpose of sending your teen to the camp.

Then the program is important. What is the balance between therapy and outdoor activities? Of course some will argue that outdoor activities are therapeutic and that would be right but specific counseling is likewise essential.

What about the actual setting? Most wilderness camps are well named but check on the position of a camp or camps you are considering. It needs the beauty of the great outdoors but it also needs to be away from the attractions and lifestyle that your child is used to.

Consider the philosophy of the camp. Do they believe that the natural surrounds are an important factor in helping the children? Do they have a healthy balance between outdoor recreation and specific counseling and therapy sessions? What is the core belief of the camp? You can find answers to these questions usually from the camp's official web site. And talking with parents who have already had a child go through a camp is another great way to get a feel for what lies ahead for your son or daughter.

One specific factor you want your child to gain is in the area of confidence and self-esteem. A wilderness camp which offers a variety of challenges to the participants is a camp you should explore. By giving your child a variety of tasks, by challenging them to succeed, the camp is giving your child the chance to build their self-esteem and confidence. You want your child to return home as an enthusiastic person keen to resume their school programs and mix with good people and community groups. These benefits can come from a stay in a wilderness camp.

Are you looking for a wilderness program for your teen? Check out Wilderness Programs For Teens website. Provides Free tips and advice about wilderness programs and in selecting the right wilderness therapy programs.

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