So your son or daughter is having problems and you’ve heard that wilderness programs do wonderful things for troubled teens. And you’re right, they do. But wilderness camps are not all the same. They offer different services, charge varying prices and have individual histories. Before you choose a particular program, ask some questions. You’ll find some samples below. Feel free to ad or delete any and change whatever you think will best help you choose the right facility.

You may obtain answers to some of these questions simply by visiting the web site of the wilderness camp or from reading their literature. And remember you don’t have to telephone or visit in person although both are possible. You can email your questions and receive the answers by same.

If you feel the answers are too short or the facility is being deceptive in answering your questions, forget them and move to another.

It’s most important that your child is right for a particular facility. Beware of any operator who is keen to take your teen without knowing their needs.

Remember you are leaving your child in the care of the adults at the wilderness camp. You need to know as much as possible before your child enrolls. Do not leave anything to chance. And besides, once you settle on a facility, you want to tell your teen all you can about the benefits and safety factors of the camp. Allay the child’s fears and give them optimism about the forthcoming experience.

If all goes well, this could be the beginning of the rest of their life.

Here are additional resources you might be interested in:

Wilderness Camp Therapy Programs

Do Wilderness Programs for Teens Really Work?