Boot camp (correctional) facts for kids

Boot camps are special programs used in some countries. They aim to help young people who have gotten into trouble. These programs are often designed like military training. They focus on strict rules and physical activities. The goal is to teach discipline and help young people make better choices. However, boot camps have also faced criticism. People worry about their methods and if they truly help young people in the long term.

Understanding Boot Camps

Where Did Boot Camps Come From?

The word "boot" comes from the Spanish–American War in 1898. US Navy and Marine recruits wore special leggings called "boots." Their training places became known as "boot" camps.

Military-style training has been used for a long time. In the 1700s, it helped civilian prisoners in the United States. During World War 2, it was also used for military prisoners.

Boot Camps Around the World

Australia's Experience

In Australia, the state of Queensland tried boot camps for young people. The Premier, Campbell Newman, announced these camps in 2013. They were meant for young people who had committed crimes. However, these boot camps closed down in 2015. This happened under a different government.

China's Internet Camps

In the People's Republic of China, there are special boot camps for young people. These camps focus on helping those with internet addiction disorder. They are sometimes called "special training schools" (Chinese: 特训学校; pinyin: Tèxùn Xuéxiào). These camps have faced a lot of criticism. People have raised concerns about their difficult conditions and the methods used.

Boot Camps in Canada

In Canada, joining a boot camp program is always a choice. This is important because of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This law protects people from unfair or harmful treatment. It makes sure that young people's rights are respected.

From 1997 to 2004, the province of Ontario funded a private boot camp. It was called Project Turnaround. This camp offered a stricter option for young people who had not committed violent crimes.

New Zealand's Approach

New Zealand has used boot camps as part of its system to help young offenders. These programs usually focused on a small group of young males. They often used military-style training.

Many political leaders have promised to open boot camps. This has happened before several elections since 2008. There has been a lot of public support for these ideas. However, many studies have shown that these programs do not help reduce the number of young people who get into trouble again. Some even suggest they might make it more likely.

Experts have criticized the idea. They say boot camps do not address the main reasons why young people might struggle. These reasons can include difficult home situations or needing support for their feelings. As of November 2025, the government is funding new "Military-style Academies." These are part of its plan for youth justice.

Boot Camps in the United States

The first boot camps in the United States started in 1983. They appeared in Georgia and Oklahoma. These camps were meant to be less strict than prison. But they were tougher than just being on probation.

In most U.S. states, young people who are first-time offenders can choose boot camp. This can be instead of prison or probation. Some states can also order a young person to attend. The time spent in a camp can be from 90 to 180 days. This can replace longer prison sentences.

In 2000, there were 51 boot camps still operating. By 2010, many participants were from ethnic minority groups. There are different kinds of boot camps. Some focus more on therapy and counseling.

In Florida, state-run boot camps were banned on June 1, 2006. This happened after serious concerns about the safety and treatment of young people. The ban was signed into law by Florida Governor Jeb Bush.

How Effective Are Boot Camps?

Studies in the United States have looked at how well boot camps work. Camps that include strong support like education, drug treatment, and counseling often have good results. However, camps that only focus on physical activity and have no counseling can have negative effects.

A main criticism is that too much focus on strict authority can cause problems. It might lead to frustration, anger, and low self-esteem. Instead of teaching respect, it could make young people feel worse. Some boot camps have faced reports of unfair treatment. Between 1980 and 2009, there were reports of serious incidents involving young people in U.S. boot camps.

Other Ways to Help Young People

Boot camps often say they remove young people from bad influences. They aim to stop behaviors that cause problems. Other programs try to do this in different ways. These include outdoor education, adventure therapy, and wilderness therapy.

These alternative programs avoid some of the controversial methods of boot camps. They also claim to help young people avoid getting into trouble again.

See also

• Behavior modification facility
• Fitness boot camp
• Juvenile court