That depends on your understanding of the word 'expensive'. We are talking here about the health and well being of your teenage son or daughter. There is no price you can put on saving their life. So when you consider the costs involved in sending your kid to camp, bear in mind that you may well be rescuing their physical or mental health.
That said there are several issues to discuss. First you must avoid comparing apples with pears. Wilderness camps are not all the same. Some may charge up to $30,000 and others less than half that.
Immediately a cost-conscious parent may be inclined towards the cheaper camp and such a camp might be an ideal choice for their child. But let us examine the reasons for the cost variation. There are such factors as:
- The length of the camp
- The number of therapists involved and
- The program
A camp running for 30 days would generally speaking be cheaper than a camp which lasts for 45 days. It might be that your child needs a longer stay to help with their condition.
Trained and registered therapists may be vital to your child's recovery. Some wilderness camps have fewer therapists and allow the setting to help in the recovery process. If this works for your teen then fine but if your child needs constant or regular one-on-one therapy plus group sessions for an extended period then that camp will naturally be more expensive.
Then there's the program. Does the camp keep a detailed assessment profile of the campers? Do they test and observe in detail and on a daily even hourly basis in times of crisis? Attention to detail may be required and if this service is provided then costs will reflect the service.
So let's say you find the wilderness camp which best suits the needs of your troubled teen. But funds are tight and you worry about meeting the cost. First you should try another comparison. Let's say your teen doesn't go to camp. They live at home and take weekly therapy sessions in the local area. Work out the cost of these sessions and the cost of feeding and caring for a teenager living at home. If your child goes to camp you won't be paying those amounts. You should remember of course that most wilderness camps are fully inclusive. The fee may not include transport but it will cover food, accommodation, therapy and equipment.
Many camps offer time payment schemes and some insurance companies provide a cover for the costs. Some camps do not require an upfront fee or charge a cancellation fee. Some camps may even offer a deferred payment scheme with a low rate of interest. Camp operators know that troubled teens often come from single-parent or struggling households. All those factors may help when considering your choice of camp.
Dealing with the financial concerns of parents is part and parcel of the running of a wilderness camp. Ask about their options. They will be keen to take your child and will be happy to explain your options.