TVCH FORUMS HOME . JOIN . FAN CLUBS . ABOUT US . CONTACT . CHAT  
Bomis   Quick Links   TOPICS . TREE-VIEW . SEARCH . HELP! . NEWS . PROFILE
Archive through August 04, 2005

The TVClubHouse: Other Reality Shows ARCHIVES: Archives for 2005 - 4: Brat Camp: Archive through August 04, 2005 users admin

Author Message
Seamonkey
Member

09-07-2000

Thursday, July 14, 2005 - 11:01 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Oh and yeah, not at all a bootcamp.. I hate all that shouting! Guess I'd rather see good counselors even with silly names.

Tishala
Member

08-01-2000

Thursday, July 14, 2005 - 11:20 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I might get flamed for this, but I don't care. I think most of this is just bad parenting. I really liked the show despite the silly names...but I'm convinced that the parents instead of most of the kids need to be in a camp. I really felt bad for most of the kids because you could tell they'd been beaten down. It was amazing how quickly the kids responded to people who actually listened to them, cared about what they were saying, and instilled discipline. It's amazingly similar to what those nanny shows say all the time. Of course you can disregard this all because I'm not a parent.

I think I would have the hardest time with the hyperactive kid because my inclination would be to force his meds on him, which is probably unfair.

Whoami
Member

08-03-2001

Thursday, July 14, 2005 - 12:21 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I haven't had a chance to watch this yet. I have it set up on my DVR. But I do have one question that sort of bugged me when they were advertising this show...

If this is supposed to be one of those types of camps that take troubled teens, and mold them into better people type places, then isn't it pretty derogatory to name the show "Brat Camp?" Yes, these kids are out of control, but it just seems like petty name calling to call them Brats as a title for the show. Of course, I don't have an alternative for what to call the show. Maybe I'll feel differently once I watch it.

Ketchuplover
Member

08-30-2000

Thursday, July 14, 2005 - 2:06 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Where's that Sergeant who said "Save the drama for your mama" when you need him?

I'd like to see these punks on Bigbrother :-)

Yes I know I'm weird :-)

Lilfair
Member

07-09-2003

Thursday, July 14, 2005 - 4:40 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Trishala, I saw 2 of the kids on GMA I don't remember their names . The female was asked what she thought about the name of the show. She hesitated a little then said she really didn't like it.

On the parnting issue...I'm really torn. I raised 2 kids and (knock on wood) they turned out to be great kids and never caused enough trouble for us to be worried. That being said I'm leaning a little toward nature vs nurture. I say that because my kids both were born with distinct prsonalities...they really haven't changed all that much. The daughter came out screaming, very vocal and always moving and doing stuff. That's still her. The son came out all quiet, happy and content...that's still him. But thankfully they've never had to deal with any sort of major trama.


Having said ALL that the kicker in my therory is that I think nature wins out unless something traumatic or horffic happens in their lives. Then all bets are off.

I hope this show is able to help some people out there. It was a little difficult to watch.

Both my kids have gone to different Outward Bound weekends...with different youth groups and school. Mostly they work on team building. I think they started in 6 th grade and I think they did the last ones as seniors in HS.


Marysafan
Member

08-07-2000

Thursday, July 14, 2005 - 4:49 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I really wanted to see this. I only caught parts of the first hour, but was able to gain control of the remote for the second hour.

Adolescence is so hard. You never know what is going to upset the fine balance. It could be external like a tramatic event...or internal with a chemical imbalanc...or other psychological problem like depression or anorexia that manifests itself in the teen years. It is without a doubt a difficult time to go through...and a most difficult time to parent. I honestly believe that teens need their parents more than toddlers.

Those who haven't gone through it have no right to cast stones. I remember sitting at a table of adults and hearing one mother of teens say, "If we can get through this without having to deal with a drug problem, a teen pregnancy, or a serious alcohol problem, I will consider us successful parents."

Me, with my two wonderful pre-teen daughters, happy marriage, and awesome home life that took center stage and was the envy of so many ...sat and scoffed at this idea and thought this woman was selling her kids short. We will have NO major problems. We are excellent parents who are raising our children "right" with good family values and close knit family bonds.

By the time my first daughter reached 17...I was chanting the mantra..."If I can just get through this without a drug problem, a teen pregnancy or a serious alcohol problem...I will consider it a success."

Parenting teens is without a doubt the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life. It took it's toll, emotionally, physically, and even psychologically....and we had "good" kids to start with. Fortunately, we also had a good support system. My husbands brother and his wife had two boys that were in between our two girls and those four kids were very close. When things got too difficult at home...the girls would go and spend some time at their place...and when the boys got to be too hard to handle...they would come and live with us for a while. Somehow we all survived.

I think these kids will come to appreciate their parents and all the comforts of home. I think Jada will be one of the first to change her behavior being that she isn't going to be able to get by with her usual modus operandi. She will be called out on her lying at every turn, until she finally realizes that she has no choice but to tell the truth. Once she learns to function this way...I don't think she will choose to go back....but you never know. Kids always go with what works. The folks at home are going to have to learn to deal with her lies differently.

Teens will find ways to test you...challenge you...and make you wonder why you ever wanted to have kids in the first place. But when it's over...and you survive...there is a bond there...and if you're lucky...a respect that is well earned. Life after the teen years is much sweeter. Hang in there...and know that is gets better on the other side. It's just the going through it...that's tough.

Seamonkey
Member

09-07-2000

Friday, July 15, 2005 - 9:52 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I don't like the name of the show at all, Who!

However, that is the show name and I suspect that Sagewalk couldn't control that and undoubtedly would have preferred it to be called, uh.. Sagewalk.. but probably they still felt that since their program was chosen for this TV Show, it was still better to get out the word, so-to-speak. It could well be that contracts were signed, producers were trusted, but had the ultimate choice of name.

Anyway, I really prefer the approach of this program to the bootcamp approach, though I assume that some kids may need just that if things have gone too far and serious crimes have been committed. Not sure. I know some drug programs say that people MUST hit bottom and must choose to be there or they won't work at all, but hopefully some of these kids will wake up without that becoming necessary.

Puzzled
Member

08-27-2001

Wednesday, July 20, 2005 - 8:47 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Kstme, we didn't think the program would do much good if the parents didn't get counselling, too. Glad to see they do.

Still, I'm just upset that they've got a child who's been raped, a 14-yr old, and a child who's stuck in the grieving process.

Seems to me that for the same $22K, they could have had family and individual counselling, without such drastic measures. Unless they've already tried that, and not given up after a few sessions or one therapist, I don't get it.

I found it interesting that one of the mothers was somewhat confrontational about the food and water after the letter. I said to myself, "Aha."

Kep421
Member

08-11-2001

Thursday, July 21, 2005 - 4:24 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I'm really enjoying this show... as a troubled teen myself, I've been where these kids are right now...worse then some, not as worse as others... but the defiance, confusion and bravado is all there. Looking back, I think I would have definitely benefited from Sagewalk (although I wouldn't have thought so at the time LOL).

I've nothing against therapy, I've grown up in one session or another...but sitting and talking only does so much to change a child's view of themselves, no matter how good the therapist. Forcing these children to accomplish things they never thought they could, getting them to face fears and conquer them in a positive supportive, no distraction evironment is another necessary element in getting children to recognize their own self worth and potential. I think Sagewalk is an excellent blend of both these elements.

One of my most impressive skills in my "older" adult life, is the ability to handle even the most stressful of situations calmly. I attribute this ability to the fact that I myself raised teenagers, and once you have successfully done that, everything else is a piece of cake!!!

I think once these kids survive this wilderness camp, they too will have begun to develop that skill. They will return to their lives and the situations that appeared so overwhelming before will now feel more managable for them, simply because (in their mind) they have conquered worse.

Including children who have experienced harsh realities is a good thing in my opinion. Because out in the wilderness, there is no where to hide from the awful things that can happen. These kids will realize that it really doesn't matter what horrible things life throws at you, what does matter is that you can move on and get through it.

Roxip
Member

01-29-2004

Thursday, July 21, 2005 - 7:32 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I like this show and the name - well, they wanted to catch the viewer's attention and the name "Sagewalk" would have sounded like some kind of granola show or something. I can imagine that this kind of harsh reality is a real shock to these kids who are used to always being in control. They have avoided their problems in the past by trying to control everyone around them by being OUT of control...it was nice to see Frank - who previously had been very derisive of the young boy with ADHD - start taking him under his wing and helping him out.

Seamonkey
Member

09-07-2000

Friday, July 22, 2005 - 10:25 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I still like the show. Haven't gotten to really know the individuals.. BB does that to me, just sucks up my time and mind..

Roxip
Member

01-29-2004

Friday, July 22, 2005 - 3:01 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I like this show a lot. It really gives those of us who are parents some clues on what to do and what not to do with our children...my little girl asked me if I would send her to a place like that and I told her that I would prefer not to, but that she needs to remember this show as she gets older...LOL (she's only 8 and a sweetie - but she definitely has a HUGE personality). Since I know both her parents I realize that she will need close watching as she gets older! I do hope that I never have to make this kind of decision but I would do it if it was the best thing for my girl. Can somebody hold me to that if I post differently about her in a few years?

Julieboo
Member

02-05-2002

Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 6:19 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Did Nick hurt his face on his right side? It looks a bit mangled and I don't see his mole. (Or is it just dirty from rappaling (sp?).)

Tishala
Member

08-01-2000

Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 11:56 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
This show had me crying several times tonight, especially the kid with dyslexia. I keep thinking how poorly served these kids have been by their parents, their schools, etc.

Marysafan
Member

08-07-2000

Thursday, July 28, 2005 - 9:40 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
It looked like Nick had some kind of sore on his face. In th earlier part of the show, it looked like he had some sort of cream or ointment on it.

I am cheering so hard for Nick. I can understand his anger and frustration with his learning disabilities. It's bad enough that you feel stupid, but to have others especially those in your family call you those names...is a tough cross to bear.

If Nick can learn to overcome his difficulites and learn to handle his frustrations, then I see a bright future for this kid.

Luvmom
Member

10-17-2000

Thursday, July 28, 2005 - 9:59 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I agree with you Marysafan.I also have high hopes for Frank.He was the one to be there for Derek when he was having trouble in the hike last week and this week,he was the one to comfort Lexie when she was trying to write that letter to her father.He came over and hugged her while she was crying.I think some of these kids are really just misunderstood.I was a daycare worker for 14 years and saw all kinds of behavior.Some of them just needed an adult to actually listen to them.

Legalboxer
Member

11-17-2003

Thursday, July 28, 2005 - 3:04 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
actually listen to them.

EXACTLY


Puzzled
Member

08-27-2001

Thursday, July 28, 2005 - 9:28 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Rats--the power went out just as Brat Camp started. Anyone know of a link that gives a recap?

Happymom
Member

01-20-2003

Friday, July 29, 2005 - 10:25 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I REALLY like this show a lot. It is so real and so positive. I am pulling for these kids. The parenting workshop is another $550 aprox. I do think the parents are really going to have to do some work. The kids are absolutely delightful at times, but, they sure behaved in absolutely unacceptable ways at home. It is easy to forget that sometimes. I used to work in a juvenile detention center, it was easy to forget their crimes sometimes, especially when they were cute and nice. Visitation nights were the worst though, I couldn't stand the parents.

I hope I can find a clip of the kids on GMA. I also hope they don't fall back into their old ways. I worry more about the younger kids falling.

I don't really like the name Brat Camp either. I'm sure the kids didn't know it would be called that back when they were filming. It is a good name for a tv show though.

It is great that the counselors are so calm. I hope parents across the nation will get the message that calm is the way to go with kids. It is hard sometimes when we as parents are so frustrated, we need to feel frustrated without actually being/acting frustrated. I had to laugh when one counselor said to the camera not in front of the kids that he was ready to just make Derek (?name...the young small blonde boy) rappel! You could see if was quite frustrated. Then he said "of course we can't do that." And Derek didn't rappel.

Willsfan
Member

09-04-2000

Saturday, July 30, 2005 - 3:24 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I have dyslexia and although it is a major learning handicap it did not cause me to have emotional problems.I am thinking Nick has other problems in addition to dyslexia, like his parents might want him to be perfect or something. I feel for him.

When I was going to school long, long ago I don't think the teachers even knew about the many different learning disabilities. All I know is I had to work harder than anyone else just to make B's & C's. That sucked! I didn't really have that many people call me dumb, and when someone says I've misspelled something or used incorrect grammer I wonder if it makes them feel like a bigger, better, smarter person. Probably.

Reader234
Member

08-13-2000

Wednesday, August 03, 2005 - 6:22 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Well, watching when they put them in the woods alone, in the cold. I dont think *I* could survive it, this is not an easy task!! I feel for the moms that watch their kid's experience (Derek? the youngest - in his sleeping bag, crying out "I want my mom" heartwrenching!!) I do get that these teenagers are great at manipulating... and I do see where there is positives... esp since they made it thru that first COLD night!! They each have the solo cam to record...

I really wish some of our behavior scouts could "get" this, but then again, I agree it is the parents that also need some training.

Luvmykitties
Member

01-02-2004

Wednesday, August 03, 2005 - 6:41 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
what I like about this show is that there have been so many exposés on the horrors of what goes on in some of these types of programs (severe abuse, etc), and here is one that is tough - but I don't consider it abusive. The counslers seem very watchful of everything going on.

It's really nice to see some of the kids light up when they accomplish a difficult task (despite the whining along the way).

I know I would have a problem making it through this program - but I also admit I'm a bit spoiled and would probably try to be as manipulitive as these kids. But I believe I would have benefited from something like this at their age.

I could understand Jada's parents being concerned after reading her letters - considering the exposés that have been shown in the past. I would worry also. But at least here - they could show the video to the parents to prove that the kid has not "grown" and is still lying and being manipulative!
After the first letter Jada wrote - when she said her arm was broken - if I was Sagewalk, I would have sent a picture proving that in fact that is a total lie to nip that in the bud.



Luvmom
Member

10-17-2000

Thursday, August 04, 2005 - 6:48 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I have high hopes for alot of these kids.Lexie is finally coming to terms with being molested and from being molested myself when I was a child,I can tell you that is a very hard thing to do.Frank seems to be getting so much from this experience,so is Shawn.I think Isaiah(sp?) and Jada are the only ones that are really fighting this.My DD's heart was breaking for Derek when he was calling out for his mommy.She is 11 she not too far from his age.She wanted to go there to comfort him...L...She actually had tears in her eyes...It was cute to see that mothering instinct come out in her.

Roxip
Member

01-29-2004

Thursday, August 04, 2005 - 7:01 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I think we now know the main problem that Jada has - HER MOTHER! I really can't believe that she still allows herself to be manipulated by Jada when the lying is the reason that Jada is there in the first place.

I thought Isaiah was starting to come around at the end of last night's program...I hope he truly is able to forgive his mother for the divorce (and realize that there are two sides to every story - if Isaiah's father isn't being a part of his life that isn't Isaiah's mother's fault!).

It is wonderful to see Lexie come back to life. She really seems to be getting the most out of her experience.

Marej
Member

09-20-2002

Thursday, August 04, 2005 - 7:20 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
This morning, I saw on the news that Isaiah (?) was arrested for writing nasty things on a wall.