Teencamps-UK FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if this programme is right for my child?

This programme is designed for families who feel like they have already tried the usual routes — school meetings, therapy, consequences at home — and need a stronger, more intensive reset. It is suitable for young people who are stuck, unmotivated, oppositional, withdrawn, struggling with behaviour or drifting without direction.

We always complete a suitability call before confirming a place to ensure this is the right intervention for your situation.

What age range do you work with?

The programme is typically suitable for 14–25 year olds. In some circumstances, we may work slightly outside this range if appropriate. We discuss age, maturity and safety considerations during the consultation call.

Is this JUST therapy?

No. This is not JUST therapy and it is not a medical programme.

This is a practical, structured behavioural and mentoring intervention focused on:

responsibility

mindset

routine

behaviour change

communication

motivation and direction

Where a young person requires clinical mental health treatment, a medical detox or psychiatric supervision, we will signpost to appropriate services instead.

Will my child be safe during the residential?

Yes — safety is the absolute priority.

The residential is delivered 1:1, with clear safeguarding procedures, risk assessment and appropriate supervision at all times. Activities are matched to the young person’s ability and needs.

Parents are fully briefed before arrival so everyone understands expectations, boundaries and safety protocols.

Do parents attend the programme?

The residential itself is 1:1 with Damon.

Parents are involved in:

the assessment process before arrival

regular updates during the stay

follow-up sessions after the programme

Your involvement is essential — change at home requires family alignment, not just change from the young person.

What kind of issues do you work with?

Common situations include:

school refusal or low attendance

poor motivation and disengagement from life

family conflict and breakdown in communication

oppositional or defiant behaviour

unhealthy tech and gaming habits

anxiety or avoidance patterns

lack of purpose or direction

We do not admit young people where there is active psychosis, high-risk self-harm, severe eating disorders or active dependency requiring medical detox.

Where does the residential take place?

Residentials take place at locations used by Teencampsuk that provide a safe, private and structured environment. Exact details are shared with families during the booking process for confidentiality and safeguarding reasons.

What happens during the 7 days?

Each residential is bespoke, but typically includes:

structured daily routine

physical outdoor activity

reflective conversation and mentoring

practical skill-building

clear expectations and healthy boundaries

time away from unhelpful habits and influences

There is no group element. The work is entirely 1:1.

What results should we expect?

The programme focuses on:

change in attitude

clearer boundaries

improved communication

renewed motivation and direction

It is not a magic cure. Real change requires follow-through at home, which is why post-residential support for parents is included.

Can we speak with Damon before booking?

Yes. An initial consultation call is part of the process and is required before any place is offered. This ensures suitability and gives you the chance to ask specific questions.

What is the cost and what is included?

The 7-day 1:1 residential with Damon is £12,000 and includes:

assessment and preparation

accommodation and meals

full 7-day residential programme

written recommendations afterwards

two post-residential follow-up sessions

Travel costs are not included.

Is there a waiting list?

Because all work is delivered personally by Damon and is strictly 1:1, dates are limited. At busy times of year, a waiting list may operate.

What is the booking process?

The process is straightforward:

Initial consultation call

Suitability assessment

Deposit paid to secure dates

Pre-arrival briefing and preparation

Residential begins

What is your cancellation policy?

A non-refundable deposit of 50% is required to secure a place. Full terms and conditions are provided prior to booking and discussed transparently during the consultation call

Q. How long have Teencamps-UK been running Residentials?

A. I ran my first Residential - camp in October 2008 and have been running programmes since then.

Q. What kind of experience do you have in with working with Young People?.

A. I am a teen Counsellor, Psychotherapist, Life-skills, Behaviourist, Mentor and Mediator with over 3000 hours of face to face counselling. My expertise is in working with teenagers, parents and families using counselling, life skills coaching, mentoring and family mediation. I have over 26 years of experience working with teens.

Courses I have attended-

IMHEP Training

QAQ Mediation Training

Three Faiths Training

Allegations Training
Working with Gangs and Challenging Behaviour
Bullying Awareness Training
Eating Disorders/Awareness
Self Harming
Misuse of Substances
Child Awareness Levels 1 and 2
Domestic Violence
Bereavement and Loss
Anger Management
Mental Health Awareness
Working with Young People
Diversity Awareness
Working with Diversity

Suicide Awareness Training

Q. Many good teens, that make bad choices and end up in trouble, often are not supported or are from dis-functional families, which inflame the situations. As most teens have not reached the age of majority the parents are still culpable, so how do you deal with the families/parents?

A. For the time that the young person is away on the programme it is very important that the family (i.e. parents, care-givers) are willing to change the way that they relate to the young person. If the parents are unwilling to change their ways and behaviours then the programme will have very little benefit. The written report (optional extra) that I offer will give guidance, pointers, techniques and tools in managing the young persons behaviour going forward. I can also offer ongoing sessions via online as an optional extra.

Q. What is the difference between your Residentials and the American camps?. Is 7-14 days enough time?

A. On the American programme the Counsellor/ Therapist is only there to work for a maximum of 2 hours per day. The difference is that I focus on the therapy and behavioural aspect with the individual. I am with the young person from the time they arrive to the time they leave. I work with teens therapeutically (either covertly or overtly) throughout their time with me so therefore if at 10.00pm or 3.00am sat around a campfire watching the stars is the right time for the young person to talk and open up then I am there to work with them. My Residentials runs from a minimum 5 days, however, I have had young people for up to 12 weeks.

Q. Are Teens from other countries accepted at your Residentials?.

A. Most definitely. I accept applications for young people from all over the world.

Q. What type of young people can you help?

A. Our young people could best be described as "good children who are making bad decisions and choices". Teencamps-UK is especially helpful to troubled teens who may struggle with a variety of emotional and behavioural concerns including family issues, loss and bereavement, addictions and relationships.

Q. Why should my teen attend your Residentials?

A. Teencamps-UK is the first step in helping to find a new way to manage your teen.

Teens can feel vulnerable and daunted by the thought of attending a programme, however, attending a programme should not be seen as a punishment but rather as an opportunity for them to be away from everything for a short period and to work with someone who is there to listen, support and (if needed) to challenge them in order to help them with their behaviour.

This will enable them to deal with the things that are causing their problems in a more positive and constructive way so that both they and their family can move forward.

Q. How would I get my teen to attend your Residentials?

A. Nearly all families who enquire about my Residentials-camps have concerns on how to get their teen to attend.

I would advise that you ask your teen how much their family means to them and what would they be willing to do to try to make things better. if they answer "I'll do anything" or "I'm not sure, don't know or don't care" then you can take the opportunity to explain to them that you would like them to attend for both of your benefit, to be able to move forward in the future.

Q. Why should we trust you with our young person?.

A. I have a current up to date enhanced DBS check and have been working with young people and vulnerable adults for over 25 years. All our volunteers also have a current up to date enhanced DBS check .

Q. Can we have contact with our young person on the Residentials?.

A. Due to our remote field location, telephone calls are generally not permitted as this would break the continuity of the programme, however, you may contact me weekly by phone or text and either I will update you on your young persons progress or you may be able to talk to your young person, if they wish to do so.

Q. Is there any financial help available to fund your Residentials?

A. Unfortunately there is no external financial help available that we are aware of.

Q. How long do most young people stay?

A. The minimum stay is 5 days, however, the average stay can be up to 14 days or longer. Some young people may need, or want, to stay longer, depending on how quickly they respond to the programme.

Q. How can I make the payment if my application is successful ?

A. All payments can be made by BACS.