Treatment Abuse, Behavior Modification, Thought Reform > Brat Camp
ABC Family Brat Camp Forum - RedCliff Ascent
Anonymous:
A lot of stuff has been disappearing from the ABC Brat Camp forum recently, whether due to age or censorship I don't know. In amongst the teens discussing which participant was the best looking (or even asking how to get on the show!) there was some important stuff that I think is worth preserving so I will cross-post it here.
I think these are the people who the RedCliff Ascent website describe as "the youth who have taken over much of the message board and use it with vulgar comments, disinformation and lack of respect for others."
Anonymous:
--- Quote ---sgt_jason
This Camp is too easy!
Posted: Dec 22, 2004 05:34 PM reply
1 Posts
Registered: Dec 22, 2004 05:30 PM
What they need is to go to Marine Boot Camp or go to a military school. That is the kind of discipline these kids need!
The Sarge!
--- End quote ---
--- Quote ---Txsweetie1238
Re: Re: This Camp is too easy!
Posted: Dec 22, 2004 05:45 PM reply
100 Posts
Registered: Dec 14, 2004 04:22 PM
well then what is brat camp literally?! I thought that it was a boot camp type thing. LOL
--- End quote ---
--- Quote ---patrickfan91
Re: Re: This Camp is too easy!
Posted: Dec 24, 2004 06:52 PM reply
196 Posts
Registered: Nov 24, 2004 01:44 PM
what is brat camp? i saw the commercials.but i never saw the show.
--- End quote ---
--- Quote ---4calif_roses
Re: Re: This Camp is too easy!
Posted: Jan 03, 2005 11:50 AM reply
58 Posts
Registered: Jan 01, 2005 05:56 PM
The show airs on Monday, Jan. 10th so check your listings for times.
--- End quote ---
--- Quote ---123krazy123
Re: Re: This Camp is too easy!
Posted: Dec 26, 2004 03:47 PM reply
1 Posts
Registered: Dec 26, 2004 03:44 PM
i don't mean to sound rude but how do u kno this camp is too easy. have you been there before?
--- End quote ---
--- Quote ---blinkiethehotty
Re: Re: This Camp is too easy!
Posted: Dec 26, 2004 08:27 PM reply
1 Posts
Registered: Dec 26, 2004 08:26 PM
your rite sarge thats all i needed [military school] that was not easy [if your reading this now on dec 26 04 send a reply ]
Message was edited by: blinkiethehotty
--- End quote ---
--- Quote ---micahjade Re: brat
Posted: Dec 29, 2004 08:41 PM reply
10 Posts
Registered: Dec 29, 2004 08:33 PM
I went to Redcliff Ascent (brat camp) and I will tell you it is the hardest thing ever. Its aboustly absurd to say that any part of this is easy.
Imagine waking up every morning thinking your at home and then relizing that your in the middle of utah away from everyone you love, or having every erathly possien taken away from you because youve hit such rock bottom that you cant be trusted. and for the people that used going threw withdraws and still haveing to hike 10 or 15 miles. not to mention the countless other things that you have to deal with. unless you have been to redcliff you cant not even begain to fathom how incredabley hard it is, not to mention it completey changes your life (for the better)
--- End quote ---
--- Quote ---bnbfrog
Re: Re: This Camp is too easy!
Posted: Jan 02, 2005 11:37 AM reply
69 Posts
Registered: Jul 05, 2004 12:55 PM
This is harder then boot camp or military school.
--- End quote ---
--- Quote ---shart101
Re: Re: This Camp is too easy!
Posted: Jan 03, 2005 12:47 PM reply
2 Posts
Registered: Jan 03, 2005 12:42 PM
How do you know if its to easy? Have you gone there? Not trying to be rude. Just wondering.
--- End quote ---
--- Quote ---capuchin_duckie
Re: Re: This Camp is too easy!
Posted: Jan 06, 2005 01:34 PM reply
1 Posts
Registered: Jan 06, 2005 12:52 PM
I went to Aspen, its not Ascent...but its basically the exact same thing. It was the hardest things Ive ever had to experience. I was woken up at 4am with my parents crying by the side of my bed and some random 6'5" guy and some chick....they were my escourts. My parents never told me I was going they just woke me up and sent me off with these 2 random people. They then flew me to Utah and then sent me off with some more random people to be taken to my new "home." When I got there I was stripped searched and everything that came off me...which was everything that was on me, was replaced with something that wasnt mine. You dont have one thing of your own when you are there...piercings, jewlery...even your underwear...yuck!! And then after driving 2 hours into the rocky mountains...just further and further away from civilization. I finally met my group...which actually I wasnt allowed to talk to for a few days...I had to move up in the program. I was there for a little over 7 weeks. Couldnt have real showers, shave, see cars, drugs, family, friends, pictures, NOTHING. it was hell..but I learned a lot from it, and now Im happy I went!!! but it was NOT easy at all!!!
--- End quote ---
--- Quote ---carolynbadams
Re: Re: This Camp is too easy!
Posted: Jan 03, 2005 04:56 PM reply
11 Posts
Registered: Jan 01, 2005 04:06 PM
You obviously have never been to RedCliff, it is the farthest from easy. While I will not belittle military schools, as I have never been to one, I will say that RCA was the hardest thing that I have ever gone through, both mentally and physically. So please do not talk about a subject that you obviously know very little about, or if you feel the need to say something than do it with more respect for those who have experienced RedCliff Ascent
--- End quote ---
--- Quote ---shawty43
Re: Re: This Camp is too easy!
Posted: Jan 04, 2005 06:05 PM reply
1 Posts
Registered: Jan 04, 2005 05:56 PM
Really I don't mean to sound rude either but these kids don't need discipline, they've gone way beyond that and discipline is exactly what they do at boot camp and that is only gonna make them rebel even more. But mess with Mother Nature and you never know what it'll throw back at you, if these kids are crying over taking out their peircings think about how they'll feel when they have to sleep outside and eat nutrition compared to the regular stuff they feed you at boot camp. I wouldn't know this from experience, but I know a little bit about military school and boot camp.
--- End quote ---
--- Quote ---SoftBear15
Re: Re: This Camp is too easy!
Posted: Jan 05, 2005 06:46 PM reply
7 Posts
Registered: Jan 05, 2005 06:26 PM
You don't necessarily choose Redcliff - they choose you. If your parents decide they love you enough to invest time and money into you, then they submit an application. After a thorough check of everything from health records, school grades, and criminal records, RCA will decide if you're accepted into the program.
I went to Redcliff with a student who was part of the Russian Mafia's chopshop in Portland. Another student had a warrant out for his arrest in 4 states for robbing $12,000 from a Pizza Hut. Every type of student can benefit from the program.
And as other previous students have said, unless you've been to RCA, you have no idea how hard it is. I imagine the show will portray a bit of a lighter side. However, trust me when I say that nothing in my life was more challanging.
Another note: In the show, it says 4 weeks is the amount of time they spend there. When I went, I was told along with the rest of my group that you were there until you passed all of the phases. I imagine, for the sake of filming, they cut back the number of phases and automatically passed each student through a phase each week. In all reality, you can miss phases and end up spending months in the program. Plus, even when you complete the phases (bookwork and projects), you may still end up spending up to another month in the program. All councilors, staff, and your parents must agree you are ready to graduate. It took me 63 days.
No lights, no plumbing, horrible food (you have to work for salt and pepper) - you clean your "cup" (the only thing you eat out of) with spit, sand, and a rag. Perhaps the worst part is never knowing what is going to happen the next day. You wake up when they say, you cook your breakfast when they say, you clean up camp when they say, and then you hike - until they say stop. You could hike 3 miles, you could hike 15. If no one in your group is able to make fire with their tools (no matches or lighters allowed) then your group eats cold (rice is no good cold and uncooked).
And as for pain: It exists in Redcliff. I tried to walk away from the first camp they put me in. I though I was big enough to push off any of the staff who might try to stop me. You learn quickly what PCS is - Positive Control System - ouch.
My best advice is to watch the show, and understand that for $24,000+ you can send your offtrack teenager to the camp and truly expect results. I can't thank the staff of RCA enough for keeping me alive.
Soft Bear
[email protected]
--- End quote ---
Anonymous:
--- Quote ---micahjade
RCA brat camp
Posted: Dec 29, 2004 08:52 PM reply
10 Posts
Registered: Dec 29, 2004 08:33 PM
Wow thats so werid that they are doing a relity show on redcliff. if anyone who reads this has been to RCA you will get how werid this is.
micah
(yellow badger shinning)
--- End quote ---
--- Quote ---carolynbadams
Re: Re: RCA brat camp
Posted: Jan 01, 2005 04:22 PM reply
11 Posts
Registered: Jan 01, 2005 04:06 PM
Dear Micah,
I was in RedCliff a couple years ago, and to be honest I am pissed, for some reason when I found out I was so angry, not to mention very wierded out... it will be interesting to see if they portray it the way i remember it being,
carolyn
--- End quote ---
--- Quote ---lilmouse85
Re: Re: RCA brat camp
Posted: Jan 10, 2005 02:34 PM reply
1 Posts
Registered: Jan 10, 2005 02:31 PM
I totally know what you mean. I was at RCA about 2 years ago, and it was absolute HELL!!! Not to say that I was cooperative, cuz i wasnt, but If they make RCA look any easier than it was, like bringing in water for them, i'm gonna be pissed. I drank from cow troughs and want to see them do it too!! Not that I'm bitter or anything.
Gabby
--- End quote ---
Anonymous:
--- Quote ---DarkAztek
Ethics?
Posted: Jan 04, 2005 05:56 PM reply
2 Posts
Registered: Jan 04, 2005 05:52 PM
How is this ethical? ...At all? Since when is rehab televised? Isn't that a bit cruel?
To LEGALLY be ethical, the show must have informed consent from the people participating (which I somewhat doubt for a few of them), they must be volunteers (which I doubt they came to ABC), they must be debriefed afterwards, there cannot be any physical or mental harm done to them (which I doubt will happen), and the people involved have the right to quit whenever (which apparently they cannot).
Here's my question: How much are the people involved (or the parents of these kids) being paid to do this?
...And how can a self proclaimed FAMILY channel justify filming a cross between marine training, behavior modification school, and Abu Gharab?
--- End quote ---
--- Quote ---4calif_roses
Re: Re: Ethics?
Posted: Jan 04, 2005 08:40 PM reply
58 Posts
Registered: Jan 01, 2005 05:56 PM
Maybe after you see the program on Monday you will have a different take on the whole thing. Of course there is the usual hype involved, or the networks won't get the viewership - that being said...This program was filmed as a documentary for English Television (and aired there last year). It won an International Emmy Award for best unscripted television in December. The program is about 6 out of control teens sent(with consent) to a wilderness setting in Utah where they stay for about 50-70 days to get their lives together.
I have already seen it as our daughter was there at the same time as the UK kids. There is consent from both parents/guardians and minor for permission to film, etc. We are only allowed to communicate with our kid via letters, both ways. Weekly phone calls with the therapist only (not kid). Parents can also speak with other staff on phone. We also recieved email pics every couple weeks. The program is very involved and I won't get into it here unless someone asks. This is an invaluable and life-changing experience for the kids who go there, not just some "rehab". In most cases, the parent/guardians pay for their kid to go there (not inexpensive). I have no idea what, if any, arrangement/accommodation was made for the kids/parents from the UK. We were not paid.
And, yes- it seems cruel and is difficult for us to watch our daughter go through the process, detoxing, hurting emotionally and physically, but it seems to have been worth the price in order to regain her self respect. Hopefully for the viewing public, it will help and give hope to other kids/parents looking for some kind of assistance. Taking our daughter there was the most difficult decision we had ever made, but was the best one for OUR situation.
If you want info on the actual place go to: http://www.redcliffascent.com
--- End quote ---
--- Quote ---DarkAztek
Re: Re: Ethics?
Posted: Jan 05, 2005 03:00 PM reply
2 Posts
Registered: Jan 04, 2005 05:52 PM
No, that is not my point. I understand that for some kids it might be necessary (even if I believe that the parents should have done something earlier before having to resort to such drastic measures). I have worked in a detox clinic before and I have seen a lot of what these kids have to go through... But when it is being created into a form of reality tv entertainment, it's called crossing a border. How is it enjoyable to watch children with serious problems go through such pain and anguish on TV? It's really sad what reality tv has sunk to in order to "entertain."
...And even if they DO make this show, don't you think it would be more TASTEFUL on a documentary at the very least? ...Or at least not put on ABC FAMILY. I mean, it's supposed to be FAMILY tv, right?
And I honestly could care less if parents and kids could talk or not. The show still appears to be breaking some of the laws of ethics. Even after signing release forms, any participant must be able to stop at any time. The only way to make it legal to keep them there against their will is to make them sign a contract... Which seems like a very stupid thing for the kids to do, seeing as how they have no idea what exactly to expect. They also cannot have any physical harm done to them, which apparently there is. Again, a contract can cover that... And if they signed it, these kids ARE seriously in need of "help."
But again, my main beef with the program is that it is meant to be this "extreme reality tv show" which basically puts such serious mental and physical stressing experiences on a FAMILY tv channel. It's disgusting.
--- End quote ---
--- Quote ---4calif_roses
Re: Re: Ethics?
Posted: Jan 05, 2005 04:17 PM reply
58 Posts
Registered: Jan 01, 2005 05:56 PM
I feel the need to clarify...
Why would ABC Family choose to put this on their channel? Perhaps there is an affiliation to the UK Channel 2 it was first aired on. I don't know. Guess it's a question for the Moderator.
You make a valid point that Family TV should be just that "Family viewing material". I am curious myself to see the US version as the UK version has a large amount of cursing and I don't know how it can be shown without alot of editing or bleeping. Maybe ABC Family just wants to boost their ratings, and we all know money talks. To play Devil's Advocate... If this program were shown on a documentary station, it wouldn't be seen by alot of people who whould be able to benefit from it. The only redeeming value to showing this program is to show that all families have problems, rich, poor, functional, dysfunctional, etc. We WERE a what everyone calls a "normal" family. Things happened outside of our control. Placing our daughter in RedCliff was what we considered a LAST resort after trying other interventions. We are now a damaged family with issues that we are all struggling with and will for a long time. Remember it's ABC Family Channel NOT the Disney Channel.
...as for physical harm - There is no kind of corporal punishment given. The only physical pain they feel is from themselves and Mother Nature. Not all the kids are on drugs, and extreme drug cases are not allowed to participate. The kids have a physical prior to admission and of course there are reams of paperwork completed first. I don't want you to get the wrong idea about this place. It is a very controlled environment. If kids are currently on meds, they will continue on their meds. The food is extremely healthful, and all the kids I saw came out way healthier physically and mentally than when they arrived.
I would rather see a follow-up on how the kids are doing now, a year later.
--- End quote ---
--- Quote ---rcanomades
Re: Re: Ethics?
Posted: Jan 06, 2005 09:56 AM reply
64 Posts
Registered: Jan 05, 2005 07:13 AM
It was aired on Ch 4 in the UK. A follow -up has just been filmed as to how the 6 are now doing one year later which has not yet been shown in th UK.
--- End quote ---
--- Quote ---4calif_roses
Re: Re: Ethics?
Posted: Jan 06, 2005 10:31 AM reply
58 Posts
Registered: Jan 01, 2005 05:56 PM
Ok, RCANomad - how do you know this? Were you in the Nomads? what is your earth name?
--- End quote ---
--- Quote ---JAMESLOVER234
Re: Re: Ethics?
Posted: Jan 30, 2005 09:16 AM reply
2 Posts
Registered: Jan 30, 2005 09:14 AM
IM NIRVANAGRUNGE90's best friend!!!!!!!!! omg i love u !!!!!!!!!!!!!! u r the hottest guy ever---omg@!!!!!!
--- End quote ---
--- Quote ---LLSullie
Re: Re: Ethics?
Posted: Jan 24, 2005 05:52 AM reply
78 Posts
Registered: Jan 12, 2005 12:01 PM
HI RCANomades,
Thanks for the info. My daughter has been watching the show. My son is at VOBS in TX at the moment and it's actually helped her to understand what he's doing and why.
In case you were part of that group, do you know how Dan is doing. We were both wondering, he doesn't seem to be fairing as well as some of the others on the show ... and we were wondering how that carried over into "real life".
If you were one of the teens on the show,(and to all the others as well)thanks for helping get it on TV in the states, it's been a great help in this household And congratulations on moving forward with your life.
--- End quote ---
--- Quote ---jamesisyummy
Re: Re: Ethics?
Posted: Jan 31, 2005 06:53 AM reply
229 Posts
Registered: Jan 27, 2005 05:54 AM
hey did they even change at all according to james thing (no offense) you didn't change that much except for the drugs which someone said you didn't even do any drugs what so ever
--- End quote ---
--- Quote ---jamesisyummy
Re: Re: Ethics?
Posted: Jan 31, 2005 07:05 AM reply
229 Posts
Registered: Jan 27, 2005 05:54 AM
hey james are you really engaged to vicki and is that her in the car pic i know its none of my business and you don't have to answer if you don't want to
--- End quote ---
--- Quote ---Fitzdrew516
Re: Re: Ethics?
Posted: Jan 06, 2005 12:36 PM reply
4 Posts
Registered: Jan 06, 2005 12:15 PM
Just to let you know, the people that were asociated in this show had to sign a release to be on it. My brother went there and had to sign a release even tho he wasnt in the background. And i know it may sound like a drastic descision, but my brother had been breaking the law and my family for nine years so when you get to that point you will do anything for your life to be better. And yes it hurt to see my brother go but then again i think it helped him, he is doing better than before.
--- End quote ---
--- Quote ---Fitzdrew516
Re: Re: Ethics?
Posted: Jan 06, 2005 12:39 PM reply
4 Posts
Registered: Jan 06, 2005 12:15 PM
Was just in the background*
--- End quote ---
--- Quote ---carolynbadams
Re: Re: Ethics?
Posted: Jan 06, 2005 06:38 PM reply
11 Posts
Registered: Jan 01, 2005 04:06 PM
Dear DarkAztec,
I would like to respond to your second entry. I feel that this program is extremely disrespectful to those of us who have graduated from the program. The name of the show alone indicates the way that they are choosing to portray the young adults who are involved in this series. Calif Roses I think that you are being naive when you say that the participants come out of RedCliff stronger mentally. I guess in a way I am, but at a huge cost, I no longer trust people, I have had no close friends since returning from Utah. If you looked at my life since the program you would think that it was the best thing that has ever happened to me, I am in college with an A- average, and I am the captain of our women's crew team and am seemingly "happy." The reality of it is RedCliff has yet to leave my mind two years later. It taught me how to fake my emotions and how to make sure that they are NEVER left bare for someone to hurt, as they were at RedCliff. I no longer am able to trust anyone. While I refuse to be broken by this experience I can assure you that it has come very close. I sincerely hope that this show portrays the kids as respectfully as possible, but if not I hope and pray that no one who knows me sees the show, because I am not sure if I could live with my family?s knowledge of what I went through. Sorry this was so long...
Carolyn
--- End quote ---
--- Quote ---RCAH8R
Re: Re: Ethics?
Posted: Jan 07, 2005 03:31 PM reply
7 Posts
Registered: Jan 07, 2005 02:27 PM
Carolyn I am totally with you for sure. I was in RCA for 88 days and I feel completely the same way you do. They expose you for your weakness in that program in order to make you feel weak about yourself and then try to befriend you. That's not the way the world works. I still resent my parents to this day and it's been 6 years for me. I don't know why those British kids are on it neways makes no sense to me. But thanks for your true opinion.
Matt aka Storm Fox aka Gimpy from the injury RCA gave me read my other post to hear more.
--- End quote ---
Anonymous:
--- Quote ---carolynbadams
been there done that...
Posted: Jan 01, 2005 04:18 PM reply
11 Posts
Registered: Jan 01, 2005 04:06 PM
Hi everyone,
I am a graduate of the RedCliff program, the same that these so called "brats" are going through. I must say that having see the commercial for the program I was horrified to think that any one could be interested in this program. While TV has a way of making things look less harsh than the really are I can tell you from experience that the 59 days that I spent in the wilderness of Utah were the worst of my life. If any parents read this I would strongly urge you not to send your children to a program such as RedCliff, to the teens out there that think that this show will be funny or amusing I can safely say that thoose words are the farthest from applicable to the situation that these six young adults find themselves in. To ABC both I and my parents are appalled that you think that this is a quality show to put on a channel for children, you obviously have missed the severity of the RedCliff experience.
Sincerely,
Carolyn
--- End quote ---
--- Quote ---SoftBear15
Re: Re: been there done that...
Posted: Jan 05, 2005 07:00 PM reply
7 Posts
Registered: Jan 05, 2005 06:26 PM
Carolyn - I'm sorry you had such a horrible experience. I couldn't disagree with you more. The first days of my "trip" were the worst of my life. I wanted to give up on everything.
The staff of RCA treated me with respect through thick and thin. More importantly, they taught me to respect myself (which after nearly killing myself is a very hard thing to do).
If you have a child who is having problems in their life, contact Redcliff. They'll interview you, request information on your child, and tell you whether or not they can help. I very well might not be alive today if it weren't for RCA.
Best wishes to all graduates - and heartfelt prayers for all of the parents and future students out there preparing for the biggest journey of their life.
Soft Bear
[email protected]
this place ****** me OFF
--- End quote ---
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
Go to full version