Cindi,
Don't do the boot camp, or any wilderness camp or anything similar. I would have to dig out all of my research to give you the names of the studies, but these types of camps do not work. The problem is that when a teenager returns from one of these camps the same old environmental stimuli that caused the problem behavior(s) is still there. In a nutshell, behavior that gets us what we want will be repeated, and behavior that does not get us what we want or gets us punished will not likely be repeated.
Some studies that I've read have shown that teenagers would rather be beaten than ignored. I'm not saying that's what happens at your place, it just illustrates the power of parent/teenager time. Also, the biggest indicator of juvenile delinquency is unsupervised time.
Without hearing the whole situation it would be hard to make a specific reccomendation. In general, follow the 3 C's of childrearing. Communicate the rules; Communicate the consequences of breaking the rules (and following them for that matter); and be consistent in enforcement of the rules.
Poor school performance is usually indicative of two things. A learning disability and/or lack of reinforcement. I personally hated high school and never took a book home and did just fine grade wise. Teacher's have too many students to be able to help the individuals. I personally hated physics, math, chemistry, etc. until I realized how it all interacted in motors and machinery. In other words, when it was reinforcing (made me happy), then I enjoyed learning physics.
Hope this does not come across as preachy. I am no expert, but I do have experience in the area.
Clint.
