Our son went to a "Wilderness Camp" and I do think it helped him. He only went for about 8 weeks, but it was effective for the brief time he was there. I frankly don't think he was there long enough. It was the programs he went to after that he ran from, so maybe the WC wasn't that effective, who knows? When he went the program was located in Utah, but I see now they have a location in South Carolina. He really connected with the therapist there and still occasionally emails the guy. Our son was a difficult case because he can stay within the "normal" guidelines for awhile, then its almost like he slingshots out of the boundaries. So he can cope with a program, then they okay his release and he goes off the deepend.
The other difficult spot you will be in is 17 yr. olds--quickly approaching 18 so some places may be reluctant to take him if they don't think they can effect a change in him before he turns 18, he can leave at 18. I also wouldn't worry about a program close to you as you won't get to visit until the end...at least that's the way it used to be. If there is any chance he would run it would also be better to be farther away, since he would call friends, anyone who could help him with transportation to the area he knows....frankly, don't know that I would go this route with him, but I don't know your particulars.
