Activities That Aid in Recovery
Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch believes that teenagers should be actively engaged in life. Our outdoor adventure program, ropes course, physical strength training, and an active outdoor recreational program will provide students with many challenging and enjoyable experiences. These experiences build confidence and help create positive momentum toward life success.
Our Christian residential treatment center for youth uses Adventure-Based Learning throughout our program. Troubled or addicted boys often resist more direct communication methods (i.e., talks, lectures, etc.). Parents and helpers often feel shut out or completely ignored. Adventure Based Learning helps students learn through discovery and experience. Students are encouraged to conquer their fears and surpass their preconceived limitations. They are challenged to take new approaches to problem-solving, and they learn to work with others toward a common goal.
Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch students participate in many indoor and outdoor physical activities and adventures. These include camping, backpacking, rappelling, canoeing, and spelunking (cave exploration). We have even traveled to the Rocky Mountains for mountain climbing, white water rafting, and other activities. Students regularly play basketball in our gymnasium, use our weight-lifting equipment and CrossFit training exercises, play Frisbee golf, play flag football, or use our low ropes/adventure-based training course. We have also taken ministry trips and performed service projects outside the United States. All of our activities help students to re-engage in life. They build character and provide amazing experiences they will remember for the rest of their lives.
Social/Interpersonal
Students learn to interact with each other, with authority, and in society much more flexibly. Teen Challenge emphasizes the value of cooperation and consideration of others. Students are not only encouraged to manage their behavior, they are also encouraged to influence others positively.
Teen Challenge students participate in activities that encourage students to have concern for others. Students have the opportunity to take part in mission trips and community service projects. We have worked with needy children in impoverished countries, built houses for families in third-world nations, helped feed homeless people in our local area, and taken on other service-oriented activities. The lives of our students have been profoundly impacted as they learn to serve others in need.
Several aspects of our Christian residential treatment center for youth (dorm life, ropes course, service projects, etc.) require students to work together toward a common goal. Students with interpersonal difficulties learn new ways to work cooperatively with others. Opportunities are also made for students to work cooperatively with their parents at the Reconnect Weekends. Students and their families participate in fun, challenging activities to encourage communication, consideration, and cooperation.
Teen Challenge emphasizes the importance of leadership. With humility and out of genuine concern for others, students are encouraged to influence those around them positively. Students do have the ability to affect their environment for the better, and they are encouraged to be role models for others. As students make positive changes in their lives, they can also help motivate others to grow in character and maturity.
A Christ-Centered Approach
We adamantly believe that God loves every boy who comes to us for help. Regardless of what they may have done in the past, God loves them, and He wants the best for their lives.
Teen Challenge provides a loving Christian atmosphere where young men have the opportunity to grow in their relationship with God. There are many facets to the Teen Challenge program. Every activity we do and in every class we offer has a Christ-centered element and a firm belief that God wants to do something amazing in each boy’s life.
Many of our regular activities are spiritually oriented. We have daily chapels, Bible studies, special retreats, mission trips, and other activities. We attend church services off campus and attend Christian conferences and other events. Many of our students choose to join our ministry team and take part in community outreaches and mission trips. Our drama team has performed in churches, youth groups, and other venues.
God’s ability to heal hurts and transform lives is unparalleled. He has a way of breaking through oppositional attitudes and touching a boy’s heart. His love and grace help students to want to change. As students grow in their relationship with Christ, they become more motivated to make positive life changes. God also provides a source of strength and power beyond anything traditional interventions offer. He helps make change possible for boys trapped in dysfunctional attitudes and behaviors.
