Frequently asked questions section of the Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch website — learn more about this fantastic program for troubled boys – boarding school for troubled youth and boarding schools.
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Yes. Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch offers fully accredited classes in its private Christian school. Students have the ability to earn high school credits which can later be transferred to either private or public schools following the student’s completion of the program. Each subject is divided into 10 units. Each unit contains lessons, quizzes, projects, and a final test. One half (1/2) credit is earned for every 5 units completed in a subject. A full credit is earned for every 10 units completed in a subject. Students must complete at least 5 units in a subject before any credit will transfer.
It is rare that a student actually “wants” to attend such a program, though attitudes toward our program usually change dramatically for the better when the boy learns that it is adventure-based. Even so, we understand that a troubled boy may be reluctant to leave his school, peers and current lifestyle. We require only that he is aware that he is coming to Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch and that he walks in under his own power (i.e. he is not handcuffed and forcibly dragged in to the building or sedated in order to get him in). Many parents are worried that they won’t be able to get their child to our campus, but we can assist you with how to handle that with your child. We have helped many families through the process of how to approach their child, and we have had great success in admitting even the most oppositional and angry boys.
Yes. Just inform us if your child is on any type of medication. Medications should be discussed early in the application process. Students who come into the program on medication must come under the care of a local doctor. Many students who come to Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch have been able to reduce or completely eliminate their need for medications once their behavior stabilizes. Any medication changes will be handled through a licensed physician. It is understood that some students will need to stay on medications for the duration of the program.
Yes. We accept new students throughout the year. We will work with you to schedule an appropriate admission date for your child.
New students will participate in their first outdoor adventure trip immediately after arriving. A trained staff member will lead the adventure trip. He is accompanied by current student leaders who have positive attitudes. They befriend the new students and really help them with their adjustment to the program. This first trip has been shown to dramatically lower students’ anxieties about being placed in the program.
After students leave for the adventure trip, the parents/guardians meet with the Executive Director for orientation. Parents/Guardians will also have the opportunity to meet with the Academic director, tour the facility, and ask any remaining questions about the ministry.
Usually not, since most of the cost is for the boarding school, activities, and care of the child, but some of the therapy or addiction treatment costs could be. Be sure to check with your tax advisor.
Yes! As long as the offense was not a violent attack or arson, we accept boys with minor brushes with the law and will work with the judge and/or probation officer to keep them informed of the entry status and of the student’s progress at Teen Challenge.
Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch is a licensed residential facility with the Arkansas Department of Human Services. The program is accredited with honors by Teen Challenge International, USA.
Up to twelve months are completed in residence at Teen Challenge and six additional months of counsel and mentoring (for the boy and the parents) are provided in our Aftercare Program, which helps the boy and family transition successfully at home.
Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch will continue to work with boys and their families after the residential portion of the program is completed. The Aftercare Program is designed to last at least six months. We will continue to work with the student and his family and help with any transition issues he may face when returning home.
We value education and academic success, considering it key to long-term life success. Most of our staff have advanced degrees. Many of the students who come here lack sufficient high school credit to obtain their diplomas in a timely manner, but we help them get caught up and even to retake classes for a higher GPA. Every boy on campus is taught and tutored several hours each day. Our disciplined and structured approach to learning, with individualized academic goals and progress, helps the boys get back on track with their education and our courses are fully accredited and transferrable.
Our outdoor adventure program is second to none. Our students have regular opportunities to experience fun and challenging indoor and outdoor physical activities. Students enjoy camping, backpacking, rappelling, canoeing, and spelunking (cave exploration). They are challenged physically and learn the importance of goals and perseverance.
Former President
“Teen Challenge gives our kids something to live for – a relationship with God, a healthy self-esteem, and a direction in their lives that finally leads somewhere.”
Former Attorney General
“Teen Challenge changes the world one person at a time.”
Founder, Prison Fellowship
“The Teen Challenge program succeeds when all of the government programs have failed.”
Television Personality
“In my opinion, Teen Challenge is doing the best all-around job of providing the kids with something meaningful in their lives. And that’s what they all need.”
Former US Drug Czar
“Of all the programs reported to the Commission, the most successful is the program conducted by Teen Challenge.”
Past Director, AT&T Corporation
“Teen Challenge is one of the most successful programs in our country.”
Darren Reynolds, MA, is a tireless innovator and team-builder. He has worked with troubled youth for nearly 30 years. He became the Executive Director of Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch in 1996. He holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling.
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Therapeutic ranch and home for troubled teenage boys