Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you treat addiction?

Yes! Our on-campus licensed addiction treatment program called New Adventure Treatment Center helps teenage boys recover from addictions and dangerous behavior.  They do so among male teenage peers, not mixed in with adults or the opposite sex.  We treat boys addicted to illicit drugs, prescription drugs, alcohol, gambling, pornography, or gaming.

How many boys do you have in your program?

We typically have 45-60 boys in our residential program.

What is the “adventure” aspect of the program?

Our program is built around providing the boys with adventure and daily physical activities, both indoors and outdoors.  Outdoors, we go camping, backpacking, rappelling, canoeing, fishing, swimming, hiking, and spelunking (rock climbing and cave exploration). We also utilize a certified ROPES COURSE on our property and feature an EQUINE THERAPY program. Students learn the importance of teamwork, goals, and perseverance through adventure-based activities.  They develop better communication skills and improve their ability to work cooperatively with others.

Do you have an outpatient program?

No.  Our program is currently inpatient on our sprawling residential campus in Northwest Arkansas, though our Aftercare Program is outpatient (after the boy returns home).  We also promote and facilitate support groups in Arkansas through Lifeline Connection.

Does my boy need to have an addiction, or can he attend TCAR just for solving his emotional/behavioral issues?

We work with boys with addictions, but we have for many years worked with and mentored and offered professional therapy for boys who are just getting into trouble, or who are failing in school or life.  Behavioral therapy and academic repair are key components of our program.

Can students earn high school credits while they are at Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch?

Yes. Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch focuses on education and offers fully accredited classes in its private on-campus 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.

Does my child have to be willing in order to be admitted?

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. 

Will you accept my boy if he is on medications?

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.

Can my boy enter the program at any time during the year?

Yes.  We will work with you to schedule an appropriate admission date for your child.

Is the tuition tax deductible?

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.

If my son is facing legal charges, can the judge and/or probation officer be notified that he has been approved for entry into Teen Challenge?

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.

What is your aftercare program like? 

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.

Is the program covered by health insurance?

We are a licensed medical facility.  Medical or therapy aspects of the program may be covered by your insurance carrier.  Call us to help you make this determination.

Are loans available to cover the costs?

We work with a number of loan resources who can provide for easier and smaller payments made over over time.  Call us.

Does it matter that we live hundreds of miles away?

No.  Most of the teens in our program come from cities well over 300 miles away.  Many come from the east and west coast.  We can work with you to arrange for safe transport or to pick up your boy at the local airport, train station or bus station.