Tap
To Call
(417) 934-1112

A 3-Minute Introduction to Whetstone Boys Ranch

A Therapeutic Ranch for Struggling Pre-Teen and Teen Boys
(Ages 12-16) that Shapes Them into Godly Young Men

boys ranch for troubled boys

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”– Proverbs 27:17 NIV

Whetstone Boys Ranch is a residential program that has served struggling boys and their families since 2011. Boys live, learn, work, and grow as they experience life-changing individual, group, and family therapy, a rich and rewarding academic curriculum, exciting outdoor adventures, and useful hands-on tasks. We believe in sharpening the character of young men so that they can become true servant-leaders in their families and communities.

The purpose of our boys ranch centers on the reconciliation of teens (ages 12-16) and their families. We specialize in treating anger, depression, addiction to pornography and online games, entry-level substance abuse, low self-esteem, and trauma-induced based behaviors. Our loving, systems-based approach, our comprehensive and immersive method of treatment, and our very low boy-to-staff ratio (3:1) all serve to set us apart.

A Therapeutic Boarding School for Troubled Teens

Whetstone offers families an opportunity to intervene now, before these behavioral issues get worse. Boys, along with their parents, receive therapy unique to their needs, identified through a detailed screening process.

Individual therapy involves regular sessions with a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Therapeutic techniques range from the cognitive to the behavioral, and each boy develops an individualized/goal-based treatment plan. Many of our boys are treated with EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) – an effective psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the emotional distress that results from traumatic life-experiences, helping them to activate their natural healing processes. Visit EMDR.com to learn more.

boys ranchHelping boys who struggle to form healthy emotional relationships.

boys ranchHelping boys who are unable to remain focused on their school work due to having ADHD.

boys ranchHelping boys who display signs of rebellion, anger, or argumentative behavior from Oppositional Defiant  Disorder (ODD).

boys ranchHelping boys who simply need separation from online addictions and harmful, negative peer relationships.

From Whetstone Boys Ranch Executive Director

“I tell new boys on the first day they arrive at Whetstone Boys Ranch that being enrolled at Whetstone is an opportunity, not a punishment. Young boys have a tendency to think that because of their actions their parents are punishing them by sending them to Whetstone. The truth is that parents are providing their son with a great life opportunity. An opportunity to be further equipped to become the man that God is calling them to be.”

Jeremy Thompson
boys ranch

Whetstone Boys Ranch Testimonials

Community Leader Endorsements

Marcus Allen
Sr. Minister, Pomona Christian Church

Whetstone Boys Ranch is an incredible organization that I’ve seen change boys’ lives firsthand. The focus on work, education and life skills makes a huge impact in the lives of young boys who are struggling in their normal environments. The time they spend at Whetstone hits a “reset” button and also helps them understand themselves better so they can better face their struggles. I’ve become Facebook friends with several of the young men who have been through the program and can see the changed lives as they go home and are reunited with their family!

Chrys Fisher
Attorney / Owner, The Fisher Firm

There is much work that takes place on the grounds of Whetstone Boys Ranch that we may never see. But what I do know and have witnessed myself is the transformation of a young boy feeding on trouble to a young man hungry for God’s love. In this sense, Whetstone’s mission is realized when each boy graduates from the program; however, Whetstone’s vision is accomplished when a young man leaves the ranch seeking opportunities to share God’s love in the service of others. I cannot think of a more worthy cause.

MENU