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An Opportunity for Struggling Teen Boys (ages 12–16) to Mature into Godly Young Men

boarding school for troubled boys

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

Whetstone Boys Ranch is a therapeutic Christian school that serves struggling boys and their families. Here boys live, learn, work and grow as they experience essential individual, group and family therapy, excellent academics, exciting outdoor adventures, and useful hands-on tasks. We believe in sharpening young men to become true servant-leaders in their families and communities.

Since 2011, Whetstone’s purpose centers on the reconciliation of boys (ages 12-16) and their families. We treat struggles such as anger, depression, low self-esteem and trauma with a loving, systems-based approach. And this comprehensive methodof treatment and restoration sets us apart.

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Whetstone Boys Ranch Helps Troubled Boys

We focus on issues young boys struggle with, including introductory misbehavior (vaping, negative video game-technology/pornography), anger, depression, low self-esteem, trauma related issues, attachment and adoption disorders. Whetstone is an opportunity to intervene now, before these issues grow deeper. Boys receive therapy based on their needs, after going through a screening process.

Therapy and counseling includes individual 1 hour sessions, once a week, led by a LPC therapist. Individual treatment includes EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) –originally designed to alleviate distress associated with traumatic memories. It is a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences…and helps activate their natural healing processes. (EMDR.com)

Group counseling occurs 2 times a week.

Family therapy includes an intensive 2-3 day session during a boy’s stay at Whetstone with our licensed therapist.

Boys who suffer from not being able to form healthy emotional relationships with adoptive parents, including RAD (Reactive Attachment Disorder),

Boys who are unable to remain focused, ADHD, (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

Boys who display signs of early rebellion, refuses to obey, shows argumentative behavior,ODD (Oppositional Defiance Disorder),

Boys who simply need a change of environment, separated from the negative impact of internet addictions, and harmful relationships.

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Adventure Based Therapy for Struggling Teen Boys in The Scenic Ozarks

During their 8-10 month stay, troubled boys will experience a loving home-like environment, rewarding studies, invigorating ranch work, outdoor learning, and true character-building adventure. You are invited to partner with us in guiding struggling boys back to the path that God has laid out for them.

We are so excited about the ways God is working at Whetstone Boys Ranch and would love to share more about our vision and mission!

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
boarding school for troubled boys

Student & Family Testimonials

Whetstone Boys Ranch was everything we couldn’t give Caleb. He deserved to be in an environment where his temptations didn’t exist. He needed to be in a place where he had opportunities to explore new interests, challenge himself, and find a purpose. He deserved to be with people who could be consistent 100% of the time and he needed to feel understood and have access to people who could help him process his strong emotions as he was experiencing them. He sounded happy and healthier during our first phone calls, he said to us, ‘Why did you wait so long to send me here? Why did you show me so much grace?’

Caleb’s mom

After completing the Whetstone Boys Ranch program, our son returned home a profoundly changed young man. Praise the Lord! He started Whetstone at a 5th grade academic level, while he was in 8th grade. Just last week, he graduated top 10 in his class, earned Academic and Technical honors, and accepted an apprenticeship with a local HVAC company. Just as important as his academic success, our son’s ability to relate with family members, peers and those in authority dramatically improved. He is beloved by employers and family members, alike. His spiritual growth is a testimony to the love and nurturing he received at Whetstone.

Gina

Get Help Today Call Now 417-934-1112

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.

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