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The Boys Ranch Academy is boarding school for boys ages 13-17 who are demonstrating life-controlling, life-threatening behaviors. Length of stay is six-nine months, or longer if needed. The facility is located in Fulton County near Warfordsburg, Pennsylvania, 8 miles south of Breezewood, Pennsylvania. This location is strategically positioned with Pittsburgh only 2.5 hours to our west and Philadelphia 3.5 hours to our east. The campus is situated on a fairly secluded 70-acre property adjoining 6000 acres of State Forest. The boarding school is part of a setting of rolling green lawns, pastures, and adjacent wooded areas nestled between two mountains. In these tranquil surroundings, with spectacular views and fresh, clean air, our residents find a friendly, non-threatening environment in which they can slow their pace with the assistance of caring staff in order to refocus and discover a new and better direction for their lives.
Boys Ranch is a staff secure boarding school. Residents are under 24-hour supervision. The only exception is when boys are on an approved home visit. Our purpose is to help develop positive character in at-risk boys. A structured boarding school under the direction of a caring, supportive staff is where our residents will be held accountable for the past choices they have made. They will be encouraged to evaluate the decisions which have brought them to this point. A new positive value system will be made known to them. They will be encouraged and guided to act upon this new knowledge by putting on new behaviors as they shed the old. When they fail, they will be encouraged to examine the character flaws which brought about the negative incident. The staff will help the residents realize gifts and talents that are operative in their life and how they can use and develop these into life long strengths. Ultimately, through staff members modeling positive character, teaching, and counseling, there will be a direct impact on the relationships the residents have in their homes, their future vocations, and their communities. Character development is the core of our boarding school and the key to any long- term change. Our goal is to instill in each youth the character traits of respect, responsibility, honesty, caring, self-control, courage, and punctuality. Life-skill development is an integral part of the program. Various skills are enhanced through practically participating in cooking, purchasing, health care, and money management and general duties necessary for independent living. On-campus academics provides youth with a positive learning environment where they can excel academically. The school is an approved Alternative Educational School with the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The school also provides GED instruction for those residents who meet the requirements. Vocational instruction teaches proper work ethics and skills. This is an important part of the program and is accomplished through our on-campus vocational program. It is designed to help the residents learn responsibility as they follow through and complete given assignments. The vocational program is also designed to help our youths develop proper work ethics. This will enable them to become successful once they enter the workforce. Residents will acquire hands-on experience in construction and automotive fields by participating in many different building or mechanical projects. There are also opportunities for constructing practical wood-crafts and furniture in the on-campus carpentry shop. Therapeutic equine program helps build character and develop life skills. Character Development Goals Self-Control: The ability to control oneself for the sake of improvement. Dedication to following through on a commitment. Being in control of your words, actions, impulses and desires. Courage: The strength to practice positive character traits. HONESTY: Being truthful with yourself and others. Refusing to lie, steal, cheat, deceive or take advantage of the trust of others. Respect: Showing consideration for self, others, and property. Understanding that all people have value as human beings. Our respect displays our belief in their importance and worth. Puncuality: Being on time for appointments and meetings. Handing in assignments when due. Making plans ahead of time to ensure being punctual. Resposibility: Being accountable for ones actions. While we are accountable for our actions and decisions, we are also accountable for the results of those decisions and actions. Being dependable in carrying out obligations and duties. Caring: Treating others with kindness and compassion. Acting out of concern and thoughtfulness for self, others and property. Being considerate, courteous, helpful, and understanding of others. Treating others as you would like to be treated. Our Mission We strive to provide a safe and secure residential environment for troubled teens, while equipping them with the needed tools to develop positive character traits, along with academic and vocational education programs that will enable them to lead productive lives. |
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