“Journey to Manhood”

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn to bring the hands, mouth and their eyes under control.
2. Learn rhythms, structure and the first 10 principles (counsel cards).  

This is the initial orientation phase, boys learn the ropes at Master’s Ranch Christian Academy. Each boy is matched, based on his personality type, with a buddy who teaches him what he needs to know and helps him stay out of trouble. During this phase, boys begin physical training to get in shape, they are assigned Bible verses and tidbits of wisdom to memorize (we call them our counsel cards), and they begin learning to submit to authority. Once they demonstrate some improvement in physical fitness and show cooperation by mastering the memory work, they move to the next phase. The orientation phase typically lasts about a month but is dependent on the cooperation of each individual boy.

1. Learn to respond positively to instructions or redirection in an immediately, respectful and humble manner.
2. Learn the value of the first 25 Counsel Cards and demonstrate initiation to apply them in order to live a principled life.

A boy in Yellow Phase earns more freedom of movement and communication around the campus. In this phase, boys receive a new set of memory work to master. They take a diagnostic test for academics and begin school, which is presented as a privilege that they have earned. The Yellow phase is about obedience. The boys begin vocational class once a week and get to join field crews twice a week.  At Master’s Ranch, boys are given lots of chances to succeed, Boys begin to acknowledge their negative behavior and the impact it has had on those around them. Once they are willing to articulate, in the form of a written essay, how their negative behavior has adversely affected their friends and family, they move on to the next shirt. During this phase an Personal Focused Care Plan is created for each student reflecting their individual needs. This phase is usually two to three months depending on the cooperation of the student.

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn to be trusted
2. Learn to be utilize their conscience.
3. Learn to value and work within a ranking system (honoring those above you and rank as well as those below you in rank – serving both)

In the Green Phase boys have earned additional freedoms of movement and conversation around campus.  They are given opportunity to be on field crews that require higher skill and self-control. They have new goals for memory work and physical fitness improvement. The Green shirt is the level of the general population at the ranch.  It is longest level and last at least 6 months.

It is during the Green Shirt phase that boys make a marked improvement in their attitude, work ethic, and behavior. For many of the boys coming in, no one in their lives trusts them, including themselves. They begin to earn the trust of staff and peers. The Master’s Ranch Christian Academy’s emphasis is on true manhood, shown by integrity, honesty, hard work, hard play, trust, and leadership. There is no competition against anyone else; boys compete only against themselves. Boys in the Green Shirt accept work responsibilities on campus; they learn vocational and agricultural skills through voluntary extra work projects; they make progress academically toward a high school diploma or GED; they become physically fit, strong and active; and they experience personal transformation as the lessons of manhood and the love of God sink in.

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn to be an example and lead when called upon.
2. Learn to stand their own ground with peers.
3. Learn to hold their peer group accountable to a principled life.

Earning the Burgundy Shirt is an honor to achieve. It reflects a tremendous transformation in behavior, attitude, and values. With the approval of the entire staff, boys can promote the Burgundy Shirt. This promotion is required to graduate.  Boys gain a great deal of additional freedom, including significantly more phone time with their parents and burgundy only activities. Rewards come with achievement. They start exercising peer leadership and enjoy a certain amount of authority. Boys study leadership books by renowned authors. They are treated like men.