Future Men is a Christian boarding school offering a highly structured and monitored setting for young men to work on their future. Each student is given an environment and motivation to promote success. Course work and counseling is founded on God’s Word, and the school is nationally accredited by AdvancEd.

Primary Focus

The goal at Future Men is to train young men to put off childish behaviors and obsessions with the trivial distractions of this life (foolish friends, slothfulness, anger, disrespect, offensive language/habits, sloppy clothing, lack of self-control), and to subsequently embrace the responsibilities and freedoms that come with true manhood (respect for authority, strong work ethic, obedience, and the fruits of the Spirit).

• 1. Accomplishing academic goals set by the staff and students’ parents. 

• 2. Working on behavioral and spiritual issues which directly affect every area of their lives.

• 3. Providing trade training in order to equip the students with realistic skills in order to be productive men in the workplace.

Work Program

It is the goal for students at Future Men to learn to follow instructions, develop an eye for detail, and show initiative in their work. These qualities will help them later in life to acquire and keep a job.

Being physically productive and having the ability to complete a task gives a young man genuine self-esteem, as opposed to the hollow false praise that society has been programmed to give. In many cases, actively contributing to society will help these young men “turn the corner” and once again have hope.

All of the work completed by a student, whether through apprenticeship or service project, is incorporated into an elective credit. The students come to understand that the work ethic they develop here contributes to who they are and what they are becoming.

Apprenticeships

Twice a week, each student works hand-in-hand with an area business as an apprentice, learning a trade skill. The tradesmen who partner with Future Men at the various apprenticeships share the same goals and desires. Students are offered a wide range of apprenticeships. Some current options include: electrical work, plumbing, real estate sales, firefighting, animal health technician, glass installation, auto painting, landscaping, airport security and service, computer programming, welding, and construction.

Service Work

Students who do not yet have an apprenticeship serve in community service projects. These students work with staff directors in preparation for their upcoming apprenticeships. The basic habits of working at a steady pace, not asking to take breaks, learning to “see” work that needs to be done, following instructions, and using/putting away the proper tools, are taught and developed in this stage. All of these traits are part of a good work ethic which is critical for young men in today’s society. 

Daily Life Here

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are set aside for working on the core classes and doing service work projects. On Monday evening students have a Bible study, and on Wednesday and Friday evenings they have quiet hour for studies, reading, and letter writing.

Tuesdays and Thursdays represent apprenticeship days. On Tuesday evening students watch a documentary movie. On Thursday evening they have game night. These games can vary from basketball to pool tournaments to interactive games within the lodge.

Saturday is typically a day out. The whole house may go to a park for football, or maybe go caving/hiking here in the Ozarks. Saturday night is movie night.

On Sundays, the mentors and the students attend church, followed by homework in the afternoon. Each student is also involved with chores, cooking, and laundry as well. These are integrated into Life Skills elective class.

During free time the students can make use of the recreation building. Billiards, ping-pong, foosball, and weight lifting are common sources of entertainment and camaraderie.