Travel and Community
One of our greatest joys during the year is taking many of the boys on trips. The boys are learn so much from these trips, even if the goal is to help a community overseas. One of our students, Nolan, reported his experience and how it affected him...
"Guatemala opened my eyes to a world that seemed forgotten. I was slapped in the face by the firm hand of reality. The one thing I saw least was hope. But God used our whole team to bring hope and joy to the kids at the orphanage.
I realized how selfish and ungrateful we can be -- how small our problems are to the rest of the world. O saw how spoiled rotten America is. When I got back to the states I was disgusted by all the senseless junk we have in our homes and stores. hearing people gripe about petty things made my stomach churn.
My experience in Guatemala was the final tool God used to change my outlook on life."
Small groups of students from our school go on trips. Often today's youth feel a sense of "entitlement" to all of the best life in America has to offer them materially. Boys get a first-hand look at poverty and hunger in less-advantaged countries; having opportunity on these excursions to help meet the needs for those in crisis.
Annual "tours" are taken to other states. The teen travels with staff members and sometimes with the teen's parents.
Learning by Teaching
As students succeed in the program, they are given the opportunity to become part of the drama travel teams and Stay Sharp school ministry team. Stay Sharp teams travel to public and private schools to present drug awareness programs. Recently our Stay Sharp team spoke to an audience of more than 3000 students in Oak Park River Forest High School in Chicago.
Our primary goal is to help our students grow in their Christian faith. Our team and all of our students learn to challenge and encourage each other to live out their faith in everything they do and say.
Our Main Objectives
To provide a Godly atmosphere on the campus, in the barracks, and in the classroom that is conducive to Christian growth.
To provide opportunities for the physical development of each student through athletic programs and facilities for recreational activities.
- To offer a well-rounded program of studies that meets the needs of our students and that will inspire in them a desire and ability to learn throughout the rest of their lives.
To provide our students with an environment which fosters a sense of well-being and to offer ongoing support for those who are troubled by personal, spiritual and academic challenges.
To establish a structured schedule that allows sufficient time for study, athletics, recreation, personal development, meditation and rest.
To maintain a program that promotes organization, discipline, physical fitness, leadership and decorum.
To provide special emphasis on study skills and discipline, reading, and time management.
To provide challenging and stimulating opportunities to learn trades, care for animals, and gain new experiences outside of the classroom.
To support the development and growth of creative abilities through individual and group endeavors in sports, drama, music, speaking, and service opportunities.
To help our students develop their potential and gain self-confidence through appropriate recognition of their successes and milestones.
Statement of Faith
WE BELIEVE…The Scriptures are inspired by God and declare His design and plan for mankind.
WE BELIEVE…There is only One True God–revealed in three persons…Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (commonly known as the Trinity).
WE BELIEVE…In the Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ. As God’s son Jesus was both human and divine.
WE BELIEVE…though originally good, Man Willingly Fell to Sin–ushering evil and death, both physical and spiritual, into the world.
WE BELIEVE…Every Person Can Have Restored Fellowship with God through ‘Salvation’ (trusting Christ, through faith and repentance, to be our personal Savior).
WE BELIEVE… in Water Baptism by Immersion after repenting of one’s sins and receiving Christ’s gift of salvation, and Holy Communion as a symbolic remembrance of Christ’s suffering and death for our salvation.
WE BELIEVE…that the gifts of the spirit are still in operation today.
Gateway Boys Academy (part of Teen Challenge) is a para-church organization, responsible to fulfill the biblical Great Commission — to save the lost, make disciples, and send them out to save others.
About Corrective Discipline:
Discipline at Gateway is principle-minded and designed to teach a lesson, not punish. We do not participate in any form of corporal punishment, withholding or changing food allowances, nor physical restraint (other than in situations where the child may be an imminent threat to himself or others). Typical disciplinary tactics include the loss of some privileges or the addition of chores, or both.
Covenant to Our Students:
1. We PLEDGE to serve every student with Christ-like compassion, respect and guidance.
2. We COMMIT to address the needs of students and to assist them in the development of Godly character.
3. We DEDICATE ourselves to mentor and to nurture meaningful relationships, inspiring hope for the future.
Core Values:
- Courageous Leadership – People of the Arena
- Continuous Improvement – People of the Second Mile
- Contagious Attitude – People of Optimism and Belief
