Testimonials About At Risk Youth Helped By Mount Carmel Youth Ranch

Mount Carmel Youth Ranch is proud to have helped so many troubled teens and to have touched so many families. You’ll find that the at risk youth who come to our camp for troubled teen boys leave us as matured and sensible, fine young men.

To protect the names of the boys, fictitious names will be used. The events in their lives and outcomes from being at Mt. Carmel are true.

Letter Sent To Current MTC Students From Former Student Mike in December 2008

My name is Mike, I am 24 years old and a husband and father to a wonderful family. I am the oldest of 7 in a Roman Catholic family. As a young teen I got into trouble much the same as all of you. My parents had a difficult time doing so but they knew that I needed help and so I was sent to Mt. Carmel at the age of 15, in May of 1999. My first few months there were very difficult and I learned quickly how things worked and my place there. Some of my best years were spent in Clark, WY. I do not resent anyone or anything I came across there. It was at Mt. Carmel that I learned who I was and what I was capable of doing. I learned to drive there, not only regular cars and trucks but heavy machinery as well. Having those skills have come in handy more than once. I learned about farming and agriculture, nature and hunting, machinery repair and upkeep. All of these things are invaluable. You may ask yourself when you would need any of those skills in the city, my answer is, you may never know. There is growing lack of people who have these skills and they are highly sought after in city areas because of that. As well it’s not just the skill that is values. Just put that on a resume and people see someone that is not afraid of hard work, someone who can learn just about anything, these skills are the root of what we are. Understanding the relationship between man and beast is incredible; too many people these days are caught up in strange beliefs and twisted values. Jerry and Mickey will steer you correctly, trust me in that. While I was at Mt. Carmel I also learned how to fight. I know, I know, everyone who has been hit or has hit someone thinks they know how to fight, it is not so. Boxing is a lost art, but is necessary. I’m not sure if it is still that way at the ranch as times change and society’s values change, but when I was a boy we resolves our issues through a form of good old fashioned dueling. We didn’t use pistols but our fists. As crazy as it sounds I miss it, but lucky for me that’s the way we do it here in the Marine Corps, so it’s probably no surprise that it is a secondary job or mine. At my last duty station in Quantico, Virginia I was in charge of the Company’s (about 400 Marines) Martial Arts. I have taken a liking to fighting and the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. I am a 1st degree Black Belt, as well as an Instructor Trainer, which means that I train Marines to be Martial Arts Instructors. I don’t currently have any professional fights but that is something that I am training for. This is one of those things that I was talking about in regards to people telling you that you can’t so something. I of course didn’t listen. Many of the skills that I learned at the ranch have helped me in combat. Learning to adapt to a different culture just like you are now is one thing that allowed me to be successful in 3 combat tours to Iraq. As well shooting and hunting skills definitely gave me a one up. You sure can’t beat the physical conditioning that working on a ranch gives you either. All of these things have helped me become successful but it doesn’t mean anything unless you can teach it to others. One thing I have learned in life is “it’s not about you.” In order for you to teach others, and this goes for anything, you have to fully understand and embrace it yourself. Once you accept your surroundings and embrace your situation you can exploit the opportunities that is presents. Bloom where you are planted, make the best of any situation and you will soon become unstoppable. Remember it is not abut you, you must do these things for the greater good, whatever that may be, you just have to be patient. Patience, I cannot under emphasize that virtue by any means. In an age of instant gratification this is lost. Patience will give you the skills necessary to deal accordingly with anything. Why am I telling you all of this, well it’s not about me, it’s for you. I remember being in your shoes and someone telling me things like this that has been in my situation would have put me at ease. This won’t solve all your problems, and take away the difficult times but I hope it helps give you some direction. I am by no means perfect and I didn’t just become successful once I left Mt. Carmel. I’ve had my share of hard times. Not to glorify it by any means but I still got into some trouble once I left Mt. Carmel, and I can tell you the root cause. It was the company I kept. The people that you surround yourself with determine how you will act and what you become.

This sounds crazy but read “oh, the places you’ll go!” by Dr. Seuss, it is all right there. Anyhow, from experience let me tell you, your old friends are not worth it. People come and go quicker than you think. In the end, most everyone will look out for number one and leave you in the midst of the struggle. That means that you’ll be a loner more often that not, but hey, as it turns out that’s how leader are born. When you’re alone in a cause and you’re the one who is different, people start to realize that and they are drawn to you. You’ll see when you go home, your friends will act like they miss you and they still care about you but only if you do what they do, they’ll want you to do the same old thing and they won’t respect you if you don’t. trust me they are not worth it, friends come and go. You want proof of that, really good friends that I have bled in combat with won’t even return my phone calls and have just dropped off the map. You can’t get a stronger bond than in combat and where are they now? It’s a harsh reality that we as leaders must face. I challenge you to embrace your situation, don’t take steps backwards, stand tall and strong and move forward, people will begin following you and at that point they look up to you. Make yourself accountable to someone, it will help. I have my family, and the thought of letting them down pushes me forward.
Love Mike

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September 2004

This letter is for those parents who are asking themselves if Mt. Carmel Youth Ranch is the right placement for their son. I hope our story helps you with your decision, one way or the other.

This is a follow up letter to the one previously sent to Mt. Carmel after "J" had spent one year at the ranch.

Those last months at Mt. Carmel Youth Ranch helped "J" grow not only in his Christian faith but in faith of himself. He became a mentor for the other boys at the ranch. His love and respect for the staff at Mt. Carmel grew as he matured under their love and guidance.

"J" came home with not only higher self esteem, but a sound knowledge of the ranching business, and a deep insight on troubled youth. He has a sensitivity and compassion towards youth around him who are struggling. He can tell when kids are having a rough time, those who will make it or those who will not.

"J" spent almost 18 months at Mt. Carmel Youth Ranch. I was frightened for him when he came home, but so desperately wanted him back in our lives again. Jerry Schneider counseled us on what to expect, ground rules and red flags to look for. I went from door way to door way in our home, asking God to bless this house and to make it a refuge from the enemy. I prayed for strength and guidance on this next chapter in our lives.

I was lucky enough to become close to "J's" roommate’s mom. I believe she was a gift from God to help us transition back to our lives with "J".. Our frequent phone calls and emails helped her too, as her son came home 6 months after "J". When a child leaves Mt. Carmel’s program, the staff continues to give support and guidance. Jerry encourages the boys to keep in contact by phone. I have never felt abandoned or alone, ever. I was very aware that they had kept us in their prayers.

Was it hard for "J" when he returned? You bet it was. Having to tell old friends he could no longer hang out with them; trying to establish new friends; sitting on the bench in high school baseball when he’d never sat out an inning, ever. Wanting things “normal” again, but knowing “normal” had a new meaning for "J". "J" was not the same kid he was a year and a half before...a small lifetime for a child.

"J" has been home now 9 months, celebrating his 17th birthday just yesterday. He played in his first football game, ever, the other night. He is giving 100 percent of himself to football and school, a first for him. He spent his birthday bow hunting for deer with his friends. Thank God he has several solid friends who love sports, going fishing, hunting, and the beauty of the nearby mountain and for the parents of these boys who know "J's" story and are supportive and watchful.

Is "J" perfect? No, nor am I. He is a normal 17 year old kid, who makes mistakes, but the anger, the deviant behavior is behind him. Am I afraid for him? Yes. I feel he is still very delicate and we must be watchful and prayerful as parents.

Did we make the right choice? Was it painful? Was the cost worth it? Absolutely. We firmly believe that the choice was no different than if "J" had a threatening disease. Do I feel like a failure as a parent? No. But did we need help and guidance as parents? Absolutely. Would it have been different if we had a different parenting style to begin with? I am not sure. The world around our youth is so destructive. It nibbles at our kid’s self esteem, low self esteem breeds depression then, self medication...alcohol, marijuana, cocaine etc. "J" simply got lost and we did not know how to help him find his way back. Jerry Schneider and the staff at Mt. Carmel do their best to help children like our son find their way back to the child God meant them to be.

I can’t close this letter without stressing enough how important it is to take action way before your child approaches the age of 18. It takes time to help these boys find their way, and if you wait, you will be powerless to help your child. My heart aches for several mothers I have met over these last few years who waited too long...

Respectfully,

Peg

thegiant@thegrid.net

12/13/03
Dear Jerry and Mickey,

I just wanted to drop a note to ya'll to wish you a great holiday season and to once again thank you for all your devoted work with "J". He is the latest miracle in our lives! God is blessing us and Mt. Carmel when a young man like "J" is literally transformed in all facets of his life. You would be so proud of him, his progress and responsibility, but most proud of his heart and kindness. The work ya'll do at Mt. Carmel is simply ordained and anointed by God and your sacrifice and service is no doubt most pleasing to God. I thank God for you and Mt. Carmel everyday of my life. You all are very special people and are true reflections of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Much Love, "B", "D", "J", "C" & puppies

(This letter was written to The Department of Family Services in San Bernardino County, the names have been changed to protect the young man that attended Mount Carmel)

September 30, 2002

Dear Karen,

I'm writing to report the outcome of the summer program our son, “John” experienced at Mount Carmel Youth Ranch in Powell Wyoming. “John” has been home now for just over a month and is doing exceptionally well. In my view he's a different young man, with an emphasis on "young man."

As you know, we decided on a residential care program not because he was out of hand, rather to keep our situation from getting to that point. Prior to leaving, “John” was experimenting with drugs and alcohol, his sophomore grades had fallen dramatically and the overheard conversations with his friends were becoming alarming. As well, his diagnosed ADD seemed to be at a peek and medication was absolutely essential to a normal household.

It was the hardest thing my wife and I have ever done. To drive away that June Sunday, not knowing exactly how long he'd be there was heart breaking.

It has proven to be the best decision we could have made. Jerry Schneider and his wife Mickey and the Mt. Carmel staff have created an incredibly effective program there. Not only is it centered on boys leading a Christian life but also developing a strong work ethic, taking responsibility for their actions and learning to depend on teamwork.

“John” describes the routine as rugged and difficult with extreme discipline and highly regimented activities. But he can't wait to call back to staff members at every opportunity to check on how everyone is doing.

Mount Carmel is a full working cattle ranch. The boys learn a great deal about the riggers of ranch life. They ride horses, work farm equipment, cook, and do their own laundry. Recreation was Saturday night Rodeos and occasional pizza nights, but all based on rewards for doing a good job.

Since returning home, “John” has entered a private Christian High School, is attending church and a youth group and has joined the volleyball team. He has signed a contract committing to developing a new peer group, absolutely no drugs or alcohol and greatly improved grades. And so far, he's shown tremendous desire to accomplish his goals. He has gone without medication for more than three months now too.

I cannot say enough about Mount Carmel. And I can't thank the Schneider's and the staff there enough either for helping us turn a potentially dangerous situation into such a positive outcome. If you have other parents facing the same, I can't recommend this program too much. Whether the summer session or full 18-month program. It works!

Jim & Denise

"Joseph" came to Mt. Carmel in May of 1999. He was 15 years old. He had been a model student and son, everyone's friend. In junior high he began to drink in the youth culture, mix with the wrong crowd and rebel against his parents. After being an honors student, on the soccer team, and in student government, he found himself kicked out of the public school in his ninth grade year, having been caught with a knife at school. He had become depressed and was engaged in some amount of self-mutilation. He went from being an A and B student to getting D's and F's in some subjects. With the "help" of a girl friend, he started running away and turned against his family, school authorities, and his faith. He found himself in a dark place and began to contemplate suicide with his girl friend. Joseph and his family were truly in a place of despair. We wondered where our son had gone, who had abducted him and replaced him with this imposter. We tried boarding schools and counselors, but the problems only seemed to worsen. We had heard of Mt. Carmel through close friends who knew the founders of Mt. Carmel. We decided to try it because we thought we were going to lose our son forever.

Mt. Carmel made a radical difference in Joseph's life. Within a matter of a month, Joseph went from being a depressed and angry young man to becoming a motivated and enthusiastic student of horses. He found a connection, a strong bond, in the animals and in nature. It triggered something powerful in Joseph that all could see early on. Through his new love of horses, riding, and the cowboy culture, Joseph grew in his confidence in himself, hope for his future, and reconciliation toward his parents. He began to take more of an active interest in others, in his faith, in school. He received mostly straight A's, graduated from high school a year early, developed a strong sense of self and of leadership skills. He has become a man through hard work, healthy relationships in the school, and self-motivated study. Joseph excelled in horsemanship, and worked on a ranch near Mt. Carmel after graduation. He has worked at a bed and breakfast ranch, working with horses, taking guests on rides, and tending the stables and hay fields. He finished a semester of college in equine studies, but he decided he wanted to be a Marine and enlisted last year. Soon, he will graduate from Marine basic training in San Diego, California. Mt. Carmel set Joseph on a journey of discovery of love of self, family and country.

The benefits of Mt. Carmel are not to be found in Joseph alone, but in his relationship with his family, with his parents and siblings. The experience of Mt. Carmel has spilled over into Joseph's family and has provided an example of strength, hope and love to all. We brought Joseph to Mt. Carmel because we wanted our son back, and although it cost us the loss of his presence at home, we received back our son as a man whose gifts had flourished. He has had a couple of setbacks as young men on their own will, but he has stayed the course and embraced the duties that come with freedom and independence. We are incredibly proud of him and profoundly grateful to Mt. Carmel for their loving and professional approach with our child and his education.

You may use my name and e-mail as a reference for anyone who wishes to contact me.

Scott
E-Mail

It has been one year since we left our son in the care of Jerry and Mickey Schneider at Mount Carmel Youth Ranch. And it is now that I can finally write about our experience. My purpose in sharing our story is to give parents hope, if they are going through this painful life journey suffered by many families today.

Our son was always a joy to be around. His laughter, sense of humor, zest for life was inspiring. “Jack” spent his young life living on our farm. He slept hard, played hard, and ate me out of house and home. He did well in school until the 5th grade. From then on it became more of a challenge for him to do his school work. For the next few years his interest in hunting and sports were his only motivation to get by in school. His eighth grade year he had a growth spurt, loosing baby fat, and his coordination at baseball...his love. He struggled to figure out who he was. A hunter, baseball player, a jock or a punk with pocket chains and different colored hair. His friendships changed, as did his behavior. He spent more time in his room alone. He wanted to go into town and be with his friends on weekends. “Jack” battled about attending church and going to confirmation classes. But then, at that point anything “Jack” did not want to do, became a battle of wills.

I knew he was struggling. I prayed. I got him involved in a local youth ministry. Sent him to this ministry’s winter camp and summer camp with people I knew and loved. He was somewhat compliant to my wishes, but bought into nothing this rather charismatic, powerful ministry had to offer.

Then one night in July our neighbor called. “Jack” had broken into their home...with them in bed. He and his friend were not caught in the act, but they heard “Jack’s” voice as he had spent many hours with this family over the years. His alternate life was exposed. He was smoking marijuana, tried cocaine, and was drinking socially. He had become very good at lying when he called us, as requested, when he was in town for an evening. He even started taking our cars out in the middle of the night to drink and drive around the countryside. Mind you “Jack” was just 14 years old. Just fourteen years old... I thought I always knew where he was and what he was doing...but “Jack” had a dark life he was leading, full of lies and deception.

Our neighbors did not want to bring the police into the matter, but I assured them something was going to be done on our end with “Jack”. What, I was not sure. I started a search on the internet. Boy’s school, military schools, wilderness programs... I made phone calls, received packets from various boys’ homes, but did not know what I was going to do until I called Mount Carmel Youth Ranch and talked with Jerry Schneider. Jerry did not try to sell me on his program. He was honest, up front, and very understanding. But most of all he gave me hope that there was help for “Jack”.

“Jack” went through the wilderness program, cow camp, and then went down to the ranch. They found out he could drive tractor. Finding his skill, then lifting “Jack’s” self esteem by taking that small gift and expounding on it. Four months into the program we realized “Jack” deeply loved and respected Jerry. He had connected with some of the other staff as well, but it was Jerry he loved first. Why? It is Jerry’s goal to pray for a love for each boy that comes to the ranch. “Jack” felt that love. Jerry also saw “Jack’s” heart. The heart we knew existed, but that had become clouded with anger.

“Jack did not fully make progress until he examined his relationship with God. The “religious” aspect of the ranch is not always emphasized but powerful. Devotions are said daily, with Mass on Sunday a requirement. Showing the boys right and wrong through the eyes of God. Teaching the boys compassion by praying for others. Though “Jack” had been raised in church, it was not until Mount Carmel that “Jack” learned what life was like living in the fullness of what Christ has to offer.

Through hard work, education, constant reinforcement, but most of all, love, “Jack” is at almost age 16, becoming a man in the best sense of the word.

“Jack” will come home at the end of this year, but a part of his heart will always be with the Schneider’s in Wyoming.

If you want to email me regarding the Mount Carmel Youth Ranch, feel free.

Peg D.
Thegiant@thegrid.net

Do you know an at-risk teen? Call Mount Carmel Youth Ranch for more information on our Wilderness Program and School for Troubled Teens,We can help!

Admissions Office 1-866-971-3322 or (307) 899-1690

Reach us by email at admissions@mtcarmelyouthranch.com