Bethseda Home for Boys

The Bethesda Boy

Bethesda Home for Boys and the Bethesda School offers an opportunity for young men and boys to grow, learn, and develop in an environment that is particularly well suited to support the unique attributes and challenges of becoming a young man in today's world.  Nestled on over five hundred acres of trees, pasture, riverfront and marsh, the peaceful and spacious campus invites young men to participate in a host of wholesome activities that encourages individual growth while inspiring camaraderie among friends.  

Whether swimming in the pool, kayaking on the lake, tending to cattle and horses,  fishing off of the dock, or attending classes in a state of the art school building, students are guaranteed a safe place to stretch their wings and realize their full potential.

The mission of Bethesda remains the same as when it was established in 1740:  to instill among its young men a love of learning, a love of God and a strong work ethic.  Though the methods to accomplish this mission may have changed over the years, the needs of the young men we serve have basically remained the same.  Young men need strong Christian role models, expert instruction, opportunities to strengthen their hearts, minds and bodies and support from adults who understand their unique qualities and attributes.  

Who can benefit from the Bethesda experience?  

Any young man, ages ten to eighteen, who wishes to embrace the mission of Bethesda can find a home on its peaceful campus.  Bethesda students are diverse in race, creed, religion and socio-economic standing.

Like all young men in today's society, Bethesda boys face challenges in their lives.  Some benefit academically from the small classrooms and individualized instruction, excelling beyond their highest expectations.  Others find success on a competitive team within the school's rigorous and highly successful athletic program.  For many students, the opportunity to live on Bethesda's campus helps them stay focused on school activities and fosters tremendous school spirit as well as a true sense of brotherhood.  

Bethesda's varied course offerings, such as the opportunity to study video production, along with the internships and externships of the Youth Enterprise System, give its young men a bird's eye view of the demands and rewards of the adult work world.

Some young men are facing obstacles at home - poverty, illness, the stress of unemployment, or an absent parent - and are able to find the peace and stability in a residential environment that may be missing from their lives.  Other students do not have environmental challenges in their lives, but simply wish to be a part of an historic brotherhood that spans over 260 years.  

Bethesda Home for Boys is a unique environment that brings out the best in any young man; however, it is not a treatment setting.  Bethesda students must be free of criminal involvement, illegal drug or alcohol abuse, a history of physical violence or serious psychiatric diagnosis to be considered for admission.  Further, while the small classroom settings and skilled teachers can assist many students who need to strengthen their academic skills, Bethesda School does not offer a prescribed special education environment.

All students, whether day students or residential students, are carefully screened upon admission to ensure that they are responsible and capable of handling the freedoms and privileges of a boarding school environment.

Bethesda Home for Boys and the Bethesda School has been making a difference in the lives of young men for generations.  Boys are our business and we have what it takes to foster their growth into young men.  If you or a young man you know is up to the challenge, consider becoming a 'Bethesda Boy' today, so that you can be a 'Bethesda man' tomorrow.

Boys are our business...