It sometimes surprises people to learn that we have Student Government meetings at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch. Some people think that children in treatment for trauma are not equipped for things like group decision-making.
The truth is that learning about process and individual/group decision-making and how to weigh choices is a big part of treatment. Giving these amazing young people “voice and choice” within healthy, respectful parameters is important in their healing. Each child must develop the ability to evaluate, consider, and choose… not just react based on their past trauma. Student Government groups are one way the kids can share their thoughts and provide input on the care, activities, environment, and food that are part of their care here.
All good brainstorming begins with an open sharing of ideas. If you’ve ever been part of a full-on brainstorming, the rule is, “there are no bad ideas.” Everything gets put on the table. Discernment, prioritization, and discarding comes later.
It was with delight that I read the brainstorming list from a recent Student Government meeting on our Bismarck Campus. On the food list are: “Chips and dip, parfaits, cookie dough, chicken strips, tacos, steak, meatloaf, hot dogs (but not the red kind), Taco John's Oles, sage potato dumplings, sushi, mac & cheese, burgers, Taco Bell, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Dominos.” Their list of requested snacks includes “brownies, cake, cheesecake, carrot cake, kuchen, cherries, ice cream, sundaes, chips, and donuts.”
It makes me smile and reminds me that these are truly just kids. For all their challenges, for all they have endured, for all they know (way beyond what they should know), they are just kids. Given the opportunity to speak out, they will. Cookie dough, parfaits, chips, donuts, and more chips. Of course, these make the list.
So you know, the menus at the Ranch already include chicken strips, tacos, meatloaf, hot dogs (I’ll have to check if they are the red ones), and a few of the other items. They do not currently include sage potato dumplings, but they probably could! We’ll check that out, too. Donuts and ice cream are certainly in our rotation, but probably not as frequently as the children would prefer.
We all want a say in our lives and our choices. The kids at the Ranch have rarely had a say in theirs. Asking for hot dogs, but not the red ones, is a first step.
Please keep our kids and staff in your prayers.
In His love,
Joy Ryan, President/CEO
Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch
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