As a Christian organization and as an integral part of the work of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA), the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch Association participates in the ministry of Jesus by helping children and families succeed in the name of Christ. We offer quality residential services and programs that nurture and nourish the spiritual, physical, psychological, educational, social and emotional well-being of children and their families, all within the context of Christian community.
It is the philosophy of Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch that healing, recovery and restoration begin as our clients’ spiritual, physical and psychological needs are identified and met.
How does a child become involved in the Spiritual
Life program at the Ranch?
The Spiritual Life Program at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch approaches each child as an individual, and as part of a family, to assess, educate, and grow in their spirituality. The Program includes groups that are educational and challenging to assist clients (children and families) in their growth, and assure that their faith is as much a part of
their treatment as they wish it to be.
Upon admission, clients are assessed regarding their spirituality. As a holistic process, this includes all aspects of their life. The assessments may include spiritual histories and life maps, questionnaires and individual treatment plan discussions. The results are shared with the treatment teams for consideration in treatment planning, to include the
child’s desire to have their spirituality, faith, or religion be a part of their plans.
The Ranch ascribes to the Apostles Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Athanasian Creed for provision of Christian programming. Spiritual Life staff include pastors and lay-persons, who consider it a blessing to be able to work with clients, study Scripture, and attend Chapel services on a weekly basis.
What if a child and their family chooses not to be
involved in the Spiritual Life program?
For those clients in which the family and child have chosen not to participate/attend Christian Programming, the Ranch offers a Life Development Curriculum that is focused on morality, ethics and citizenship.
The children and families opting for this program attend weekly groups, which include educational and experiential activities.
-------------------------------------
For more information about these programs on campus, contact Mark Schaefer, agency clinical director, 701-852-3628 or 800-593-3098. | 
