Sunshine

BOYS RANCH FEATURE
Discovering his niche
Damion is developing confidence and leadership skills as a member of the lamb crew at the Boys Ranch.
Taking care of animals is part of daily life at the MCH Boys Ranch.
Residents who are interested in working with animals are assigned
to crews that feed and wash animals and clean their pens. While
this work may sound like just another chore, youth enjoy the time
they spend with their steer, hog, goat or lamb.
Damion came to the Boys Ranch without any knowledge of
livestock. He was a long way from home, and he lacked confidence
and an understanding of his interests and talents. By the end of his
first year, his outlook and attitude had changed.
Damion asked to be put on a work crew in May 2010. He was
assigned the responsibility of caring for lambs with a group of other
boys. He did so well that he was given the privilege of having
first choice in selecting his lamb the next year.
Bob McClory, a homeparent and work crew supervisor at the
Boys Ranch, said Damion chose the smallest and least desirable
lamb in the bunch. He said Damion stood firm in his decision and
felt he could work the best with the lamb he selected.
Months later, the physical appearance and health of Damion’s
lamb had improved dramatically. The attention and care he gave
his lamb paid off.
“One of my favorite things about living on the Ranch is being
able to take care of my lamb,” Damion said.
Because of his willingness to work and learn, and his attention
to detail, Damion is a likely candidate to move up on the work crew
next year.
“There’s a good chance he could be a leader of a crew,”
McClory said. “He takes care of what needs to be done, and he
jumps in and helps where he’s needed.”
Like working with animals at the Boys Ranch, MCH provides
a variety of opportunities for youth. Many of these extracurricular
activities prove to be a source of comfort, stability and encouragement
throughout the course of a youth’s time at the Home.
Damion found his niche in caring for animals.
“Damion’s behavior has improved a lot since he’s been at the
Boys Ranch,” said Ed Schmidt, a homeparent. “He’s very respectful
to the staff and his peers.”
Steve Kruse, Ag teacher at the University of Texas University
Charter School at MCH, leads youth through the process of caring
for their animals and showing them for judging competitions.
According to Kruse, youth develop a strong work ethic and life
skills by participating in the Ag program.
“Through the livestock program, youth not only learn important
lessons, but they gain confidence as well,” he said.
Since coming to the Boys Ranch, Damion
has developed an interest in the Ag program.
Staff members say Damion has experienced significant
growth as a member of the lamb crew.
McClory said Damion’s leadership abilities and confidence in
working with animals have grown tremendously since he joined
the lamb crew.
“I would like to see Damion advance to the showmanship
competition at livestock shows,” McClory said. “If he continues to
listen and learn, he has the ability to win the showmanship belt
buckle next year.”
Though Damion’s lamb did not place at the last livestock
show in January, his response toward the outcome attests to his
confidence, positive attitude and kind heart.
“I had so much fun,” Damion said. “I can’t wait to start working
with my lamb for next year’s shows.”
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Sunshine I Winter 2011