I’ve never had much experience working with children, unless you count that babysitting stint 10 years ago. I’m not a mother, and have no experience as an aunt. I’m daunted, yet intrigued, by the idea of working in a house of 10 kids, all of whom I don’t know and who don’t know me.

I don’t personally know the children who call Ranch Ehrlo home. I don’t see their faces every day, hear about their good days or bad days, or understand what it’s like to be awake all night keeping watch over their house. The frontline workers have, arguably, one of the most difficult but most rewarding jobs at the Ranch.

I imagine working as a youth care worker or youth care leader as a great responsibility. You are there to be a friend, a confidant, an authority, a staff, and a hundred other roles – referee to a game of shinny; a nurse to bandage a bloody knee; or a personal driver to usher kids to and from school.

On the other side of the coin, I imagine those frontline staff have some of the greatest days at work. They see the kids learn and grow, coming into their own; they spend some shifts playing soccer, doing crafts, or making music; and their team is made strong with after-work socials and suppers.

When I was offered the opportunity to take part in an observation shift (similar to what new hires experience), I thought, ‘Of course, I want to see this for myself’. I realize a four-hour shift isn’t going to be the say all and be all of what a frontline job is all about, but I think it will help me (and you) better understand the Ranch and the amazing people it takes to make the agency’s work possible.

Of course I’m worried I’ll say something wrong, do something wrong, or think something wrong but there’s fear in everything. Just like the Ranch teaches its clients, personal growth and development is all about discovery, exploration, and new experiences.

So here we go…I’ll report back in a few days!