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Making an Impact on the Lives of Children “Children might live within a few blocks of the Mississippi River but be afraid to walk along its banks,” says Dr. Dianne Benjamin, Program Director at the Green Center and member of Union Avenue Christian Church. “UPOP field experiences help overcome what we call ‘ecophobia,’ the fear of the natural environment that surrounds us all and its ecological problems. It’s a big step for children who used to cringe at the mention of the word ‘snake,’ to become excited about touching one, and even more excited when they watch a snake slither behind some rocks. It’s awesome to witness children take their concern about trash in the rivers and turn it into a litter cleanup project in their own neighborhood.” The UPOP program is unique in the bi-state region because of the breadth of experiences offered to participating youth. They visit the Green Center for an orientation to the outdoors on day one of the four-day camp, taking the opportunity to explore an urban prairie, wetland, 26-acre woods, and gardens. On day two it’s off to see the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, and if they’re lucky, see a barge go through a lock and dam — a favorite of almost all the participants. On day three it’s investigating wet habitats by wading in a creek or walking through a cave in a Missouri state park. And on day four it’s back to their neighborhoods to develop and implement their own environmental stewardship project, including a public art display for MetroLink trains and buses. “If a child leaves our program a little more accepting of the bees in the backyard, or a little more conscious of the trash in their neighborhood and the need to pick it up, then we think we’ve made an impact,” says Dr. Benjamin. “Heck, we’re thrilled when a child stops to study a dead fish along the river bank, instead of making a gagging sound, it’s a sign that they are connecting with the natural world where they live, and that is what we are all about.” |
OUR OUTREACH REACHING OUT STORIES LINKS
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