When a young person lives in an urban area where sirens, screeching tires, and gunshots can be heard nightly, how will their sense of self and world view change when that person experiences and explores native prairies?
We’re going to find out…
The 2017 excursion is a two night camping trip to the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Shaw Nature Reserve and the Dana Brown Education Center. Stitchers Youth Council members are excited to spend some time chillin’ in a new environment, exploring prairie lands and other natural eco-systems, creating art and music, and trying some delicious farm fresh foods.
Sincere Thanks to the 2017 sponsors:
Missouri Botanical Garden’s Shaw Nature Reserve
Walmart Community Grant for Sustainability
Bon Appetite Catering
Susan and Carmon Colangelo
Mary Jo Wilmes
Susan Sauer
Stitchers youth reflects on the trip last year…
Good afternoon everyone! My name is Kelsey, I’m 18 years old. Peace in the Prairie was a complete success and if I had the chance to do it all over again I would certainly do it.
Being able to experience an environment of peace is different than what I am used to. I live in the city of Saint Louis, Missouri where I hear ambulances along with gunshots near my home every night. The trip allowed me to know that there is more to life than what I’ve been used to. I would like to change my mindset by being more adventurous and trying new things to expand my horizon.
In the Prairie there were lizards, bull frogs, raccoons, owls, and rabbits. At night you could hear the animals making noises and on the hikes through the prairie you could see some of them running on the walking path through the plants. I was amazed by the beautiful green butterflies flying around even though I felt like they were attacking me! I had on the exact color they were so I understood their confusion.
I honestly feel that every teen should get a chance to have that experience especially if they have never been in a different environment other than the one they live in.
