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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976 06-16 Teen Peace program keeps teens busy THE REVIEW Wed.,June 16,1976 THE REVIEW Teen Peacero ram p g s kee teens busyp As summer vacation goes into full and what activities they will do. Most of this year's group probably want swing for area teenagers, some com- If past years groups are any in- to avoid those"nothing to do"summer plaints may be heard later this summer dication,it will be a busy summer for the afternoons. "It sounded like a good that there is"nothing to do."However, youths. mixture of fun and work," Randy for a group of about 60 local young people, The big event of the program is an LeTourneau said at the picnic. Carl this will hardly be the case. extended trip the group will take near the Silkey's sister was in a past program and This summer's Tean Peace program, end of summer.Two years ago the group she recommended it to him."It sounded tTeens Promoting Ecology And Con- traveled to the Black Hills of South pretty good,"he said. serving Environment,) was kicked off Dakota and this year's group may be The group this summer is about evenly last week at a picnic and meeting at heading to Mount Rushmore.The youths divided in the numbers of girls and boys, Maplewood's Ostergren Farm. The are already making plans to visit Fort although it is a smaller group that other program involves area ninth graders in Snelling later this week. years.This may be because the program summer work,recreation and education. Along with giving youths the op- wasn't offered last year due to city budget The group will provide community ser- portunity to do worthwhile and fun cuts—so area teenagers may not have vices at parks and playgrounds as well as projects throughout the summer, the been aware of the program.The program working on projects at the homes of local program also introduces them to other began in 1971 and received national residents.The youths will be available to teenagers from different schools and recognition. mow lawns,wash windows,paint houses, helps them to learn to work together. While the program began officially or do just about any odd job for residents Small groups are formed so that the Monday, Waft said there are still or firms.The group already has plans to youths get to know each other better.As openings."We're really encouraging kids paint the park warming houses and may Walz told them, "If you don't know to sign up,"he said."Since the program do work at the Ostergren Farm. someone in your group,make a real effort is only open to ninth-graders,they only to get to know them.If you feel left out,let get one chance to get in."The program Residents will pay the youths whatever us know." costs$to and those interested in becoming they feel the work is worth.The money The group will also focus on ecology and a member or in hiring the group can call earned from these work projects will help the environment in all of their activities, the Maplewood Community Services pay for the groups trips and recreational Walz said."When we go camping we're Department,Walz said. activities. going to leave our site cleaner than when So if you see a crazy-looking milk truck But doing work around the community we found it." cruising down area streets this summer, is only one part of the Teen Peace Another"job"the group gets to do soon don't be surprised,You may be able to get program.The group will also be going on' is to paint the Teen Peace truck,an an- that of yours painted cheap. canoe, hiking,and camping trips, hor- nest milk truck that is used to transport groupthis summer is about evenly seback riding,field trips to nature cen- p° divided in the numbers of girls and boys, ters, lam softball or other sports and group members and equipment. Each although it is a smaller group than other playing g summer the truck is pasainted at the whim participating in numerous other ac- of the new rou.Needless to the years.This may be because the program tivities,As Joe Walz,coordinator of the g P Y, wasn't offered last year due to city budget program,told the group at the kickoff truck shouldn't be hard to spot on cuts—so area teenagers may not have meeting,the teenagers themselves will Maplewood streets this summer, been aware of the program.The program decide what projects they will undertake Why join a group that involves work in began in 1971 and received national addition to fun? recognition.