DAY 1

On May 27, 2012 I left Girls Inc. not really knowing what I was getting into.  I knew it was an expedition which was 2 days.  I also knew we were staying at a church.  That’s all I really knew.  But as I continued, I learned and saw some pretty cool things.  – Deja

While I was on the Expedition we visited places I would never have imagined or stepped foot in.  Like for instance, Kent Bellows Studio. – Ladayshianae

That day we first went to Kent Bellows Art Gallery and painted. We met Anne who is an arts administrator. – Deja

We each got weird shaped pieces and we got to paint whatever we wanted.  Once we were finished, we pieced it together and it made the shape of a heart. After we cleaned up we had lunch at Leavenworth Park.  Unfortunately, we missed our bus, so we had to catch another bus.  We got dropped off in Midtown Crossing and walked to a store called Inclosed.  Inclosed is a store that is in the wedding invitation business.  We met Leslie, Candace, and Meagan.  Leslie is the owner of Inclosed.  Candace is the wedding event planner.  And Meagan owns her own bouquet shop called PrincessLazortron.  She fixes bouquets for brides and bridesmaids.  Next we got to create a party invitation on a posterboard using magazines. – Elijahiana

We learned what it takes to get to the top.  And when we get to the top, we learned not to back down. – Ladayshianae

Then we took a short distance walk to Film Streams.  Film Streams is a non-profit organization that shows special movies like classics and documentaries.  We met Rachel Jacobson who is the director/founder of Film Streams.  Film Streams only has 2 theaters.  We got the chance to examine the 2 theatres and the projection rooms.  – Elijahiana

We learned about how Film Streams started and what they play there. – Maggie

Film Streams is an awesome place. – Ladayshianae

We got to go to Red Mango.  Red Mango sells frozen yogurt and you could add any topping you want.  Once done with the treat, we took the bus back to Midtown Crossing and walked to the Farmer’s Market.  Our challenge was we had to buy organic produce and we had to try to find one thing we never tried before, by using only $20. – Elijahiana

We were given $20 and had to decide as a group how to spend it wisely on organic food and use those foods to create our dinner.  We had rice and beans provided so we had to make something to go with it.  It was fun and new for me because I have never been to one of these before. Our dinner was garlic rice and beans with a zesty salsa and fruit salad which were all things from the market.  – Deja

We all collected fruits and vegetables, and we decided to try kohlrabi.  Kohnlrabi is like a green potato-like thing. – Elijahiana

The most fun was picking out the food that no one had tried which was kohlrabi.  We fried some, then boiled some in water, spices, and honey.  It was good both ways.  When we were buying the food everyone wanted to be in charge so for me that was the hardest. – Ladayshianae

We had to have a few people navigate the bus times and where to go by bus numbers while others went to go cook.  Once dinner was ready, we all ate. – Elijahiana

DAY 2

We went to the City Hall. Once we walked off the bus, we were assigned a challenge.  We had a scavanger hunt.  We met the Mayor and got a baseball card with his autograph.  Then we met other employees who told us about their challenges. – Elijahiana

We talked to Buster Brown, the Mayor, and Diane Battiano.  They told us about how to be succesful in their positions. – Maggie

We learned about the government system and about things like deeds and city planning.  We explored City Hall. We also learned about a program called ReEnergize. – Deja

We met Eric, who showed us than an LED light buld saves more money than a regular light bulb and lasts longer. – Elijahiana

Next, we went to see the Trugs on Leavenworth. – Maggie

We went to Leavenworth and 27th and talked to businesses and people about the Trugs, a bench-like thing they put there to promote the Leavenworth neighborhood and celebrate their community.  – Deja

We talked to another Anne, who was a part of Emerging Terrain.  She explained to us how the Trugs made communities look better.  We had to ask other businesses about what they thought of the Trugs.  Some people said it was good for the community.  Others said it was ruining business and traffic can’t see them. – Elijahiana

DAY 3

We made shirts and posters telling what we did.  When we were done, we went to the downtown slides and Old Market to survey people.  We asked people what they would change about Omaha.  Some said parking, more police officers, less violence.  Other people said there is really nothing to change….We headed back to the bus stop and went to [Omaha Home for Boys].  We had pizza for lunch and set up everything for graduation.  Once graduation started, we presented and told people about what we did.  A special presentation was put on — we each told about where we went.  We nearly made the goal for points and we got pins. We all enjoyed the camp! – Elijahiana

I felt that the most challenging thing was to carry those packs or book bags which were heavy.  But as far as that, I really enjoyed myself and would love to come back. – Deja

During the Expedition, I learned very important things.  I had to learn not to care what other people think because as we were walking through Omaha, we were required to haul around these big hiking bags.  people asked us [about them] but we just told them they were for our Urban Expedition. ..One value I got from this trip was to not be so independent.  Like I learned that it’s OK to sometimes ask for help.  And I had to realize that I was with a group and couldn’t do my own thing….Through the whole Expedition, I gained a lot.  Now that I went, I have new tools to help me through my journey.  So I thank everyone who helped put this together for letting me be able to be a part of this.  Thank you. – Ladayshianae

   TRUGS

  KOHLRABI