National Parks Expeditions Photos - # - In a New Light - Connecting At-Risk Teens to the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway through Nature Photography

These are youths' photos compiled from our 2011 tour of Isle Royale, Badlands, Rocky Mountain, and Yellowstone National Parks, as well as our "home park", St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.

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The Waterfall
Jessie, 16
Yellowstone National Park

The water is pouring
My spirit is soaring
I see my aunties tears rushing down
She wants me to be around
But I do my own thing
Been away too long
Now I can't open the door.

About Jessie: "My name is Jessie. I live in Madison, Wisconsin. I hope I make a better life for myself going to school and not using drugs. I used to never go to school cuz I would just smoke, but now that I’ve been at Northwest Passage I’ve seen that you can do fun things without drugs to live life to the fullest. I wish the best for me, and I hope everything turns out ok. For me photography is a way I can express my emotions to the world in a way that other people can’t. Yellowstone is the most beautiful place that anyone could ever see."

The Green Beetle
Jourdyn, 17
St. Croix National Scenic Riverway

When I saw this little beetle, it made me think about how I sometimes isolate myself, and that can be a good and bad thing at the same time for me. It seems like the beetle is in his own little world.

About Jourdyn: Hi, my name is Jourdyn and I’m from Madison, WI. I came to Northwest Passage for mistakes I have made. But now I have learned to deal situations and frustrations. One way I've been able to cope with anger is to get out and explore with my camera. This is a way I’ve been able to calm myself down and get cool pics at the same time. I would like to thank the staff here but most of all my friend and mentor Ben Thwaits.

Eagle Taking Flight
Bobby, 14
St. Croix National Scenic Riverway

Taking flight is like a jump of hope.
Flying to do other things.
Flying is a part of life
but it's the easy part.
Taking off is hard.

About Bobby: My name is Robert, but call me Bobby. I'm from Prentice, WI. I'm only 13 and in the 8th grade, but I'm turning 14 soon. My parents love and care for me but I've had some problems. Now I want to better myself. I would like to have an education and good job to support my family like my parents did. Photography is a crutch for me, but a good crutch--not like drugs and alcohol were. It helps me get away from my problems and makes everything less stressful. I love photography so much, and I'm going to get a camera when I get home.

Bright Colors
Diamonte, 16
Badlands National Park

As my journey began, I hoped for the end.
Living each day, knowing I had to change.
Moving forward, with neither foes nor friends.
My success feels like bright colors, my life is arranged.

My name is Diamonte, and I’m 16 years old. I’m from Amery, WI, the Town of Lakes. I enjoy skateboarding, snowboarding, riding bike, and just about anything else that involves outdoor activity. I tend to have troubles with staying home and drug abuse. That was the past though. As for the future, I plan to use my talents and maintain healthy relationships. Change has never been something for me, but these photos help me see that change is all around. Photography is something I am willing to take up to help widen my vision even more than it has already at Northwest Passage.

Sunrise over Rocks
Clayton, 17
Badlands National Park

As we lay day by day,
we watch the sun rise, we watch the clouds play.
The view is priceless, and you don’t have to pay
You learn the lessons the sky has to say,
If god did this it just makes me want to pray,
That he’ll let us have an even brighter day.

About Clayton: "My name is Clayton. I am a young Native American from Lac Court Oreilles ,WI. I use to be a menace to my society. But now that I’m taking pictures, my chance for success is much greater because I can help my community out and show the world anyone can change. I hope that when others see my work it can inspire them to change and let them know that there is a better life out there for them then hanging in the streets. My plan for the future is to successfully finish Northwest Passage and Challenge Academy and then teach others the right path in life."

Lincoln's Resting Bed
Clayton, 17
Badlands National Park
Lincon's resting bed

Lincon's resting bed,
As the sun falls he rests his head,
Thinking about the great country he led
4 score and 7 years ago he said
He always stayed true to the blue, white, and red.

About Clayton: "My name is Clayton. I am a young Native American from Lac Court Oreilles ,WI. I use to be a menace to my society. But now that I’m taking pictures, my chance for success is much greater because I can help my community out and show the world anyone can change. I hope that when others see my work it can inspire them to change and let them know that there is a better life out there for them then hanging in the streets. My plan for the future is to successfully finish Northwest Passage and Challenge Academy and then teach others the right path in life."

Alone
Clayton, 17
Badlands National Park

Like me myself, running freely,
People ask me why I walk these streets, it’s cuz I don’t have a home,
but now it’s time for me to put my heart in this poem,
because I’m sick of being lost and always on the roam,
I miss being with my family and not all alone,
I try to stay connected but nobody answers the phone,
the day they pick up my smile will be shown,
because that’s the day I will start to feel not so alone.

About Clayton: "My name is Clayton. I am a young Native American from Lac Court Oreilles ,WI. I use to be a menace to my society. But now that I’m taking pictures, my chance for success is much greater because I can help my community out and show the world anyone can change. I hope that when others see my work it can inspire them to change and let them know that there is a better life out there for them then hanging in the streets. My plan for the future is to successfully finish Northwest Passage and Challenge Academy and then teach others the right path in life."

Cracks in my Soul
Clayton, 17
Badlands National Park

About Clayton: "My name is Clayton. I am a young Native American from Lac Court Oreilles ,WI. I use to be a menace to my society. But now that I’m taking pictures, my chance for success is much greater because I can help my community out and show the world anyone can change. I hope that when others see my work it can inspire them to change and let them know that there is a better life out there for them then hanging in the streets. My plan for the future is to successfully finish Northwest Passage and Challenge Academy and then teach others the right path in life."

Rising Moon
Wali, 16
Badlands National Park

As I see the moon in the sky
rising like a bright white cloud
I feel I have overcome
the dark side of my life.

About Wali: "I’m Wali and I’m a 16-year-old sophmore from Madison, Wisconsin. I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my past like hanging out with the wrong crowd and smoking a lot. However, photography has helped me a lot in many different ways. Mainly, it helps me be calm and helps me find a side of myself where I can just be me. For me the Badlands is the most peaceful place in the world."

The Waterfall
Jessie, 16
Yellowstone National Park

The water is pouring
My spirit is soaring
I see my aunties tears rushing down
She wants me to be around
But I do my own thing
Been away too long
Now I can't open the door.

About Jessie: "My name is Jessie. I live in Madison, Wisconsin. I hope I make a better life for myself going to school and not using drugs. I used to never go to school cuz I would just smoke, but now that I’ve been at Northwest Passage I’ve seen that you can do fun things without drugs to live life to the fullest. I wish the best for me, and I hope everything turns out ok. For me photography is a way I can express my emotions to the world in a way that other people can’t. Yellowstone is the most beautiful place that anyone could ever see."

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