Youth get lessons in life, water safety

Life is about balance, youth in the summer Super Kids program at Wheatley School learned this week.

Both animals and people need four things to live, water, food, shelter and space, explained Wappapello Lake Park Ranger Andrew Jefferson.

“Within that chain, if one of the links is out of whack, it effects everything,” the ranger told third through sixth grade students during a presentation that was part of programs for Wheatley’s educational camp, which is held each July.

Amiah Smith, 10, timidly feels a coyote pelt brought to the Wheatley School summer program by Wappapello Lake Park Ranger Andrew Jefferson. DAR/Paul Davis

The outreach effort by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers highlights the similarities and links between people and nature, getting an early start on teaching youth about conservation and the world around them, Jefferson explained.

Lessons included making the connection between how the food chain is impacted by the loss of a single component.

For the presentation, Jefferson also brought pelts from a variety of animals, including coyote, red fox, beaver and mink.

Wappapello Lake Park Ranger Andrew Jefferson teaches a student about life jackets during a program at the Wheatley School summer. DAR/Paul Davis

It also included a discussion on water safety, something Jefferson tries to incorporate in every program.

“Most of the folks who come to the lake end up going in the water,” said Jefferson, who wanted the children to understand the very real consequences and dangers of the water.

He offered lessons on lifejackets and how to spot a person in trouble in the water, including a demonstration with a glass of water to show individuals who are struggling aren’t able to call out.

Cayden Steward (from left), Jayden Price, Jasmine Bryant, Kaniya Borders and Kya Hancock work together during a demonstration of the four elements needed to sustain life. DAR/Paul Davis

“It’s simple things like that to try to get them to understand the importance of being waterwise,” he said.

Jefferson is available to provide the presentations to other ages and groups. For more information, he can be contacted at 573-222-8562.