Plenty’s “Kids to the Country” program is a series of seasonal activities for some of urban Tennessee’s most under privileged children, aged 6-12. Having seasonal activities helps the kids stay connected to each other and the program philosophy of respect for nature, themselves and others, non-violence, and community. Over 2000 kids have participated since the program’s inception in 1986! To honor Earth Day in April, 40 kids had a wonderful time planting and playing at KTC counselor William Sizwe Herring’s Nashville “Peace Garden” site. Several elders from the neighborhood stopped by and expressed their approval saying things like, “this is so wonderful for the children!” The kids also enjoyed a huge “peace cake” made by KTC advisor and cook extraordinaire, Roberta Kachinsky.

The Kids To The Country summer program is gearing up for its fifteenth year. During the summer program the kids travel out of urban Nashville to the 1700 acre rural Farm community, where they swim, canoe, ride horses, make crafts, practice resolving conflicts non- violently, hike through unique native landscape, walk in creeks, garden, star gaze through a telescope, perform on stage, play musical instruments, tell stories and bond with new friends.

Last year we included children from the Memphis area and plan to again this season. The Tennessee state representative from Memphis, Kathryn Bowers, wrote in her letter of support that the goals of our program are ones that she truly believes will be the foundation of skills and talents that all young people can use in their growth and development for life. She also said that the connection to the environment is the bonus for the children in our cities who would otherwise never know the joy and happiness that the Kids To The Country experience affords them.

This summer’s program will include five weekly sessions, as well as a “Mothers and Others” Day in July, where parents can come experience the program with their kids. We are always looking for sponsorships for the children - $60 will sponsor one child for a day. On behalf of the kids who inspire us every year, we give thanks to all of our past and current supporters!