Our Summer program was exhilarating and action packed as usual. We served about 100 youngsters over the five-week program. This was another chance to give these young minds different ways to think about life, and learn and do new things.

		It was another season of swimming down at the swimming hole, the laughter echoing off of the cliffs in lush green surroundings, and riding the horses in the cool morning of a hot summer. The exquisite peace of sleeping under the stars, and listening to nature's symphony as they drift off to sleep, the smell of honeysuckle and wild roses in the air. The natural surroundings are very healing for both body and soul.

During a morning visit to the Eco Village Training Center the kids got to pick strawberries. How satisfying, to be able to just pick something and eat it fresh off the vine! The kids get to see where food comes from and that they can grow their own.

		The summer program was very privileged to have two young interns from Solar Energy International (Nadia & Matt) stay and work with us for the whole five weeks. They taught the kids and crew how to be energy efficient, ecological and self sufficient during projects like making solar ovens using pizza and oatmeal boxes. We made cookies and veggie hot dogs in them. Nadia & Matt were also indispensable in putting on the Talent Show, where everyone gets into the act!

Our counselors enjoy this time with the kids as well, and it provides them a chance to use their mediation and conflict resolution skills. It is especially rewarding for the counselors when the returning children from previous years remember who they are. The impressions are lasting ones for both kids and counselors.

Our summer program culminated with the Mothers and Others/Family Therapeutic Weekend. During this last weekend of Kids To The Country we served 15 kids and 6 adults. Through conflict resolution classes we were able to teach them skills and solutions they can use in handling the problems of everyday life.

We enjoyed many excellent meals together, horseback rides, games, singing, circle gathering, a cook out down at the swimming hole, swimming of course, and several wonderful art projects.

Every aspect of this weekend was a great success! After just a few short days together, there was a tangible difference in the families who spent this time with us, palpable in how much more relaxed and empowered the parents felt. Some of them wished that they could live with us! It gave them another way of interacting and communicating with their families. What good fortune for us to be able to offer this time and experience to people who would otherwise not have the opportunity to develop this reciprocal understanding, respect and friendship.

Janie Teague, a caseworker at the DeDe Wallace Center summed up the essence of Kids to the Country by saying, "I think that the most meaningful aspects of this program are the conflict resolution portion and arts and crafts. And the realization for a brief moment that the entire world does not revolve around verbal abuse, gunshots, police cars and drug induced/alcoholic young adults and teens."

Thanks to all Plenty donors who supported Kids to the Country this year.

Kim Trainor
Kids to the Country Staff

Return to Top of Page