Thanks to Plenty’s donors, and a number of small foundation grants, Kids to the Country was able to host 100 kids during its 2002 Summer program. This year we began to create the mini ropes course (a climbing and adventure course to build self-confidence), and continued to expand the counselor-in-training program for urban teens who are former KTC participants interested in serving as counselors. KTC’s natural setting is very healing for both body and soul. It fills our hearts to see the pride shine from children’s faces after they learn to swim, get applause for sharing their talent, learn nonviolent ways of communicating, complete craft projects, conquer the fear of riding a horse, run, play and laugh, free to be themselves.

On October 18th we celebrated our 6th annual KTC Harvest Children’s Village. This event not only honors the season, it reunites the “kids” of Kids To The Country with each other and reconnects them to their appreciation of nature. We began by getting the village ready the day before, with counselors, kids, and parents cutting, taping and painting recycled cardboard boxes. We cut windows and doors, painting them to look like a very colorful little town, making it ready for the kids to move in. During the opening circle we introduced ourselves, and sang a rousing version of Kids To The Country’s theme song. We enjoyed a delicious vegetarian lunch, after which the kids created “Planters for Peace”, potting up lovely plants to take home.

Everyone got a chance to ride the horses. Inside the community center music was playing, portraits were being sketched, the crafts table was buzzing with activity, with the kids creating some incredibly beautiful, and thought-provoking pieces of art. We sang songs, drummed, played games and enjoyed ourselves immensely. Our closing circle was a ring of happy and thankful faces!