“I’m coming back next year too!” an excited 11-year old told me. In fact, the majority of the children that I met in Summertown, Tennessee at the Kids To The Country program expressed their desire to return the next summer, and some, even the next week.

Senior Counselor, Faith Hutchens (center) with KTC kids at the swimming hole. (photo by Anita Whipple)

It is interesting that we, as adults, often have so many reservations with regard to our surroundings. Most city-bred adults, like myself, despise the outdoors with the heat, bugs and dirt. Children, on the other hand, would rather BE sweating from the summer heat, catching and playing with the bugs and rolling around in the dirt. It is amazing to see how these city kids lose their inhibitions at The Farm. These children gain an experience that they are not soon to forget. At a meeting with the case managers of the programs that sponsors the children, one woman said that her child had been asking her about KTC since-mid spring - the program wasn’t to begin until June.

Even with bikes and horseback riding in the morning, visits to the Ecovillage Training Center in the afternoon to plant pumpkins and corn and help to construct the cob village, and the highly anticipated swimming hole after that, believe it or not, these children still have ENERGY! I was ready for bed on the first night, oh, at around 8:30 p.m.!

KTC is not all about the swimming hole, although 9 out of 10 kids might disagree. Daytime is welcomed with Morning Circle, led by the counselors, to get the children to focus on their purpose in being there. With questions like “how does it make you feel when Tommy is mean to you?” and “What are some things that make you frustrated?” the kids really begin to open up and learn the skills of anger management. Along with basketball, snacks and a movie at night, there are conflict resolution classes, led by Sizwe Herring. The children learn how to deal with anger and frustration constructively while they begin to understand the consequences of their behavior, especially when it is destructive.

The program’s foundation and saving grace are its staff and counselors that keep the food coming and the kids smiling. It is a constructive get-away that is looked forward to by all who attend.

To contribute to the Kids To The Country program, click here!