Monthly Fun Poll
5 Promises
Parenting Support
Volunteer!
Moms-R-Us Support Group
Johnson City Speech & Language Therapy Baseball Camp
Parent Educator Network
Grand Connections
Storytime at the Park
Strengthening Families
Prenatal Support Group
Tusculum University Theatre Camps
Farm Day Camp
Babywearing Library
Tuning in to Teens
Guiding Good Choices
Prenatal Classes
Tennessee Community Health Survey Distribution
Tuesday Morning Mom Meetup
Pick Along Summer Camp
TN Kids Serve Summer Challenge
Kids Bowl Free
Big Brothers, Big Sisters
MOPS
Attached at the Heart Parenting Program
Juneteenth
Little Bloom House Summer Camps
Bristol Public Library Storytime
Water Safety Class
Bonding Over Break
Father’s Day
Sensory Day of Play
Toddler Tuesdays
A.S.P.I.R.E. Inclusive Volleyball
SWVA 4-H Camps
Bristol Equestrian Center Summer Camp
“The Little Mermaid” themed 2024 Summer Dance Camp
Clothes Closet
Movies, Magic, & Mayhem Variety Show
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
We Rock The Spectrum Summer Camps
BAM Summer Camps
Fun & Games for Teens
Bluff City Outdoor Movie Nights
Museum Storytime
Theatre Bristol Summer Camp
The Traveling Bear Indoor Mini Golf
Find Community
Contact Us!
Parenting Cafe
Safe Sitter Class
Hope Center
Ashley Academy Summer Camps
Family Playtime
Grandfamilies Coffee Time
Carter Co. Parenting Seminars
Growing Stronger Together Podcast
Dinosaur Adoption
Intro to Horses & Riding
Parent & Child Safety Swim Lessons
Grandfamilies Program
Rural Resources Farm Day Camps
Head Start Enrollment
Ahh Babies
Free Reading Resources
MOMS R US
Building with the Lions
Families Raising Families
Project Dads
YWCA Family Network
Homeschooler Wrestling Camp
Upcoming Parenting Opportunities
Parenting Program
Catalog
PARENTING SWEET JUNE 2024
Welcome to Parenting Sweet! Parenting Sweet is a resource for parents and caregivers, featuring all the great opportunities in our region that make parenting sweet!
This issue features tips on water safety, family bonding over summer vacation, local events, summer camps and programs, upcoming parenting education opportunities throughout the region, and more!
Appalachian Promise Alliance is Making Parenting Sweet!
We have tips, information, practices, and parenting classes, sessions, workshops, support groups, seasoned educators, and friendships that can help lighten some of your load and make parenting easier. Wish you had an extra hand? A little help? A hack that makes things a little easier? Wondering if doing something different would help? Check out the Parenting Educator Network opportunities below in the highlights.
Monthly Fun Poll: How do you celebrate Mother’s day?
Looking for information or support?
Appalachian Promise Parenting Education Network Programs Find a program that fits your needs! Click to search for free or low cost, morning or evening, online or in-person, first-time or veteran parent/caregiver, and more
Visit www.AppalachianPromise.org to learn more about: The Parenting Education Network, Bristol Family Resource Center, YWCA MOMS R US, Mom Power, Hope House, Frontier Health, Highlands Community Services, Breastfeeding Essentials, Ahh Babies – Appalachian Highlands Healthy Babies – La Leche League Breastfeeding Support, Cherished Mom, Attached at the Heart Classes, Twin City Reads, Buckle Up for Life, Doula by Donation, Sullivan County Family Services, Parenting Sweet, Tricities Parenting, Tricities Babywearing, High Country Doulas, ETSU Family Physicians, Bethany Services, TriCities Babywearing TN, Sullivan County Health Department, Strong Starts, TN Voices, and more.
Bonding Over Break: Valuing Family Time During Summer Vacation
The freedom of your child’s schedule during summer break can be scary. Though it is meant for family bonding and relaxation, this vacation time can easily be filled with stress and turmoil. The changes in routines and high expectations can lead to tension that picks at your family dynamic. How do we minimize the stress, lower expectations, and truly enjoy summer break with our families?
The Utah State University Relationships Extension suggests parents strengthen familial bonds by basing summer plans in three areas: work, play, and mealtime. Spending mealtimes together can add a bit of structure to an open summer schedule while keeping family time a priority, working together gives the family a chance to connect while sharing the achievement of completing a task, and playing together creates a safe space for family members to bond with each other.
As we roll into June, take a moment to read the articles below for tips on how to make the most of summer vacation time.
- 11 Old-School, Purposely Non-Digital Ways To Bond With Your Kids On Your Next Family Vacation
- The Terrible, Wonderful Summer Vacation: How This Mom Learned To Not Just Survive Having Her Kids Home Over The Summer, But To Love It!
- Summer Vacation Offers Opportunity For Deepening Relationships With Our Children
Those fortunate enough to have their fathers in their lives are luckier than they realize, as fathers serve a vital role in child development. According to the Children’s Bureau of Southern California, “high levels of father involvement are correlated with higher levels of sociability, confidence, and self-control in children”. Celebrate your dad and all the effort he puts into your family this Father’s Day with an activity from one of the lists below!
- Meaningful Things to Do for Father’s Day
- 55 Father’s Day activities that are fun for the whole family
- 50 Fantastic Father’s Day Activities Dad Is Sure to Love
Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) is considered the longest-running African American holiday. Two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to ensure all enslaved people be freed, making June 19th, 1865, the end to slavery in the United States.
Learn more about the holiday’s origin HERE, or click the links below for information on a Juneteenth Celebration near you!
Summer Safety Tip: How to Watch Kids Around Water
Let’s face the facts- drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death among children ages 1-4, and is the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children age 19 and younger. Whether they are splashing in the sea or jumping in the pool, children need your help to stay safe in water.
- Watch kids when they are in or around water. Keep young children and weak swimmers within arm’s reach of an adult. Make sure more experienced swimmers are with a partner every time.
- Choose a Water Watcher. When there are several adults present, choose one to be responsible for watching children in or near the water for a certain period of time, such as 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, select another adult to be the Water Watcher.
- Avoid distractions when your child is in or around water. Drowning is often silent and can occur in less than five minutes, so it is important to give your child all of your attention. Put away phones, books and magazines.
Click here for more swimming safety tips from SafeKids Worldwide.
Water Safety Class
Tuesday, June 4th | 10AM – 11AM
YMCA of Bristol (106 State St., Bristol, TN)
Learn all about water safety with Laura Whitmore, a certified ISR (Infant Swimming Resource) instructor! She will be talking with parents about how to keep children safe in and around water.
Register HERE.
Parent and Child Safety Swim Lessons
For children ages 6 months to 36 months, The Wellness Center will start the next round of the Parent & Child Safety Swim sessions on June 22.
This six week class will help your little ones feel more comfortable and confident in the water. The best part is you get to do it together, bonding with your baby!
Register HERE.
Theatre Bristol Summer Camp
July 15-19 – Theatre Bristol Summer Camp features “Finding Nemo Kids”! Register now for a week filled with fun, friends, acting, singing, dancing, creating, and performing!
Visit Theatrebristol.org/camp2024/ for details!
PLAYtime in the ARTspace is back in August!
Attached at the Heart Parenting Program
Make parenting more enjoyable and build parenting skills and support with the Attached at the Heart Parenting Program (AHPP) offered in person on Sundays at 4PM, and online on Thursdays at 7:30PM.
Join weekly or just your session of choice!
Learn more and register at ParentingSweet.org.
Bluff City Outdoor Movie Nights
Bluff City Family Committee and Pizza Plus have partnered to bring monthly outdoor movie nights to Bluff City this summer!
Sensory Day of Play
Saturday, June 15th | 10AM – 1PM
Rogersville City School
Rogersville Parks and Recreation is thrilled to announce it’s first ever Sensory Day of Play as part of the 2024 Summer of Fun! Gather at the Rogersville City School big gym for some fun sensory activities followed by a fun game of softball design for the special needs community!
For more information, call 423-272-2545 or email Matts@RogersvilleTN.gov
Southwest Virginia 4-H Camps
Welcoming campers since 1960, the Southwest Virginia 4-H Educational Center serves 1,500 youth annually from Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Dickenson, Grayson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, and Wythe Counties.
Contact your local Cooperative Extension Office for more information about deadlines, fees, and registration process
Safe Sitter Class
Friday, June 21st | 9AM – 3PM
Learn how to be a Safe Sitter presented by Ballad Health. This class is for rising 6th-8th grade students and will teach beginner babysitting safety and first aid. Lunch will be provided and the students will have several breaks throughout the day. Sign up is required and space is limited.
Bristol Equestrian Center Summer Camp
Throughout the week, campers will ride daily, learn all about caring for a horse, make some really cool crafts, play lots of games, and tie-dye a Bristol Equestrian shirt for a “horse show” at the end of the week to show the riders’ families what they have learned!
Register HERE!
Moms-R-Us Support Group
Friday, June 21st | 3:30PM – 5:30PM
Moms-R-Us is moving it’s support group outside this month! Join them at the Splash Pad at Steele Creek Park to learn about summer safety and have water fun with your kids!
RSVP to Caitlin (276-967-0230) or Mandy (276-967-0229).
We Rock The Spectrum Kids 2024 Summer Camp
Sign your kids up for summer camp at We Rock The Spectrum! Full and half day options are available from June 3rd to August 2nd.
You can use the QR code or click HERE to register.
Don’t hesitate to reach out directly with any questions by calling 423-573-7625
Family Playtime
This program is focused on providing developmentally appropriate activities for families to do with their child(ren). It is a space where parents can gain support from the Strong Starts team or peers while children explore and play.
Visit the link to learn about the various dates and locations around the region.
Free book provided to each family (while supplies last).
Parenting Cafe
This is a judgment-free zone to share stories, ask questions, and gain confidence on your parenting journey. It is also a great place to volunteer and encourage and support other parents.
Each week has a topic, but the primary focus is whatever you want it to be. Come relax, vent, and build connections with caregivers experiencing similar situations
Join us the 3rd Tuesday of every month at Urban Thistle.
Head Start & Early Head Start Enrollment
Early Head Start – 0 to 2 years old
Head Start – 3 to 4 years old
Childcare – 0 to 12 years old
Call, scan the QR code, or visit the website to sign up.
Museum Story Time
Join the folks at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum for a music- or Appalachia-related storybook, a tune or two by WBCM Radio Bristol show host and musician Ella Patrick, and a related activity or coloring sheet.
Aimed at toddler-age children and their grown-ups, they gather at 10:30am on the first Friday of each month .
This program is free and open to the public. You can find each month’s book on the museum’s Events pages.
Parenting Seminars at Elizabethton/Carter Co. Public Library
Carter County Drug Prevention will be hosting free parenting education classes!
Options are available for three seminars in the Triple P series for parents of children aged 0-12 and three Teen Triple P seminars, and you can choose to do any or all of them!
A certificate will be provided at each session.
No registration necessary.
Dinosaur Adoption
Wednesday, June 19th | 11AM – 12:30PM
Calling all dinosaur lovers! You’re invited to Little Daydreamers’ Stuffed Dino Adoption event! Children will get to choose a special plush dino to take home, decorate a home for their dino, make a collar for their dino, take him to the vet, and fill out an adoption certificate! They will also have a special dinosaur craft, a yummy snack for all the kiddos, and of course – play time!
Reserve your spot HERE!
Guiding Good Choices
Guiding Good Choices teaches parents how to:
- Strengthen family bonds and enjoy quality time together
- Incorporate family meetings and fun activities
- Equip children to resist peer pressure and say no to drugs
- Set family guidelines
- Manage anger and family conflicts.
If you are interested in this free five-session weekly program, visit ParentingSweet.org to learn more or register.
Introduction to Horses & Riding
WF Stables has 4 weeks of Introduction to Horses & Riding camps! All ages can enjoy this fun filled week of learning more about horses including nutrition, grooming, tack, and horse health, as well as to learn and improve individual riding skills.
Contact WF Stables for more information and to register.
Tuesday Morning Mom Meetup
June 18th | 9:30AM
Drop by Little Social for a Mom Meet up! No registration required. Meet up is free for adults and children 6 months and under! Children 7 months and older are welcome with paid admission to Little Social ($12 per child, $10 for siblings).
Visit Little Social Facebook or email LittleSocialJC@gmail.com for more information.
Homeschooler Wrestling Camp
To any home schoolers in the Kingsport area, Duncan MMA is hosting a wrestling summer camp for kids in June. If you have a home schooler that is interested in trying out wrestling as a sport, this is a great way to give it a try. It’s a 1 week camp (5 days of training) and they will learn most of the fundamentals of wrestling. If they enjoy the sport, regular, weekly classes for Wrestling Club and competitions are available.
If you are interested, give call (423) 408-8260 or register here.
Be a Parenting Volunteer
The Appalachian Promise Alliance’s Parenting Network meets the third Thursday of each month at noon and works to support parenting education in our community by sharing efforts, communicating the value and importance of parenting education, and learning more about how we can better serve families. If you are interested in helping teach classes, mentor parents, or have parenting educator updates to share, please contact us at ParentingSweet@AppalachianPromise.org!
Tennessee Kids Serve Summer Challenge
First Lady Maria Lee invites all Tennessee elementary students (grades: rising K – rising 6) to participate in the statewide Tennessee Kids Serve Summer Challenge. The First Lady asks kids to join her in devoting a portion of summer break to serving others.
All students who complete the challenge will receive a certificate of recognition signed by First Lady Maria Lee, and top participants will be invited to join the Governor and First Lady for a carnival at the Tennessee Residence.
Visit the website for more information and to register your child.
Babywearing Library and Coaching
The Parenting Sweet has a variety of wraps, slings, buckle carriers, and more for parents’ convenience! Come in to try out different styles and learn the best fit for you and your baby.
Contact us at ParentingSweet@AppalachianPromise.org to learn more!
Ashley Academy Summer Camps
Ashley Academy Summer Camp registration is now open to the public and offering full day programming!
Programming be from 8:30am to 4:30pm. Early room beginning at 7:30am. Late room running until 5:30pm will be available at an additional cost.
Click HERE to register, filling out one registration per child for Ashley Academy Summer Camps 2024.
If you have any questions please reach out to Mrs. Orcutt at JOrcutt@AshleyAcademy.com or 423-929-7888.
Prenatal Classes
High Country Doulas is offering classes on Infant Feeding, Early Postpartum and Newborn Care, and Childbirth preparation classes in Kingsport and Johnson City!
Classes begin at $55 per couple, and can be offered privately for an additional fee.
Email info@HighCountryDoulas.com for more information.
Pick Along Summer Camps
Kids will receive foundational skills on the acoustic banjo, guitar, and fiddle. Campers also get to explore the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, learn about the music of our region, work with WBCM Radio Bristol, and receive instruction in singing, dancing, and theatrical skills. No musical experience required.
Sign up HERE.
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides 24/7, free, confidential support before, during, and after pregnancy. Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). TTY users can use a preferred relay service or dial 711 and then 1-833-852-6262.
Theatre Bristol presents “Disney’s The Little Mermaid”
June 7th through 16th, 2024.
Be where the people are and “sea” it! “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” presented by Theatre Bristol comes to the Paramount Center for the Performing Arts live on stage Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, June 7th through 16th, 2024.
Tickets are on sale on Paramount Bristol’s website and make the perfect gift of time together!
Tuning in to Teens
Would you like guidance on how to help your teen cope with big emotions and reduce conflict? This free parenting program led by Dr. Rachel Miller-Slough at ETSU was built for those in your position.
This free program is ideal for caregivers of children 10 to 17 years of age, and is held virtually via Zoom.
Contact Dr. Rachel Miller-Slough at slough@etsu.edu or 423-439-8307 to register or for more information.
Moms-R-Us Spring 2024 Teen Prepared Childbirth Classes
For over 25 years, Moms-R-Us has improved the health and wellness of teen parents and their babies by educating them in all aspects of pregnancy.
All classes are FREE OF CHARGE and available to teens age 19 or younger who are pregnant for the first time.
Register at ywcatnva.org/moms
Grandfamilies Program
Sullivan County Cares Grandparents Education Program 2024 Grandfamilies Program meets monthly in Bluff City. Email Paige M. at Paige@GoodSamJC.org with any questions or how to attend.
Tusculum University Theatre Camps
At Tusculum University Theatre Camp, students will learn all about working on-stage and backstage, as they create their very own, original play in one week! All sessions will be taught by theatre veterans Steve and Erin Hensley Schultz.
Classes are arranged for ages 8 to 12 and 13 and up with lessons tailored to each age group and experience. Every class will end in a full production on Friday, July 12th.
Learn more and register HERE.
Hope Center Parenting Classes
314 Tusculum Blvd., Greeneville, TN
The Hope Center is offering parenting classes for parents of babies and parents-to-be in March, May, August and November of 2024!
A crib and mattress / carseat will be given to those who complete all 5 class sessions.
Contact the Hope Center at 423-638-5433 or visit their website for more information.
Summer Camps at BAM
In addition to weekly lessons, BAM is offering a variety of summer camps that will enrich and inspire your child.
BIG Arts Camp: Summer Olympics- Grades K-5
Rock Band Camp: Grades 4-8
Vocal Arts Camp: Ages 8-18
Matilda Jr.: Ages 8-18
For more information and to reserve a spot, visit the BAM website!
Learn About Parenting and Find Community
Life is busy. Parenting keeps you even busier. As a parent, it can feel like your whole schedule revolves around your kids– it’s time to do something for yourself that will benefit the whole family.
Join us the first Tuesday of every month at the Bristol Public Library to chat, connect, rant, and find answers to parenting problems!
Johnson City Speech & Language Therapy Baseball Camp
ETSU Youth Baseball Camps partners with Johnson City Speech and Language Therapy to teach baseball fundamentals in a fun and energetic atmosphere that is accessible to children of all abilities!
All campers will be involved in baseball drills and games, led by ETSU Baseball staff and ETSU Baseball players, with the assistance of licensed and certified Occupational Therapists and Speech-Language Pathologists.
Find out more information and sign up HERE!
Project Dads
Project Dads is a comprehensive and innovative parenting class for fathers that utilize the 24/7 Dad curriculum developed by the parenting experts of the National Fatherhood Initiative. This program helps men develop the attitudes, knowledge and skills they need to get and stay involved with their children. Topics covered include discipline, working with mom and co-parenting, showing and handling feelings, masculinity, dealing with anger, improving communication skills, stress, substance use, work and more.
Storytime at the Park
Tuesdays, 10:30AM – 11:00AM
Enjoy stories and songs in the great outdoors with a repeat of Tuesday storytime at Munchkin Park at 353 Clark Street in Abingdon, VA!
A.S.P.I.R.E. Inclusive Volleyball
Saturday, June 15th | 6PM – 8PM
V. O. Dobbins, Sr. Complex
This is a part of Kingsport Parks & Recreation A.S.P.I.R.E. series of programs (Adaptive: Sports | Programs | Inclusive Recreation Experiences).
Register online for this FREE event using your CivicRec account HERE.
Bristol Public Library Storytime
Enjoy storytime with your littles at one of the Bristol Public Library branches!
Main Branch:
Mondays – 11:30AM
Tuesdays – 10AM
Avoca Branch:
Wednesdays – 11:30AM
Prenatal Support Group
Focused on preparing for baby and ways to care for your health, self, finances, mind, safety, and baby. It is a space where expectant parents can gain support from our team, the community, and peers while they learn about preparing for their baby.
Free diapers for each pregnant individual (while supplies last)
At the end, Ballad Health will provide a gift card for completion of curriculum and attendance.
Registration encouraged but not required at https://www.eventbrite.com/o/niswonger-childrens-hospital-31133152145.
Kids Bowl Free
Registered Kids receive 2 FREE GAMES of bowling each day all summer long with the Kids Bowl Free Program!
Interstate Bowl in Bristol and Holiday Lanes in Johnson City will both be honoring the Kids Bowl Free Program this summer.
Visit the website to register your children!
Growing Stronger Together Podcast
Growing Stronger Together is a weekly podcast for people who care about children and families developed by faculty at East Tennessee State University, including members of the ETSU Health Department of Pediatrics, the ETSU Center for Early Childhood Learning and Development, and the ETSU Child and Family Health Institute.
“The Little Mermaid” themed 2024 Summer Dance Camp
The Bristol Ballet Company will be offering Little Mermaid themed dance camps for ages 3-9, a mini intensive for ages 10-12, and a summer intensive for intermediate/advanced dancers with special master teacher Keith Lee. All summer programming is open to everyone, even if you aren’t a current Bristol Ballet student!
Registration is open now at www.bristolballet.org/registration, or email mfrazier@BristolBallet.org for more info!
Are You a Grandparent?
INTRODUCING GRAND CONNECTIONS
Grandparent Workshop Series Bristol’s Promise will be offering a workshop series just for grandparents of children ages birth to five! Why? We love our grandparents! Whether you are “sharing the care” or a custodial grandparent, we recognize the vital importance of grandparents. If you or someone you know may be interested in learning more about this program, please submit your information here. Questions? Email Lily Royston (Lily@AppalachianPromise.org). Click to learn more!
Fun & Games for Teens
Abingdon Library | Fridays from 3PM – 5PM
Teens, stop by the Abingdon library on Friday afternoons for card games, board games, activities, and snacks.
Strengthening Families
The Strengthening Families Program is a family-focused parenting class for parents, grandparents and caregivers. The class includes highly interactive topics geared toward managing stress, improving communication skills, goal setting, solving problems as a family and discipline. The program utilizes role-plays, discussions and family projects along with providing developmentally appropriate examples for common problems from preschoolers to teens.
Little Bloom House Summer Camps
Drop-Off SUMMER CAMP IS NOW LIVE!
Under the Sea Theme: Dive into adventure from July 8th-11th, 2024. Explore ocean wonders through fun activities, crafts, and games from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM.
Outer Space Theme: Blast off into space from July 22nd-25th, 2024. Discover the cosmos with engaging projects and imaginative play from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM.
The cost is $150 for each four-day session. Sign up now for a summer of unforgettable fun and learning!
Coffee & Conversation for Grandfamilies
- Support
- Information
- Resources
Are you a grandparent raising grandchildren? Join us on the 2nd Monday of each month at 10:00 AM to connect with other grandparents in similar situations, discuss trials and tribulations, and get information and resources on raising children in today’s society.
Meet at Memorial Park Community Center
(Johnson City).
Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Sullivan County
The organization is looking for mentors age 23+ to volunteer 2-3 hours for 2-3 weekends a month as part of their Community-Based Program.
Big Brothers/Sisters can be 15+ years in age; the organization works with schools to allow meetings to occur during school hours.
MOPS
MOPS gathers and supports moms. They believe in the simple but revolutionary idea that remarkable things happen when moms come together. The MOPS acronym stands for “Mothers of Preschoolers” because it began in 1973 when a group of moms with young children banded together to share their lives and parenting journeys. Over the past 48 years, MOPS has expanded our community to include moms with school-aged kids.
Find your MOPS group: https://www.mops.org/groupsearch/
Free Reading Resources
Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation is partnering with the Tennessee Department of Education to provide at-home reading resources for free to all Tennessee families of K–2 children to help young learners become stronger readers. Based on your child’s grade level, they will receive the At-Home Decodable Book Series, a collection of seven booklets containing 20+ exciting stories full of sounds and words to practice, and age-appropriate, high-quality Scholastic books. Click here to order your kit.
Appalachian Highlands Healthy Babies (Ahh Babies)
Appalachian Highlands Healthy Babies, or AHH Babies provides free breastfeeding information and encouragement. Three opportunities each month provide a variety of days and times to attend the series of meetings.
AHH Babies provides:
- Mother-to-Mother support
- Leaders accredited by La Leche League International
- Latest breastfeeding information
Virtual and in-person options help you get your questions answered and/or offer support to other parents.
Visit AhhBabies.com/Meetings for meeting schedules!
The Traveling Bear Indoor Mini Golf
Enjoy some family fun entertainment that showcases the unique places that make this area our home with discounted prices on Wednesdays!
Toddler Tuesday
Tuesdays at Little Bloom House | 9AM – 12PM
Bring your toddlers and let them dive into a world of excitement! Little Bloom House is offering a delightful time filled with fun designed just for them. It’s the perfect opportunity for them to explore, learn, and make new friends!
For this special event, admission is just $10 per child (plus tax)!
Rural Resources Farm Day Camps
2024 Farm Day Camp registration is now open!
Campers get to discover and explore the farm while also getting to do fun activities like working with animals, arts & crafts, cooking, gardening, and creek stomping.
For more information, visit the Rural Resources website!
YWCA Family Network
On-site Family Navigators work closely with family members to ensure families are receiving the care, training, education, services, and financial assistance they need. As part of the program, you will be invited to participate in community events with your family. From family cookouts to karaoke, you’re sure to find something entire family will enjoy!
For more information or to join YWCA Family Network, please visit the website, email FamilyNetwork@YWCATNVA.org, or call (423) 968-9444.
Building with the Lions
Families are invited to drop by the Library’s Jones Meeting Center the second Saturday of every month between 10:30AM and 12PM for Building with the Lions. You can build creations using LEGO blocks and other construction materials. Your creations will be displayed in the Children’s Library. This program is facilitated by the Johnson City Lions Club.
Tennessee Community Health Survey Distribution
Please find the link to the Community Health Survey here: Tennessee Community Health Survey .
The purpose of this survey is to determine the top health priorities for the community primarily in Maternal and Child Health. We invite you to take the survey and encourage you to share it broadly.
Upcoming Parenting Opportunities
Meet other parents and caregivers, gain and give support and knowledge!
- Moms R Us June support group & Friday sessions- FREE, IN PERSON
- Attached at the Heart Parenting Program – FREE, ONLINE, IN PERSON
- Strengthening Families open enrollment every Tuesday and Wednesday – FREE, IN PERSON
- Family Playtime being held in local libraries – FREE, IN PERSON
- Attached at the Heart Conversations after Storytime in the Bristol Public Library – FREE, IN PERSON
- Prenatal Support Groups at Ballad Health OB/GYN offices – FREE, IN PERSON
- Ahh Babies breastfeeding support – FREE, IN PERSON, ONLINE
- Parenting Cafe – FREE, IN PERSON
Visit the Parenting Sweet Program Notion Catalog for Details and Registration or email Samantha@AppalachianPromise.org! Don’t see a class you need? Let us know!
Parenting Sweet is here to help make parenting sweet!
Parents get connected to support and information because learning about parenting and getting support does make a difference. If you would you like to continue receiving Parenting Sweet, you’ll need to be sure to sign up on the website. If you know a parent, caregiver, grandparent, or anyone who cares about children, share the sign-up link with them and help them find all that’s great for children and families in our community. Past issues and all the events are available anytime on the AppalachianPromise.org Blog.
Support for this program is provided by Ballad Population Health Community Health Initiative and Bristol Public Housing. Parenting Sweet Team: Samantha Gray, Lily Royston, Susan Turner, Emily Macbeth, Katherine Wilson-Thompson, Melissa Roberts, and Margaret Feierabend. Have information to share? Submit it to ParentingSweet@AppalachianPromise.org.