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’s focus is Summer Camps! Find tips to make summer camp a super success for your children, and view our huge list of summer camp opportunities in our region. Plus, find fun events and activities for the whole family! Outdoor festivals, Mother’s Day crafts, free tennis lessons, resource fairs, playtimes and theater, breastfeeding support, upcoming parenting education opportunities, and so much more are included in this issue of the Parenting Sweet.
Monthly Fun Poll: Have you read these children’s books?
MAY FEATURES:
Monthly Fun Poll
Summer Camp Tips
Local Summer Camp List
Mother’s Day Crafts for Kids
Baby Expo (Save the Date!)
ABOUT US:
5 Promises
Donate to Make Parenting Sweet!
Parenting Program Catalog
Parenting Sweet Webpage
Volunteer!
Parent Educator Network
Babywearing Coaching
Our Baby Carrier Library
Contact Us!
PARENTING CLASSES / SUPPORT:
Free Parent Coaching
Attached at the Heart Parenting Program
Guiding Good Choices Workshops
Attached at the Heart Conversations
MOMS-R-US Teen Pregnancy Support
Ahh Babies Breastfeeding Support
Free Prenatal Classes & Support
Prenatal Classes
Strengthening Families
Project Dads
Grandparenting Workshops
Grandfamilies Program
YWCA Family Network
Dad & Mom Recovery Support
TN Voices Training & Resources
Growing Stronger Together Podcast
Upcoming Parenting Opportunities
Car Seat Safety Checkpoint Event
FAMILY FUN:
Strawberry Festival
Family Playtime
Free Summer Tennis
Mother’s Magical Evening
Playtime in the ARTspace
Fun & Games for Teens
Woolly Days @ Rocky Mount
Kids $3 Fitness Class
Fort Watauga Re-enactments
Bristol Public Library Storytime
Cinderella Brunch
Big Train Show
RESOURCE EVENTS:
SWVA Family Resource Fair
Family Homeschool Expo
Diapers for Vets’ Babies
Bundles of Joy Diapers
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
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.
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.
Parenting Sweet helps us keep our five promises of caring adults, safe places, a healthy start, effective education, and opportunities to serve.
This Month’s Focus: Summer Camp!
Tips for Success at Summer Camp
Excerpts from an article by Samantha Gray, Parenting Program Coordinator at Appalachian Promise Alliance. The full article first appeared in the Bristol Herald Courier on July 10, 2022, titled, “10 Tips for Day Camp Success.”
Summers are filled with many day camp options that keep children active and inspired! Years ago, my children loved attending Camp Together with their grandmother at Buffalo Mountain Camp, along with theatre, ballet, arts, and soccer camps.
Camp is an exciting experience. Here are tips to help your child adjust and enjoy day camp:
- Take the time to read all the paperwork provided. Attend any parent meeting. Parent meetings are also great for connecting with other parents in case you need help with a drop off or pick up.
- Prepare your child for the experience by helping them know what to expect. Also, help them be prepared to be flexible: such as what a rainy day might mean, or if they don’t get to be in the same small group as their friend.
- Encourage your child to make new friends, enjoy new and different experiences, and discover new interests.
- Help your child arrive on time.
- If your child is nervous, listen to and talk with the child about their concerns. Sometimes it helps if a child attends camp the first time with a friend.
- If packing lunch for the camp, keep it simple and healthy so they can spend the time eating and talking with their peers.
- Help your child follow the recommended wear for the camp. Find out if pants or shorts are more appropriate, tennis shoes or flip flops, etc.
- Be sure clothing, their water bottle and lunch bag, and even shoes, are labeled with their names. Go through the lost and found box at the close of camp.
- Be supportive of the adults pouring into your child’s life. Take the time to connect with the leaders and form friendships. Make sure you share information about your child that would be helpful to the counselors.
- Most importantly, after pickup, spend some time reconnecting and helping your child process the day. You will hear what they enjoyed, the camp song or cheer they learned that day, and any challenges that can be talked through.
Every child and parent’s experience will be different. Making it through a day of camp is a big milestone. Celebrate together!
For camp information and links to camps in our area, scroll down to our Local Summer Camps List.
Register Today for New Parenting Class Series Beginning in May and June!
Attached at the Heart Parenting Program: for parents and caregivers of children prenatal through age 5. Register now for our new series beginning in June 2025! Choose from Monday evening sessions or Friday morning sessions.
Guiding Good Choices Parenting Workshops: For parents and caregivers of students in 4th through 9th grades. Register now for our new series beginning in May 2025! Choose from Wednesday evening sessions or Saturday afternoon sessions.
New: Free Parent Coaching Sessions!
Receive local parenting support on your schedule! Reserve a time to chat with a parenting educator, get support or resources. Our Parent Coaching is available through the Parenting Sweet free of charge with support from generous donors.
Grandparenting Workshops: Interest Form is Open!
INTRODUCING GRAND CONNECTIONS
Grandparent Workshop Series:
Appalachian Promise is offering a special workshop for grandparents of children ages birth to five! Whether you’re sharing care or raising your grandchildren, we recognize your vital role. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about this program, please submit your information here. Questions? Email Samantha at ParentingSweet@AppalachianPromise.org.
Use our form to learn more or to be added to our interest list!
The Ultimate List of Local Summer Camps!
Looking for the perfect summer camp? Check out our ultimate guide packed with awesome local options to keep your kids active, creative, and having a blast all summer long!
Click on the photos or event titles below to learn more about each event. Please contact the camp hosts with any questions.
The Parenting Sweet’s 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.
If you’re interested in trying our baby carriers or want to learn about babywearing, you can fill out our Babywearing Interest Form. Or, contact us at ParentingSweet@AppalachianPromise.org to learn more!
The Parenting Sweet’s Library of Baby Carriers Is Online!
Mei Tais, Woven Wraps, Buckle Carriers, Ring Slings – we have such a variety of baby carriers to choose from! View details about each carrier in our online database. We’d love to invite you to the Parenting Sweet in Bristol, TN, to try our baby carriers (by appointment only).
PLAYtime in the ARTspace – Join Us May 10th at 10 AM!
PLAYtime in the ARTspace is for littles and those who love them. A just right-sized show with Ms. Camille, yummy bagels (and coffee) from Bristol Bagel and Bakery, friendships formed, and great resources from the Parenting Sweet!
Join us on the 2nd Saturday of each month at 10:00 am at the ARTspace, 506 State Street, Bristol, TN.
Learn more and reserve tickets at TheatreBristol.org/tickets.
Free admission always for Attached at the Heart attendees!
22nd Annual Wayne Scott Strawberry Festival – Unicoi, TN
Saturday May 17, 2025 from 10 am to 5 pm
Fun for the whole family! Join the festivities at the Town of Unicoi’s 22nd annual Wayne Scott Strawberry Festival.
Appalachian Highlands Healthy Babies (Ahh Babies)
Appalachian Highlands Healthy Babies, or AHH Babies provides free breastfeeding information and encouragement.
- 1st Fridays at 10 am at the Parenting Sweet, Bristol
- 4th Tuesdays at 6:00 pm at YWCA Southwest VA/Northeast TN, Bristol TN
AHH Babies provides:
- Mother-to-Mother support
- Leaders accredited by La Leche League International
- Latest breastfeeding information
Visit AhhBabies.com/Meetings
Mother’s Day Craft Ideas – for Kids!
Mother’s Day is on Sunday May 11, 2025. For those families that celebrate Mother’s Day, here are some kid-friendly crafts!
- DIY Painted Rocks (because Mom Rocks!)
- Paper Flowers on Pencils
- Hand-drawn Memory Book
- Refrigerator Face Magnets
Free Prenatal Classes & Support Groups
Strong Starts is designed to support you and your growing family every step of the way. If you’re expecting a new arrival and want to learn more about childbirth education tools and breastfeeding basics before the due date, you’re in the right place.
Register for prenatal classes, breastfeeding basics, and support groups.
Locations for classes and/or support groups:
- Norton Community Hospital in Norton, VA
- Johnson City Medical Center in Johnson City, TN
- Niswonger Children’s Hospital in Johnson City, TN
- Franklin Woods Community Hospital in Johnson City, TN
- Bristol Regional Medical Center in Bristol, TN
Free Youth Tennis this Summer – Register Now!
Registration open now for youth ages 6 – 16
June 9 – July 18 from 9 AM to 10:30 AM, Monday-Friday at Ida Stone Jones Tennis Community Center
Hosted by Bristol TN Parks & Rec
Free! Beginners and those with intermediate skills are welcome. Racquets and balls will be provided.
To register, please go to https://ow.ly/gmlX50VFNRa
Questions? Please call (423) 764-4023.
Woolly Days Festival at Rocky Mount State Historic Site (Piney Flats, TN)
Saturday, May 10, 2025 from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Spring is in the air, and the sheep are ready for their big day! Join us for Wolly Days & Colonial Gardens Festival, a family-friendly celebration where history, horticulture, and adorable baby lambs come together for an unforgettable day at Rocky Mount.
See https://www.rockymountmuseum.com/events for tickets!
SWVA Family Resource Fair (Pennington Gap, VA)
Tuesday May 27, 2025 from 9 am to 4pm
Leeman Field Park, Pennington Gap, VA
Free community event! Crafts, bounce houses, food trucks, youth/family resources, and more. Come on out!
Tricities Homeschool Expo
Saturday May 3, 2025 from 9:30 AM to 2 PM
Boones Creek Christian Church
Speakers will provide insights on starting homeschooling, preparing for high school, and getting ready for college. A “Resource Room” will allow for one-on-one time with veteran homeschool parents and the opportunity to view in person some of the popular curricula.
If you are thinking about homeschooling, just starting out, or have been homeschooling for years, the Tri-Cities Homeschool Expo is the place for you!
Project Dads
Project Dads is a comprehensive and innovative parenting class for fathers that utilizes the 24/7 Dad curriculum. 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.
Sign up today! Contact David Ledgerwood at at Highland Community Services: dledgerwood@highlandscsb.org or 276-525-2233
Diapers Drive-Through for Babies of Veterans
Friday May 9, 2025 from 11 AM to 1 PM (or while supplies last
Lamont & Veterans Way, Mountain Home, Tn
Baby diapers for Women Veterans while supplies last!!Your support is welcomed!
For any diaper donation questions, please contact the CDCE at 423-979-2891 or email Kevin Jones at kevin.jones11@va.gov .
Donations will be accepted for this event until Friday May 2.
Bundles of Joy Diaper Ministry (Bristol, TN)
Saturday May 10, 2025 from 10 am to 12 pm
Addilynn Church, 3225 Avoca Rd, Bristol, TN, United States, Tennessee 37620
Have an emergency diaper need? Come by and let us help!
MOMS-R-US: Teen Pregnancy and Family Support
PREPARED CHILDBIRTH CLASSES
Find free support, classes, and community for teens 19 and younger who are pregnant for the first time.
Tuesdays in Bristol, TN
Wednesdays in Glade Spring, VA
For details and meeting times, please contact Caitlin Talley or Mandy Boyd at teenpregnancysupport@ywcatnva.org or call the 423-968-9444.
Learn more at https://www.ywcatnva.org/moms/
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 Optional Registration page to learn about the various dates and locations around the region.
Free book provided to each family (while supplies last).
Fort Watauga: Spring Muster Re-enactment
Saturday May 17 & Sunday May 18, 2025
Step back to the 18th century as members of the Washington County Militia living history organization gather at Fort Watauga to demonstrate various skills, trades, and aspects of daily life on the colonial frontier. Learn about life in the Watauga Settlement on the eve of the Revolutionary War. Free to attend!
2025 Baby Expo: Save the Date!
We’re getting ready for the 2025 Baby & Family Expo! Be sure to add this event to your calendar, especially if you have young children or are expecting!
August 9, 2025 from 10 AM to 2 PM
Find us at the YWCA, 106 State Street, Bristol, TN
Strengthening Families
The Strengthening Families Program is a free family-focused parenting class that covers managing stress, improving communication skills, goal setting, solving problems as a family and discipline.
Sign up today! Contact Kelly Thomas (kthomas@highlandscsb.org) or Kelly Walker (kwalker@highlandscsb.org) at Highlands Community Services.
Mother’s Magical Evening (Bristol, TN)
Treat the special ladies in your life this Mother’s Day weekend with a magical evening including a magic show and dinner, catered by Stateline Bar & Grille. The Bristol Tennessee Department of Parks & Rec is hosting this special event at Slater Community Center on Friday, May 9, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The cost is just $5 per person. Space is limited so register now at bristoltn.recdesk.com or stop by the Slater Community Center, 325 McDowell Street, to make your reservations. Questions? Please call (423) 764-4023.
Fitness Class for Kids – Johnson City
Wednesdays until May 21 from 4 – 4:45 PM at Memorial Park Community Center
Ages 6 – 11, $3 per class
These sessions combine cardio conditioning and yoga poses, focusing on improving balance, agility, stamina, and strength—all while helping develop strong bones and muscles. Kids will enjoy aerobic exercises and yoga poses that build flexibility, strength, and endurance. Sign up for Fitness for Kids classes today!
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
Cinderella Brunch
Kingsport Theatre Guild is presenting its second Mainstage Show of its 2025 season, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. This event is a specific showing of the show that comes with a brunch and a character meet and greet.
For tickets, please visit https://www.kingsporttheatre.com/tickets.
Fun & Games for Teens
Bristol Public Library Teen Space | Wednesdays from 3PM – 6PM
The BPL Teen Space hosts a weekly gaming club where teens and tweens are invited to hangout and use the library’s gaming console, board games, and LEGO collection! Other gaming clubs, board game tournaments, and arts & craft activities are offered throughout the month. Visit https://www.facebook.com/bplteenreaders for upcoming events.
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.
Grandfamilies Program
Sullivan County Cares Grandparents Education Program meets monthly in at the Impact Community Center in Bluff City, TN. Their next meeting is May 15, 2025 at 10 AM.
Visit their Facebook page for upcoming events or to contact them with any questions.
9th Annual Big Train Show (Johnson City)
Friday May 30 and Saturday May 31, 2025
ETSU/Mountain States Health Alliance Athletic Center
Join us to celebrate all things Railroad. Vendors from 16 States, visiting 15,000sf Sipping & Switching along with Live Steam. Adults $10 and Children under 10 are Free.
Dad & Mom Support Groups, Recovery and Prevention Support Groups – Learn more at Carter County Drug Prevention!
Car Seat Safety Event
Ballad Health will be hosting a Car Seat Checkpoint event on Tuesday May 13th, 2025 from 1-5pm at the Bristol Motor Speedway. Find them at the “It’s Bristol Baby” Sign! The event is free. Experts will be on-hand to make sure your car seat is installed correctly and being used safely.
TN Voices Trainings & Resources
Find effective advocacy training, help for behavioral needs or special education needs in school settings, parent advocacy, family support, and more. Visit https://tnvoices.org/. Spanish-speaking resources and support persons are available.
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.
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.
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!
Learn more about the Parenting Educator Network on Appalachian Promise Alliance’s website.
Upcoming Parenting Opportunities
Meet other parents and caregivers, gain and give support and knowledge!
- Moms R Us 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, Becky Evenden, Samuel Jones, Emily Macbeth, Shandee Childress, Katherine Wilson-Thompson, Kaye Sapikas, and Margaret Feierabend. Have information to share? Submit it to ParentingSweet@AppalachianPromise.org.
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