Surrounded by a village, kids are excited to start school

As the father of five, I know how true the saying “It takes a village to raise a child” is. Stephanie and I are so grateful for the love and support our children receive from teachers, coaches, extended family, church family, and friends.
The Lawrence County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition (LCSAP) is in the business of creating villages. A coalition, after all, is “an alliance between individuals, groups, or organizations, often formed to achieve a common goal.”
LCSAP is the epitome of that definition. Their work brings together parents and youth, representatives from the school system, health care, law enforcement, churches, government, the Department of Children’s Services, the court system, local business, and the media.
Camp Thrive is a perfect example. Meetings started in August 2023, with monthly themes alternating between evening activities for families and day camp programs for kids. The goal, says LCSAP Director Trea Dunnavant, is to expand students’ knowledge and experience of their community, promote good citizenship, and family togetherness. Past events include an ice cream social, back yard BBQ, and a carnival.
LCSAP Assistant Director Nicole Miller explains, “Through Camp Thrive, select students and their families have an opportunity to experience and connect with a wide variety of aspects and activities within their community, from learning about agriculture, commerce, and healthy eating at Dunkin’s Market, to the Cops and Bobbers fishing event where they had the opportunity to fish with a School Resource Officer buddy and the best gear available.”
Another big highlight of the year is the Back to School Resource Day, held this year on Saturday, July 26. It involves the largest number of students and volunteers: more than 80 of each. Student ages range from Pre-K to high school seniors.
The day began and ended at First Baptist Church, which serves as headquarters for Camp Thrive activities. Volunteers arrived early to enjoy delicious caffeine from Co-Work Coffee, and Quik-Mart provided breakfast for all.
Next came a bus ride to Walmart, where students buy school clothes with one-on-one help from a volunteer “Shopping Buddy.” Many others who made the day possible were not there, including those who sponsor a child for $100 each and give other financial gifts.
The Outlook in downtown Lawrenceburg is the next stop. Local store manager Tiffany Vaughan says they prepare by ordering plenty of kids’ sizes and scheduling extra staff so everyone gets the right fit.
“We can scan their feet to find the size they need,” she says. “We want to make sure they get shoes that will last, that they can wear a long time.”
“We’re honored to have been a part of this program for two years, and plan to continue. It’s very rewarding for all of us.”
Returning to First Baptist, kids enjoyed brisket nachos from another two-year partner, Strikers Restaurant. Ryan Carlisle has managed lunch for the event both years, and echoed Tiffany’s feelings about it. “It’s a joy to help these kids, to be part of this effort in our community.”
Following lunch, each student receives a sturdy backpack they’re proud to carry, and are ushered into an area set up with tables holding every school supply they need. They also get a free haircut certificate from one of several local salons.
Volunteers experience almost as much joy as the students. Haiven Potts says the night before “is like Christmas Eve,” filled with the anticipation of seeing so many happy faces.
“It’s wonderful to see the financial burden lifted off these families, and the confidence you hear children expressing about the first day of school. They are actually excited to go to school.”
Miller says the outpouring of support from the community has allowed LCSAP to bless about 120 additional students with backpacks, school supplies, shoes, and hygiene items.
Thank you to everyone who supports Camp Thrive, the Back to School Resource Day, and all LCSAP programs. You are the village.