Born of local concern over unhealthy activities on the Town Common, the Courageous Kids program’s sophomore year was a resounding success, serving about 30 percent more young people in downtown Bristol. Sean Smith, pastor of the Stone Coast Community Church, had the idea to run a program for kids in the neighborhood of the Common (though downtown residency was not a requirement). Called “Courageous Kids: Stand Up to Stand Out,” the program was designed to be a week of fun, modeling what it means to be a “neighbor of character.”

Rev. Smith joined forces with Emily Spence of the Bristol Health Equity Zone and Joel Sadam of Mount Hope Church, developing the weeklong program that included music, games, special guests and activities, including soccer, art, basketball, dance, science and nature.

“Our focus is on character development and making healthy choices,” said Ms. Spence, who gave Rev. Smith and Stone Coast Community Church credit for taking the lead with the program. She added that they are also focusing on bringing healthy activities, like a basketball league, to the Town Common.

The program was a model of community engagement, with about 50 volunteers from the Stone Coast Community Church, Mount Hope Church, Bristol Health Equity Zone and the wider Bristol community. Participants were served dinner every night, with delicious meals donated by local establishments, including  Common Pub and Grille, Blount Seafoods, Nacho Mammas, and Wood St. Bakery.

The week was made possible by an array of sponsors. New this year, organizers gathered donated school supplies from the affiliated churches as well as the Congregational Church and the community, and filled 110 backpacks so that every child who attended could have one to start the school year prepared. Officers with the Bristol Police Department came down to help distribute them to the children.

The culminating event on Friday featured a family movie night with additional entertainment by Bwana Iguana. The Bayside YMCA brought an inflatable obstacle course, and free popcorn was donated by Common Pub and Grille. 

The week also included inspirational words from a variety of guest speakers, including Lucy Spence, on vacation from serving with the Peace Corps in Panama, who spoke about courage; artist and founder of Good Night Lights Steve Brosnihan, who spoke on being a good neighbor and shared about Good Night Lights; Bristol Police Officer Rachel Gaffney, who spoke about teamwork; Jane Viscolosi, Bristol Parks and Recreation Yoga instructor, who spoke about self-control and taught a mini yoga class; and Shane Besette of Stone Coast Community Church, who spoke about persaverence, sharing his personal story.