Books as Tools for Kids

Longtime friend and Camp Southern Ground supporter, Zac Brown Band multi-instrumentalist and children’s book author Coy Bowles has always believed in the power of creativity to help people grow, dedicating much of his work to helping young people build confidence, embrace who they are, and feel seen.

Beyond the stage and the page, Coy is a passionate advocate for early education, literacy, and teacher appreciation, and the founder of Coyco (Creative Opportunity Yields Creative Output) a reflection of his belief that when children are given the space to express themselves, incredible things can happen. His long-standing connection to Camp Southern Ground and shared commitment to empowering kids makes him a natural voice in our What Different Can Do campaign.

What led you to start writing children’s books focused on confidence and self-belief?
Honestly, Zac had a lot to do with it. I did a writing retreat where I wrote a few songs and short stories. I met with Zac and he asked me, “Did you have any luck with your writing session?” I replied, “A few things here and there, but I wrote a really cool short story,” and he said, “Let me hear it!” It was about this girl who had an odd laugh who got made fun of and was very upset about it but later realized that the things, like her laugh, that make her unique are actually a superpower. I read the story to Zac and he said, “Man, I think that would make a great children’s book,” and so the journey began. I think it’s kind of impossible for me not to write about overcoming struggles or social emotional subjects. That’s just how my brain works with kids and stories.

On stage with Zac Brown Band

What do you think it is that makes storytelling and music such powerful ways to reach kids, especially those who may be struggling?
I think storytelling and music are magical powers of the human existence. Storytelling is the oldest form of communication and music is the universal language. I think that kids are intrinsically attracted to learning through stories and music, so it makes it more engaging and more fun for them to learn that way. For me, it makes more sense to use the magic that we have at our fingertips than to not use it at all; that’s why I’m always interested in connecting with kids through storytelling and music. Use the tools you have.

What do you hope a child feels after finishing one of your stories? For kids who may be facing challenges or self-doubt, how can your books help them build confidence?
I think the main takeaway I’d like for kids to have when reading my books is that imagination and creativity are always at your fingertips and using both is how you start using critical thinking. If you have a bad situation happen to you, being able to think about with creativity and imagination is a way to discover how you feel and what you’re going to do about it. Ultimately, I’m trying to inspire kids to just get their wheels turning, use their brain for thinking, and to question things around them. Ask questions and be curious. I think curiosity is the eternal life force. I strive to always have a kid-like curiosity, and I hope kids get that from my books

So much of your work encourages self-expression. Why is creative space so important for kids’ confidence and growth?
Creative expression is something my parents ingrained in me at a really young age. My mother has told me my entire life that I should be me and not try to be like anyone else. When I wanted to get a shirt that everybody in my grade was wearing, she would always push back and say, “That’s what everybody else is wearing. What do YOU want to wear?” So, I was encouraged to have creative self-expression in a lot of different ways, from how I dressed to how I talked to the music that I listened to and any hobbies or activities I was interested in. My mother and father pushed me to find my unique place in all of it.

I have a friend, Dr. Wes Robins, who is child psychologist, and he says it’s all about creating sacred spaces. I love that idea of creating a safe, sacred space for kids to be creative and curious and open. Where they don’t have to defend themselves and they can just be who they are. This is one of the reasons I love Camp Southern Ground so much. I try to create a sacred space for kids in their own head when they read my books. I want anyone reading my books to get silly and have fun with creating things in their imagination that aren’t real, like a talking red door.

Coy and family at Camp Southern Ground Summer Camp check-in

When you think about a space like the new Music Meadow we’re building at camp, how can something like that bring the messages in your books to life?
I think creating a space that is understood to be specifically designated for music outside is amazing. I think the simpler you can make things for kids, the more it helps them understand what the objective is. Like taking them to a spot where music is meant to be played out in the open and naming it the Music Meadow. It is cool and useful way for kids to understand: this is where we do this.

I often write music that goes along with my books to have a multimedia approach. In the Music Meadow, you could read a book, play music that goes along with the story, and then discuss the topic of the book and the way the music made you feel or move. It’s just fertile ground for discussion and creative exercises on both the story and the music that goes along with it. It’s a way to grow kids minds with music and storytelling, the two most important and magical aspects of the human existence.

If you believe in the power of creativity to help kids feel seen and understood, help us make it real. Give today to bring the Music Meadow to life.