Camp Woodland Blog

A warm smile is the universal language of kindness. -William Arthur Ward

Camp Woodland is excited to participate in #CampKindnessDay #KindnessEvolution. We are joining camps across the country to intentionally focus our programming around kindness.  Acts of kindness occur every day at camp, and the best part is that campers take that spirit of kindness with them out into the world and spread it around. Kindness in the camp community is visible in every smile, every word of appreciation, and in countless acts of empathy and friendship. It happens every day organically, but we are taking time to recognize it on July 24th.  We hope to fuel a positive cultural shift to more fully incorporate the practice of intentional kindness and care into every aspect of our society.

When you are kind to others, it not only changes you, it changes the world. -Harold Kushner

Here are some ways that campers FEEL kindness from others this summer:

• I don’t have to be perfect and it is OK to make a mistake
• My opinion is respected
• People are nice to me and include me even though this is my 1st year
• Things are explained to me when I don’t understand, and I always feel part of the group
• I am comforted when I am missing home
• I am encouraged by others in activities
• Others listen to me and what I say is taken to heart when I am sharing something

I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. -Maya Angelou

Here are some ways that campers SHOW kindness towards others :

• I try to cheer others if they are having a bad day
• I do my part to clean the cabin even though I won’t get to take part in a “Clean Freaks” party
• I let others borrow my stuff (even if I don’t want to)
• I talk to my cabin mates, respect their opinions and make sure that everyone is comfortable
• I help others when I am finished with my job during cabin clean-up and explain what is happening to new campers
• I don’t get upset when others sit on my bed
• I try my hardest to include everyone in all that we do

A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees. -Amelia Earhart