November: A Month to Focus on Gratitude from Maine Summer Camps

“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.” ― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh We are mid-way through the month of November with just two weeks before that special Thursday filled with food, family and football. But what about the other important element of Thanksgiving, by which the holiday is named: THANKS. There is so much to be thankful for, so much to be grateful for in this world. The holiday of Thanksgiving and thus the month of November, in which we celebrate, give us great cause to focus on this concept. This month Maine Camp Experience is promoting a “30 Days of Thankfulness” social media effort . Everyday we are posting a different item for which we are thankful. You can see these images and quotes on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts, and via the hashtag #30DaysOfThankfulness. When we practice the art of gratitude we acknowledge the blessings in our lives: the people, places and things that hold in great value. Some experts say that gratitude is an ATTITUDE, meaning that we can change our mindset to see opportunities to practice gratitude, and in turn feel the positive effects of gratitude in our daily lives. Here are a few touching notes of gratitude from members of the Maine Camp Experience community: “Expressing gratitude is one of the multiple habits that research has shown help lead to overall happiness.” Five things that our Maine Camp Directors share they are grateful for:

1. For the overall health of my family (knock on wood). This past year I have known some families that have had some very serious medical issues to deal with; either themselves or their children or both. My family has been relatively healthy (knock on wood) and for that, I am grateful.
2. For having the greatest job on earth, Camp Director.
3. For having the most incredible children attend camp and their parents for choosing our camp.
4. For the most loyal and dedicated staff.
5. For being part of the Maine Camp Experience. Although we directors meet a few times a year, I feel each time I walk into the room it’s a “Camp All-Star game.” There are so many incredible people. Each having made a huge impact on thousands of people. As a group we are changing the world in a powerful and positive way.  I am grateful to be in such esteemed company.” What Maine Camp Experience Parents and Campers share they are grateful for: “How can we begin to express to you how grateful we are for the joy, excitement and most importantly the confidence Camp has given to Olivia? You have taught her lessons about herself and about how to deal with others that are priceless. Our conversations last summer and during the year have given me insight into my daughter that I may never have had otherwise. When I think back to this time last year I cannot believe the difference in my child. For all of this I thank you.” (Camp Parent) “Recently, I had a phone conversation with Carly and she spoke of several situations that she had handled on her own and felt proud that she did.  When I told her how proud I was of her and reminded her of how mature she has become, she said “ Mom, Camp has helped me become that person”.  I couldn’t have said it any better. What more could a mother ever ask for or want for her child? Words alone could never possibly express how deeply we feel about you and the whole Camp experience. Thank you.” (Camp Parent) “We are so thankful for all of our amazing summers here at Camp. These memorable summers have been made great by not only our bunkmates but by everyone in our camp community. This sense of community sets Camp apart from any other place on the planet. We all feel as if we’ve finally found the place we are accepted, supported, and loved. People are constantly encouraging one another to be their best self and to follow their dreams.” (Bunk of Campers) “Josh had an unbelievable summer and came back a changed person. Those experiences will have an impact on him for the rest of his life.  He made friends, saw his identity and religion in a different light, and matured as a teen heading to be a young adult. Thank you and the staff for making his experience not only safe, but adventurous and exciting.” (Camp Parent) This month we are challenging each member of our community to take a few moments daily to note what you are grateful for, and incorporate it into your family discussions. Join in on our #30DaysOfThankfulness challenge, by sharing your notes of gratitude with the greater #MaineCamps community. Maine Camp Experience Resources & Tools You can share your own Maine camps memories & expressions of gratitude on our Memories of Camp section of our website.

Looking for the perfect Maine camp for your child?  Try out our helpful tool where you can select a camp by choosing: type of camp (girls, boys or coed) and session length (1-8 weeks).  It helps to narrow down a few camps to a manageable list that includes rates.  Then you can research these camps in more depth.

Next, be sure to  to discuss these camps as well as for free, year-round advice and assistance on choosing a great Maine summer camp for your child.