World Kindness Day from Maine Camps

Happy National World Kindness Day. On this day, we think about how those in the Maine Camp community are kind in so many big and small ways - from showing good sportsmanship to teammates and opposing teams, to giving a little TLC to a friend who could use a hug, to being a caring “big brother” or “big sister” to younger campers, to helping those in need through social action initiatives. Maine Camps encourage and provide opportunities for campers to become more thoughtful and compassionate.

Beyond camp - and in these current times, the call for kindness is even more significant. We hope that on World Kindness Day, we can find ways to be kind and help others. The hope is that acts of kindness will benefit individuals and also cause a ripple effect that carries kindness even further. 

Here’s some information about World Kindness Day and examples of ways we can be kind:

World Kindness Day is an annual, international observance on November 13. According to Wikipedia, World Kindness Day was introduced in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement. World Kindness Day is to highlight good deeds in the community focusing on the positive power and the common thread of kindness for good which binds us. Kindness is a fundamental part of the human condition which bridges the divides of race, religion, politics, gender and location. Kindness Cards are also an ongoing activity which can either be passed on to recognize an act of kindness and or ask that an act of kindness be done. Some consider it the kick off to World Kindness Week.

Generosity, sympathy, compassion, acceptance, love, gentleness, and sensitivity are some of the words used to describe how one can be kind to others. And, while there is no special symbol or uniform, some people wear a cardigan like Fred Rogers (as seen on the show Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood) to emulate his kindness toward others. It’s a time to show kindness to friends, family, neighbors, teachers, students, and beyond. 

According to the Mental Health Foundation in the UK, not only is it good for the person being helped, but being kind is also good for our own mental health. Research shows that helping others can be good for our mental health. It reduces stress, improves our emotional well-being and even benefits our physical health. In short, doing good does you good.  And, doing something nice for someone doesn’t cost a lot of time or money. It’s the small things in life that can make a big difference. From making someone laugh, to texting a friend who may be struggling, to lending a listening ear, to praising a friend or colleague, here’s a wonderful list of 50 Random Acts of Kindness: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/kindness-and-mental-health/random-acts-kindness

Wishing everyone kindness today and always.

Maine Camp Experience Resources & Tools

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 contact our Maine Camp Guide, Laurie to discuss these camps as well as for free, year-round advice and assistance on choosing a great Maine summer camp for your child.

You can share your own Maine camps memories & expressions of gratitudeon our Memories of Camp section of our website.