Towering Pines Blog

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

With “World Kindness Day” approaching on November 13th, it seems like a perfect time to reinforce the importance of choosing kindness as a way to help bring peace and harmony to our world.  There are many unique challenges that test our resolve and resiliency in almost every aspect of life.  Completing daily tasks and making decisions can seem overwhelming; however, if we feel supported by the kindness of those around us, it can truly make life seem less complicated.  It is true that “a little kindness goes a long way.”  If we look around and us with intention, we can see that kindness abounds in very special and unique ways.

Acts of kindness occur every day at camp, and the best part is that campers and counselors take that spirit of kindness with them out into the world and pass it on. Kindness in the camp community is visible in every smile, every word of appreciation, and in countless acts of empathy and friendship. “World Kindness Day” is a way  to remind our camp community of the amazing impact kindness can have TODAY and every day.  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.

The counselors from Cabin 6 shared their perspectives on what kindness means to our camp community:

“Kindness is the quality of being friendly, genuine, and considerate.  At camp kindness is what makes or breaks your day.  Everyday you have an option to be kind or not.  If you choose to be kind, it will make everyone’s day a little bit better.  Being a counselor you know kindness in many forms at activities, at the table for meals and in the cabin.  Kindness is the building block for empathy and respect, and at camp these are some of the most important qualities.  If everyone tried to be more kind, camp could become an even better place.”

“Kindness is a core value at camp.  As a counselor I find myself in many situations where I need to be considerate about campers’ feelings and needs.  Kindness is my option — it is the first step to building connections with campers. As a tennis instructor when I help a camper, I need to be kind to earn the attention and disposition necessary to help them improve.  Kindness is the foundation of my relationship with the campers and the other staff.”

Taking a look back to this past summer, campers from Cabin 6 also shared reflections on the importance of kindness at camp.

Here are some thoughts that the boys of Cheyenne shared:

• Camp without kindness wouldn’t be the same.  For example, in soccer if somebody misses an open goal, everybody should motivate and be kind to the person that missed the shot so he can improve and be better.
• Kindness is the gift that holds camp together.  Counselors must be kind and understanding with their campers just as campers need to be kind to each other.  This is one of, if not, the most important parts of camp.  Kindness lifts people up and without it campers and counselors would constantly fight, eventually causing people to dislike camp and to not come back.
• In camp it is important to be kind, like if someobody loses an arrow, everybody should go out of their way to help him find it.
• Kindness in camp is so important.  For example, in tennis if a friend loses a match in the TP Open, someone who doesn’t show kindness would make fun of his friend, and their friendship could be ruined.
• Without kindness camp wouldn’t be fun because people would be getting into fights and be bullying each other.  That would make it difficult for camp to function.  Like in free swim if someone wanted to use the same wakeboard, they would get into a fight if they couldn’t come to an agreement and share.
• Without kindness camp would not function.  For example, in skindiving if there was no kindness, people would yell and fight over the nets. If someone got an award at banquet, the others might not show that they care.

The TP Challenge today is for our campers, counselors, staff, and camp families to continue to spread KINDNESS in your corner of the world.  Even the smallest act of kindness can have a HUGE impact that causes a “ripple effect” which is exponential.  We look forward to sharing kindness within our camp community again next summer!

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

If you haven’t yet registered your children for camp for 2025, make sure to reserve your spot(s)! If you know of any families who might benefit from the camp experience, we are always grateful for your willingness to share your experiences with them.

Register here:  https://cwtp.campbrainregistration.com

AngieWenzl

• Camp Mom at TP
• Leadership Staff at TP/Office Manager
• Marketing TP/Woodland
• Leadership Team TP/Woodland
• Assistant Waterfront Director at Woodland
• Counselor at Woodland
• “Building in our hearts fond memories, Towering Pines for you.”