Setting out on a Summer of Kindness
Earlier this week, Sophia and I had a chance to deliver one of our Adventures in Kindness virtual assemblies to a wonderful group of elementary school students and their teachers. We were part of an end-of-year kindness boost, designed to set the kids off on a summer-long adventure to spread kindness in their communities. I just loved that idea, and it sparked something that’s sticking with me: As we’re winding down from this 2020-2021 school year that, for many of us was in part (or in full) a virtual experience, setting out on a low-tech summer and reconnecting with each other and our community may just be what we all need.
As we look ahead to what this summer will hold for our kids, it’s a good time to remember that Kindness Is An Adventure We Can Always Go On. And with COVID restrictions lifting, there are a few adventures in the book that might be just right for you:
Let’s Get Reading. In some communities around the country, including ours here in Maryland, libraries are getting ready to reopen. (Hooray!) What better way to start off the summer than by building a summer reading list! Make space for some new books by pulling together a donation of well-loved books from your own shelves and seeking out a local Little Free Library or community center. You and your kids could also offer to spend some time reading to younger siblings, neighbors, or friends in the neighborhood. You may also want to check out our summer reading lists and discussion guides designed to encourage family conversations on race, equity and inclusion.
Visit at Least Five Museums, Historic Sites, or Monuments in your Area this summer. An important part of being kind is taking time to learn about the people, cultures, and history of the world all around you. Museums, national parks, historic sites, and monuments are all a great source of that learning. Plus, they’re the perfect places for special memory-making days with your family. First, explore the list of museums, national parks, historic sites and monuments near you, and work with your kids to choose at least five that you’ve never visited before. Tip! Check out the National Park Service (nps.gov) for a complete list of parks, historic sites, and monuments in your state, including lots of good ideas to help plan your trip. At each stop along your adventure, take note of the art and artifacts you see, and read about the history of new places you visit. Ask your kids to share what surprised them most about each exhibit or space you explore. Use every new museum or park experience to ask questions and learn alongside your kids. We bet that even before your five-stop adventure is up, you’ll be ready to start planning your next round!
Take On a Family Fitness Adventure. Living healthy isn’t just kind for your body, it can be a great activity for your whole family, too. This adventure involves lacing up your sneakers and going for a family hike. Before you stop reading, do not let the word “hike” scare you. This adventure doesn’t require big climbs, long distances, or super speed. It just requires getting out and moving. Start with a daily walk around your neighborhood or a weekend trek through whatever natural surroundings can be found in your community. Aim for one mile at first and track how you feel at the end of each hiking adventure. Can you keep it up for five days in a row? How about five weeks? Challenge yourself to see how long you can keep this adventure going!
If these adventures sparked ideas for you, then check out the complete round up of 52 Adventures in the book, which is available for limited time at a special summer discount of $12.00 using SUMMEROFKINDNESS.
Now, let’s get out there and do some good. A Summer of Kindness awaits!
If you’d like more adventures like these, check out the full Adventures in Kindness book for more! Use code KINDSUMMER22 for free shipping and receive a free gift with your purchase!