Expressing Gratitude

​Amidst the stories of toasting marshmallows, campfire stories, and finding tools of nature to build tents, cabins, and bonfires, the Older Saplings began to wind down as we reached the end of our Camping theme. In the middle of so much activity and fun, it can be difficult at times to take a moment to appreciate the people, nature, and everything around us. We then began to consider and ask each other: What are we grateful for?

"I am grateful for the flowers and my family."

"I am grateful for my family and when I get to go to the ice cream store."

"I am grateful for the trees."

"I am grateful for the stars and the moon."

"I am grateful for how we live, and how the Earth around helps us do."

"I am grateful for silly things!"

Our crew has spent a lot of time together locating, identifying, and collecting nature items and expressing why they are special to nature, and why they are special to us. With that, each Sapling was given a blank slate and water colors to paint the colors they desired, painting colors of gratitude that was known only to them. With the nature items we collected, the Saplings arranged the items to their liking, and then our gratitude boxes came to be. 

The Saplings express gratitude to each other in many ways that they may not realize. It is the smile that is born when one tells a joke that they are grateful to have fun with our friends here today. It is a tight, warm hug that shows their strong bond and joy to be together.