Caring Hearts Winter Camp: Learning Compassion Through Giving
This winter, our Caring Hearts Winter Camp gave students more than a break from school—it gave them meaningful opportunities to connect, give back, and reflect on what it truly means to care for others in our community.
On the first day, students visited Samaritan House, a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting families and children in need. Through staff introductions and behind-the-scenes tours, students learned how a nonprofit operates—from food distribution to family assistance programs—and how much effort and heart goes into serving the local community.
For many students, this visit was eye-opening. They began to understand that behind every organization are real people working tirelessly to help neighbors facing difficult circumstances. It encouraged students to reflect on what they have today and to develop gratitude for everyday comforts that are often taken for granted.
To extend this experience, students participated in a toy donation activity, thoughtfully selecting and preparing gifts for other children. This simple yet powerful act helped them realize how sharing—even something small—can bring joy, comfort, and hope to another child during the holiday season.
On the second day, students stepped into Atria Senior Living, a local senior community, where they experienced the importance of connection across generations. Together with residents, students created holiday crafts and handmade cards, filling the space with laughter, creativity, and warmth.
The students also prepared and performed holiday songs, bringing smiles and festive cheer to the seniors. What started as a performance quickly turned into meaningful interaction—conversations, shared memories, and moments of genuine connection.
During a guided tour of the facility, students learned about daily life in a senior living community. This experience helped them better understand aging, empathy, and the importance of companionship. Many students were surprised by how much joy a short visit could bring—and how much they themselves gained in return.
Through these two days, our Caring Hearts campers learned that kindness takes many forms: listening, sharing, creating, and simply showing up for others. More importantly, they discovered that caring for the community isn't an abstract idea—it's something they can actively participate in, starting right now.
We are incredibly proud of our students for opening their hearts this winter. These experiences planted seeds of compassion, gratitude, and social responsibility—values we hope will continue to grow long after camp ends.
