Growing Routes Gratitude Walk

A do-anywhere activity, inspired by the way we slow down, notice, and follow our curiosity at camp — whether you’re at Twigg Farm or halfway across the world.

Instructions:
Step outside and explore for 10–20 minutes. Take time to slow down and really notice. You can take photos, write notes, draw pictures, record a voice memo, or just notice things quietly. No sharing required — unless you want to!

1. Something You Noticed and Are Grateful For

Notice something that makes you pause and think, “I’m glad I noticed this.” A tiny detail: bright berries still hanging onto a bush, texture on bark, light through branches, frost crystals, a leaf stuck upright, a cool pattern on the sidewalk.

2. A Sound That Reminds You the World Is Alive

Listen for a sound that reminds you there is life all around you. Even when the world seems asleep for winter, there’s always some small sound keeping things moving. It may be very quiet so give yourself time to pause for a moment and truly listen.

3. Something That Makes You Feel Grounded

Notice your connection to the earth — solid rock, a railing, your own breath in cold air, the feeling of your feet on uneven terrain (maybe even take your shoes off?).

4. Something Small Doing Its Best

Notice a tiny thing quietly thriving — a bit of moss in a sidewalk crack, a seedpod hanging on, one stubborn berry, a piece of ice in an otherwise melted puddle.

5. A Smell That Feels Familiar or Comforting

Notice a smell that makes you go “mmm” – woodsmoke, cold air, pine, something baking, damp leaves. Maybe close your eyes and take a deep breath.

6. Something That Feels Like “Home,” Without Being an Actual Home

Find something that gives you comfort, belonging, or familiarity — but isn’t actually a house.

7. A Sign That Someone Was Here Before You

Look for a trace or reminder that we are connected and share our spaces with others – footprints, a bike track, a carved initial, a half-built fort, something left behind on purpose or by accident. 

8. Something That Makes You Smile

Find a small moment that’s funny or joyful. Could be a squirrel in a silly pose, an excited pet, or a leaf swirling in the wind.

9. Something Nature Is Doing Today That You Appreciate

Look for something that makes you stop suddenly and say, “Hey look at that!” Could be dramatic (a pink sunset sky) or tiny (a bird collecting seeds). 

10. Something You Want to Remember About Today

Make note of anything worth holding onto. It can be strange, funny, comforting, beautiful, peaceful, or chaotic — alone in nature or together with others. 

11. Gratitude

Think about something not on this list that makes you grateful, and write it down. It could be big or small, whatever comes to mind.