As the clock resets and a new year begins, we often think about ways to improve ourselves. While adults focus on resolutions like eating healthier or exercising more, the new year is also a fantastic opportunity for kids to reflect on their growth and set meaningful goals. At Greenwood Trails, our summer sleepaway camp in the beautiful Berkshires of Connecticut, we see the incredible potential in every child—and the new year is the perfect time to nurture that potential at home.
At Greenwood Trails, kids set goals to achieve during their time at camp, whether it’s a 2-week session, 3-week session, 5-week session, or the full 7 weeks. Here are some resolutions to inspire your kids to build confidence, character, and a sense of adventure the rest of the year in 2025:
1. Try Something New
The new year is a chance to step out of our comfort zones! Encourage your child to try a new activity, hobby, or skill they’ve been curious about—whether it’s trying a new sport, taking a dance class, or learning to cook. At Greenwood Trails, kids learn that taking risks in a supportive environment helps them discover hidden talents and build resilience. Whether they’re coming to camp for a 2 week session, 3 week session, 5 week session, or 7 week session, kids are learning and growing tremendously every summer. Let’s bring that sense of adventure into the year ahead!
2. Practice Gratitude
Teaching kids to focus on what they’re grateful for can have a profound impact on their mindset. A simple habit, like writing down three things they’re thankful for each day, can help them cultivate positivity. At our summer camp in the Berkshires, we see how gratitude—for nature, for friends, for shared moments—enhances the camp experience. Let’s make it a part of everyday life, too.
3. Be a Better Friend
Social connections are essential for a child’s development. Encourage your child to set friendship goals—whether it’s reaching out to someone new at school, being a better listener, or resolving conflicts with kindness. At Greenwood Trails, we teach kids how to build meaningful relationships, and these skills can thrive year-round.
4. Help Out at Home
Campers take pride in contributing to their cabin and camp community. They do this by keeping their bunks clean during kapers, tidying up outside areas during rooster squads, helping set and clear their tables in the dining hall, and lots of other things throughout camp. Bring that same spirit of teamwork home! Encourage your child to take on age-appropriate responsibilities like feeding a pet, helping with dinner, or organizing their own space. It’s a resolution that builds independence and a sense of accomplishment.
5. Spend More Time Outdoors
In a world full of screens, a little outdoor time can do wonders for kids. Set a goal to explore nature as a family, whether it’s hiking, biking, or simply playing outside. At Greenwood Trails, kids thrive in the great outdoors of Connecticut, and we’ve seen how time in nature helps them recharge, spark creativity, and stay active.
6. Be Kind to Yourself
Kids can be hard on themselves, especially when they’re learning something new. Teach them to embrace a growth mindset by setting goals like, “I’ll keep trying even if I’m not perfect,” or, “I’ll celebrate my progress instead of focusing on mistakes.” Campers at Greenwood Trails often surprise themselves with what they’re capable of when they stop saying, “I can’t” and start believing they can. We always teach kids that FAIL stands for First Attempt In Learning, and it’s a good lesson to remember year-round.
7. Give Back
Acts of kindness can make a big impact, no matter how small. Encourage your child to set a resolution to help others—whether it’s volunteering, donating toys, or mentoring younger students. At Greenwood Trails, we emphasize the importance of community, and the new year is a great time to carry those lessons forward.
Helping Kids Stick to Their Resolutions
Kids thrive when they feel supported, so make these resolutions fun and achievable! Here are a few tips to keep them motivated:
- Be a Role Model: Share your own resolutions and work on them alongside your child.
- Celebrate Success: Acknowledge progress and celebrate milestones, no matter how small.
- Make it Visual: Create a chart or vision board where your child can track their goals.
- Focus on Fun: Keep resolutions lighthearted and enjoyable, so they feel like an opportunity rather than a chore.
At Greenwood Trails, our summer sleepaway camp in the Berkshires of Connecticut, we’ve witnessed how kids grow into their best selves when they feel empowered to take on challenges, try new things, and connect with others. New Year’s resolutions are an extension of the lessons we teach at camp, and they’re an amazing way for families to stay connected as they grow together.
Here’s to a year of growth, adventure, and joy for your family in 2025! What resolutions will you and your kids be making this year? Feel free to share your ideas—we’d love to hear them!
Campfully,
Owen
P.S. – Here’s an article with some more tips on setting New Year’s resolutions with kids: HEALTHY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS