“Sometimes I wish I could photosynthesize so that just by being, just by shimmering at the meadow’s edge … I could be doing the work of the world while standing silent in the sun.” — Robin Wall Kimmerer

The winter solstice — the longest night of the year — has always felt like a little pause at camp. The frost clings to the pines and the meadows are still. There’s a hush, a quiet that invites us to notice the world around us, and to notice ourselves within it.

5 Gentle Invitations to Deepen Camp Calm

1. Create a Solstice Ritual at Home

Light a candle or lantern, go for a sunrise or sunset hike/walk, bring fresh evergreen inside. Even a tiny ritual can anchor the day and invite reflection and memories as a family, like the quiet moments we treasure at camp.

2. Notice the Natural World

Walk the neighborhood, your yard, or a local trail. Listen to the wind, feel the air on your cheeks, notice the way nature responds to this shortest day. At camp, we slow down to hear and see these details — you can bring that same presence home.

3. Share a Moment of Gratitude

Invite your child, partner, or a friend to share one thing they noticed this year that brought them joy. Small moments of acknowledgment, laughter, or storytelling can ripple warmth through your household — like a campfire glow on a chilly evening.

4.  Give the Gift of Time and Presence

Skip the screens for one day this week. Bake cookies together, go on a short hike, make a craft, play a game, or do a puzzle. Experiences and attention often leave more lasting impressions than physical gifts, echoing the camp philosophy of shared, meaningful time.

5.  Pause, Reflect, and Breathe

Set aside 10 minutes once or twice this week to step away from devices and the hustle and bustle around you. Sit quietly, breathe, notice sounds and light, or journal your reflections. These small pockets of stillness are like the hidden corners of camp — always there to return to anytime you need them.

The solstice reminds us that even in the longest nights, the light always returns. Step into it, notice it, and bring a little camp calm into your days. If you’d like, revisit our first blog on gentle pauses to continue weaving small, grounding moments into your daily rhythm.

With care,
Anna from Mountain Meadow Ranch Summer Camp