The Guitar Pick: Kindness on Purpose

In October, Project Kindred hosted its first ever Kindred Family Reunion. It was an incredible day filled with joy, community, and memories from the summer. Campers got to see summer friends and hangout with some of their favorite counselors while tie-dyeing, playing volleyball, making melty beads, and writing letters. It was a magical moment - and then something unexpected happened.

G is one of our amazing counselors from this past summer. Campers love hanging out with G because he listens to their stories, shares some of his own adventures, and always finds a way to build connections between young people. G is hardly ever seen without his guitar and a random piece of knowledge on hand. This summer, G lost a guitar pick out at camp. Three months later, at the family reunion, one of G’s campers presented him with a new guitar pick they found after camp. 

Kindness is not random; it is intentional and done purposefully. At Project Kindred, we encourage our campers to never stifle a generous impulse. We often think we must perform some grand gesture when choosing to be kind, but this young person did something so simple. A guitar pick is easily replaceable; but to find one, hold on to it, and then give it to someone you care for is truly inspiring. 

As we are approaching the giving season, we encourage you to live as our campers do. Can you imagine a Milwaukee where everyone chooses kindness on purpose every single day? That’s the Milwaukee that Project Kindred is building thanks to your support, generosity, and encouragement.

Do not stifle a generous impulse, because your generosity allows these opportunities to happen!