Rockin’ Summer

Summer offers freedom for students.  Homeschooled students are no exception.  But what is a mom to do when days of fun in the sun turn your kiddos into grumps in the dumps?   Especially when mom needs a brain break, the boredom bug has bitten and the whines have commenced?  I want this… I think that…  I need this…  aye!

Here’s one activity my family discovered that took the focus off of self and onto others while having a blast.

Rocks of Kindness

Here’s how it works:

Find Rocks:

Gather an assortment of rocks.  Smooth is best but the kind really doesn’t matter.  You can purchase them from the dollars story or local rock supplier.  I think it’s more fun to seek them out on your own property or on nature walks.  My kids are constantly on the lookout from their next stoney canvas.

Paint Rocks:

Next, gather painting supplies.  Acrylic paint works wonderfully and the $5 palette at Hobby Lobby works wonderfully for your day of art.  Some painters use old nail polish.

After that, you paint.  Paint words.  Paint landscapes.  Make creatures.  Make puns.  Whatever you feel would bring a spark of happy to the one who will find your rock.   Let the rocks dry.  You make want to seal them prior to hiding. This can keep your rock art fresher for longer.  We use Mod Podge.

Hide Rocks.

Now the time has come to hide your rocks.  This is where people get opinionated.  The original purpose of rock hunting is to get kids involved with simple art projects while creating opportunities for random acts of kindness.

So there are two parties:    Those who strictly hide for the pleasure of spreading joy.  And those who hide for kindness and seek for fun.

Whichever party you align with find an interesting place to hide your rocks and then go do it.  My family both hides and seeks.  We like to spread the love around and make it a day of play.

Find Rocks.

On Facebook, there are multiple community-based groups dedicated to rock hiding.  In our town, the page is used to give hints leading to hidden art and also to display rocks you have found.  This is fun.  Kids get to see a tiny bit of the impact their creations have made on others.  Some groups even host community painting and community hiding days.  Look it up.  Usually, groups are listed with a city name followed by Rocks.  Like  CoronaRocks or KalispellRocks.

Fb is the easiest way to guide your kids through their rock treasure hunt but you can also turn a simple walk in the park to a search for these hidden gifts.

Share Rocks.

Once you’ve discovered a rock you can keep it, re-hide it, or share it on your FB group.

Our family has a small jar of rocks that have touched our hearts when we’ve found them.  Our personal rule is to give back more than you take.  So, if we’re having a strictly hunting evening with dad and we find 5 rocks we intentionally make and hide 5 more and usually one extra per family member.

Repeat! 🙂

A rock hunt can fill up an otherwise boring afternoon or it can make family evening hours an adventure.  We like to pack up or pick up a few fun snacks and drive around following the clues on our community FB page.

But painting rocks can take an entire day.  Painting spurs conversation.  It helps us unwind at night.  It keeps us out of the midday sun. It takes little to no planning and can incorporate guests or can be done alone. I love how it takes the focus off our own boredom or lack and spins it into a creative way to love our neighbor and to share a smile with a stranger.

Here’s hoping you have a rockin’ summer!