Gratitude is one of the most important strengths for human flourishing, it is defined as the quality of being thankful. Grateful people have a sense of abundance, an appreciation of simple pleasures and value the contribution of others to their well-being (Watkins & Bell, 2017). Numerous studies have been conducted on the impact gratitude has on a person’s satisfaction with life and their happiness. One such study conducted by Witvliet, Richie, Root Luna, & Van Tongeren, (2019) found that reflecting on past hopes and happiness strengthens a person’s current state of happiness and hope. Unanue et al, (2019) study aimed to find evidence of the relationship between gratitude and life satisfaction, the study states,

“Research has found that higher gratitude is associated with a better life, indexed as higher positive affect, self-esteem, positive emotions, optimism, autonomy, environmental mastery, relationships, personal growth, meaning in life, and self-acceptance. Gratitude has also been associated with lower ill-being in terms of negative affect, depression, anxiety, phobia, bulimia, addictions, negative emotions, dysfunctions, anger, and hostility.”

It is clear that gratitude is an important foundation for a thriving individual. To develop gratitude Thrive utilises reflection, appraisal and writing activities as well as debriefing experiences on the field. Many opportunities are given to experience challenges and gain perspective. In order to thrive, students will learn to view the world around them with a positive perspective, seeing that the glass is half full. Through a wholistic camp approach, campers will exercise empathy, whether it be relating to others navigating home sickness or rejoicing with those who have overcome an obstacle. Campers are encouraged to show their appreciation for each other throughout team activities and during debriefs. When challenging situations arise there is always something to be grateful for.

We require and desire meaningful relationships within our community. Studies show that students with positive peer relationships are more likely to excel in schools, are more adaptive and have an overall positive emotional well-being (Wentzel, 2017). Thrive aims to help students develop relationships that are not surface level but meaningful. Joseph Allen a psychology professor at the University of Virginia states,

“As technology makes it increasingly easy to build a social network of superficial friends, focusing time and attention on cultivating close connections with a few individuals should be a priority.”

To develop students’ skills in relationships the Thrive approach looks at areas and issues people often struggle to incorporate into relationships: integrity, compassion, trust and forgiveness. Camp activities requiring teamwork encourage students to be vulnerable and honest with their friends, to break down walls and allow a deeper connection to be built. The camp environment provides ample opportunities for students to invest in meaningful relationships that will enrich their lives in the present and prepare them for the future.

Antifragile people develop a mental and emotional capacity that allows them to adapt with ease during adversity, growing in strength under pressure like the immune system or muscular development. In some ways anti-fragility is closely related to the concept of resilience. However, resilience in individuals is the ability to bounce back from adversity, whereas anti-fragility is the ability to bounce back from adversity stronger than before. It helps to think of it like this – a fine wine glass is fragile, if you drop it on the ground it will break. However, a plastic cup, if dropped on the ground may bend or flex on impact but will immediately bounce back into its original form or shape. In this case the resilient cup has not been damaged by adversity nor has it developed a greater capacity to deal with adversity. Antifragile people grow in strength under pressure in the same way our muscles develop.

As you may have experienced, challenges can ‘make or break’ us and they are valuable for shaping and strengthening character. The camp environment creates opportunities for students to challenge themselves within a safe and supportive environment so that they can grow. Throughout our lives we are all subject to suffering to some degree and it is our choice what we do with that suffering. The Thrive approach endeavours to equip students to be able to grow from difficult situations in order to thrive.

“Antifragility is beyond resilience or robustness. The resilient resists shocks and stays the same; the antifragile gets better.” – Nassim Taleb

Spiritually aware people often have greater sense of meaning and higher levels of personal growth. Dr Harold G Koenig of Duke University concluded, based on an exhaustive analysis of more than 1500 reputable medical studies, that “people who are more religious and pray more have better mental and physical health” he went on to say that spiritual people, those who pursue divine assistance,” cope with stress better, they experience greater well-being…”. With this research in mind, students will be encouraged to take moments to slow down and be present at camp. The Thrive approach encourages students to find their place, to know that they belong in a community and have a meaningful role to play. Spending time with their peers outside of the four walls of their classroom allows students to unify on deeper levels and truly come to value each other’s company.

“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.”- Mother Theresa

Happiness happens when you give, not when you get (Max Lucardo, 2019). Those who give away, rather than those who hoard and accumulate, have a more developed awareness of happiness. Living generously has positive outcomes for both the giver and the recipient, regardless of age or culture. This principle does not only apply to material ‘things’ such as money, but when you give of your time, talents and resources. A thriving individual is one who understands that it is better to give than receive. Campers working in community with one another will have something positive to contribute. Throughout the Thrive Program students are given the opportunity to understand what talents they possess and how to harness these in order to become a contributing member of society.

“I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know. The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found – how to serve” – Albert Schweitzer