Empathy Walk Leader Guide Camp Leader Field Guide
Empathy Walk
A 30-Minute Journey into the Heart of Kindness
Grades 3-5 Target Age
30 Minutes Duration
Kindness Core Value
The Mission
To teach campers that listening is a form of kindness. In a world that loves to give advice and "fix" things, we are practicing the art of simply being there for someone else.
Trail Map
1
The Connection (5 Mins)
Gather campers in a circle. Pair them up with someone outside their usual friend group.
"Today, we aren't just walking with our feet. We're walking with our hearts. We’re going to practice a special kind of kindness called 'Heart Listening'."
2
Round One: Sharing (5 Mins)
Identify Person A and Person B. Start the walk at a slow, gentle pace.
Person A shares: Talk about something that has been hard lately (a worry, a mistake, or a sad moment).
The Listener's Rule: Person B only listens. No advice. No "me too." No interrupting.
3
The Safe Phrases
Teach campers the only things they are allowed to say if they need to speak:
"I hear you."
"That sounds hard."
4
Switch Roles (5 Mins)
Signal for the pairs to switch. Now Person B shares, and Person A practices Heart Listening.
5
Base Camp Reflection (10 Mins)
Regroup in a circle. Sit on the grass or on a log.
Leader Prompts:
• "How did it feel to be listened to without someone trying to fix your problem?"
• "How did it feel to *just* listen? Was it hard to stay quiet?"
• "Why is quiet listening a form of kindness?"
Leader Pro Tips
Pace is Key: Encourage a very slow walk. It helps the conversation feel more natural and less rushed.
The "Wait" Rule: If a camper finishes sharing early, they should walk in silence until the timer is up. Silence is okay.
Heart Listening Poster The Golden Rule of Kindness
Heart Listening
True kindness starts with being quiet.
1
Eyes On
Look at the person who is speaking. Let them see you are there.
2
Zip the Lips
No advice. No stories. Just witness their words.
3
Heart Open
Think: "I am walking with you. You are not alone."
If you must speak, say:
"I hear you."
"That sounds hard."
Kindness in Silence
Empathy Walk Pocket Cards Empathy Walk
1. Pair Up: Mix up friend groups.
2. Person A: 5 mins sharing something hard.
3. Person B: Just listen. No advice.
Safe Phrases Only:
"I hear you." / "That sounds hard."
Leader Pocket Guide
Empathy Walk
1. Pair Up: Mix up friend groups.
2. Person A: 5 mins sharing something hard.
3. Person B: Just listen. No advice.
Safe Phrases Only:
"I hear you." / "That sounds hard."
Leader Pocket Guide
The Regroup
1. How did it feel to be listened to without advice?
2. How did it feel to JUST listen? Was it hard to stay quiet?
3. Why is quiet listening a form of kindness?
Circle Discussion Prompts
The Regroup
1. How did it feel to be listened to without advice?
2. How did it feel to JUST listen? Was it hard to stay quiet?
3. Why is quiet listening a form of kindness?
Circle Discussion Prompts
Heart Listening Journal Page Heart Listening Journal
Camp Activity: Empathy Walk
Name:
Date:
When I was the SPEAKER...
How did it feel to have someone just listen to you without giving advice or trying to "fix" your problem?
When I was the LISTENER...
What was the hardest part about staying quiet? Did you feel like you wanted to say something? What happened instead?
Kindness in the Quiet
Finish this sentence in your own words:
"Listening is a form of kindness because..."
Kindness Symbol
Draw a quick symbol that represents "Heart Listening" to you.
