Every child is a unique spark of potential, and Absolutely Incredible Kid Day® is an annual reminder to shine a little light on that spark. Held every third Thursday of March, the day encourages adults to do one simple but powerful thing: tell kids how incredible they are. 

That small act carries real weight. Research in child development shows that specific, positive praise can strengthen confidence, build emotional resilience, and even shape how children approach challenges in years to come.  

In a world where children face growing academic pressure, social challenges, and constant digital noise, a few sincere words of encouragement can have a lasting impact, making this simple tradition more relevant than ever.  

Created in 1997 by Camp Fire, a national youth development organization, the movement is led locally by Camp Fire North Shore in Lynn. For more than a century, it has supported young people through programs like after-school enrichment, teen leadership, summer camps, and outdoor nature preschools, while emphasizing the importance of social-emotional learning.  

Absolutely Incredible Kid Day® began as a letter-writing campaign within Camp Fire programs, encouraging adults to write messages to children to recognize their unique strengths. 

“This is a special day where we uplift all the young children in our programs,” says Laurie Hamill, CEO at Camp Fire North Shore. “It's simply a feel-good holiday. We ask family members, caregivers, community members, staff, and even elected officials to write letters telling children how amazing they are.” 

The movement has grown beyond Camp Fire, reaching over 115 million people in the past seven years. The goal isn’t to reward achievements or milestones; it’s to celebrate children for being themselves.  

“Growing up is hard,” says Kelly Trickett, Chief Operating Officer at Camp Fire North Shore. “With everything kids face every single day, anxiety, pressure, mental health challenges, this moment lets them hear how awesome they are. We want to show them that they're appreciated, loved, and truly amazing.” 

For many children, handwritten letters become treasured keepsakes. 

Laurie, who has worked with Camp Fire for more than a decade, has seen firsthand how emotional the experience can be. 

“I’ve seen parents and children in tears,” she says. “It can get very emotional because people are expressing just how much a child is loved and how important they are. The hope is that those words strengthen a child’s social and emotional well-being. That’s really what it all stems from.” 

In an era of quick texts and social media posts, the act of writing something down carries special meaning.  

“We’re almost desensitized to technology and social media,” Trickett explains. “When you actually write words on paper, the impact is much larger than a tag line or a quick post.”  

Encouragement does more than warm hearts; it has a measurable impact on children’s development. Research in child development shows that specific, positive praise can boost confidence, strengthen emotional resilience, and deepen connections between children and caregivers.  

You don’t need trophies or big achievements to show children they’re valued. Trickett explains: 

“Oh, you got a good report card, I’m proud of you. You wrote your name, I’m proud of you. You don’t need those moments to celebrate kids; it should just be built into what we do.” 

Don’t overthink what to say. Honest, heartfelt words have the greatest impact. Laurie advises:  

“Don’t be shy. Speak truthfully from your heart, and that will be the right thing to say to that child.” 

A simple note can leave a mark for years. Laurie shares how the tradition inspired her own family rituals:  

“After my first year seeing Incredible Kid Day, I started doing something new,” she says. “For my children’s birthdays, even though they’re adults now, I write something uplifting and personal in their cards each year.” 

Incredible Kid Day doesn’t have to be once a year. With a few small, intentional rituals, like a monthly lunchbox note, a bedtime reflection, a gratitude circle at dinner, or a simple sticky note on the mirror, encouragement can become part of everyday life. 

Think back to your own childhood. Chances are, a teacher, parent, coach, or mentor said something that stuck with you. Be that person for someone else. Kids need to be uplifted. They need encouragement, and they need to know they matter. 

Every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and celebrated. Today, take a moment. 

And remind a child, loudly and proudly: