Spreading Kindness Across Bournemouth – with #ShootsStones

This summer, Shoots Training is inviting nurseries, families, and early years communities across Bournemouth to take part in a heartwarming new initiative: the Shoots Stones campaign.

In a world that can often feel fast-paced and disconnected, Shoots Stones is a creative and joyful reminder of the power of kindness, expression, and community. The campaign encourages children and early years settings to decorate and hide colourful stones carrying uplifting messages around Bournemouth – messages that can brighten someone’s day and create moments of unexpected delight.

What is the #ShootsStones Campaign All About?

The concept behind Shoots Stones is simple, but its potential to make a meaningful impact is huge. Children are encouraged to decorate small stones with artwork and words like “Kindness,” “Joy,” and “Grow.” These stones are then hidden in parks, beaches, and green spaces around Bournemouth for others to find. Whether it’s a toddler on a nature walk or a parent enjoying a day in the park, stumbling across a painted stone becomes a moment of connection – and a visual reminder that positivity is all around us.

Each stone proudly features Shoots Training’s hashtag #shootsstones, making it a small but powerful extension of their mission: to support and uplift early years education in ways that are engaging, inclusive, and rooted in real-world learning.

Partnering with Tops Day Nurseries to Make It Meaningful

Shoots Training is also thrilled to be working closely with their sister company, Tops Day Nurseries, to bring this campaign to life. Children in Tops settings across the region will be painting their own #ShootsStones and helping hide them across Bournemouth. By involving children directly, the campaign becomes more than just a creative project – it’s a chance for young minds to contribute to something bigger than themselves.

It’s also a wonderful opportunity to promote emotional literacy, confidence, and self-expression – all of which are at the heart of Shoots Training’s approach to early years development. Giving children a way to spread joy and see the impact of their actions helps build empathy, pride, and a lasting connection to their community.

#ShootsStones invites you to Get Involved

Getting involved is easy, and open to everyone. Nurseries, families, and childminders are invited to:

• Paint positive, colourful stones with children
• Hide them in outdoor public spaces around Bournemouth
• Share their creations or discoveries on social media by tagging #ShootsStones

There will even be a chance to win small prizes through a photo competition at the end of the summer, encouraging even more families and settings to join in.

#ShootsStones – Why it Matters

At its core, the #ShootsStones campaign is about more than art – it’s about connection, confidence, and childhood. It aligns beautifully with Shoots Training’s ethos: learning that is hands-on, emotionally supportive, and rooted in real experience. As children create and hide their stones, they’re not just crafting – they’re contributing. And when others find those stones, they’re reminded of the power of community and positivity. It is also a chance for adults to dig deep and reconnect with their inner child.

This summer, whether you’re painting your first stone or discovering one tucked beneath a tree, you’re part of something bigger – a growing movement of kindness and creativity spreading through Bournemouth, one stone at a time.

Shoots Training are here to help support train your Early Years team – CLICK HERE to talk to one of our experts.