Rocks project brings people together to spread kindness  

As the summer season winds down, a fond memory for many people in Tioga County and surrounding communities will be the time they spent painting rocks, hunting for rocks, and posting photos of their rock finds on social media.

Many rock-painting enthusiasts held rock parties, too, and all in an effort to gather together family and friends to do a fun, low cost activity that promotes kindness. From parks to restaurants to village streets, and quirky spots in between, painted rocks are being placed nearly everywhere.

For Nerissa Bess, a group administrator of Tioga County Rocks, it was her eight-year-old son, Darrison, after finding his first rock on April 15 in Susquehanna County, Pa., that initiated their interest in joining that group, and then subsequently joined Broome County Rocks as well. Tioga County Rocks was started shortly after, and four-year-old son, Gabriel, also joined in on the fun.

Young people up to age 15 comprise the majority of individuals creating and placing kindness rocks from the Tioga County group, but the activity includes all ages.  

Nearly 3,500 people are part of the Tioga County Rocks Facebook group today, along with followers on Instagram.  

Massachusetts resident, Megan Murphy, is credited with starting the Kindness Rocks Project in February 2015, which has caught on all across the country. As a way to give back to her community, Murphy’s idea began by placing rocks along the beaches of Cape Cod, in hopes that the messages left would make someone just a little bit happier.   

Bess commented, “I hope this trend lasts. I think it will be hard to keep it going during inclement weather, but hope, too, that our painters will stockpile their creations so we have an influx to hunt for in the spring!”

Regarding the level of creativity, Bess said, “I didn’t realize how much talent some people have!”

From exotic patterns to intricately detailed rock designs, to fun rocks that look like ice cream cones and ladybugs, smiley faces and hearts, and to the summer-like flip flop rock found on the doorstep at the Owego Pennysaver office, to even quilt patterns that divide sections for others to finish, the imagination is endless.

Many rocks hold inspirational messages, too, such as “In Memory Of,” “Shoot for the Moon,” “Keep Your Head Up,” or simply, “Smile,” or, “You Rock.” Other sentiments such as “Faith, Hope and Love,” “Be Happy” and even “Welcome to the River” are examples of messages shared.  

Some basic rules apply, such as keep rocks outside and don’t place them directly in a grassy area that requires mowing, and double-check if there are rules associated with placing rocks at specific locations. Before painting, wash the rocks so paint can adhere, and be sure to use paint that will not wash off during heavy rain.  

In addition to snapping photos of rock finds, some people placing rocks leave hints as to where they have left them. A rock hunter can either relocate a rock or keep it, but if it’s kept, the finder should reciprocate by creating a rock for someone else. Many people have even taken rocks on vacation or other trips away from home, in hopes to learn how far it traveled once found.

Bess mentioned that some people have expressed disappointment when they don’t see their rock posted on social media, or wonder if it was kept rather than relocated.

She explained, “You have to go into this knowing that when you place your rock you may never see it again. The project is about spreading kindness. So, if you see it posted, that’s a bonus,” adding, “If someone liked your rock enough to keep it, you’ve done your job.”

For more information, find Tioga County Rocks on Facebook and Instagram, or view the website, www.kindnessrocksproject.com.