Family Camping

Make a Family Vision Board for the New Year

Tiffany Doerr Guerzon

A vision board — also called a dream board — is a collection of images that represent your goals and dreams for the future. These collages aren’t just pretty to look at; they also function as visualization tools. Visualization, or imagining an activity, is a powerful exercise that helps you better see and plan for your goals. By seeing a vision board regularly, you engage in a visualization exercise without even having to think about it.

Plus, vision boards aren’t just for grown-ups! Creating vision boards together as a family can be a fun, inspiring activity. Not only will this project spark discussion; it’s also a great tool for both setting goals and imagining dreams.

Manila file folders work well as a base for the collages because the small size takes up less space. They can also stand on a nightstand like a large greeting card. For a family board, a large poster board works best, if you have the space to display the final product. Read on for directions on how to get crafting on this family project.

What you need:

Poster board or manila file folders

Magazines to cut images and words from

Scissors

Glue sticks

Markers

Paper and pen

How you make it:

1. Set the scene. Ask everyone to put away their phones and other electronics. Have supplies ready and clear a space for creating, such as a kitchen table. You could even play soft music and light a candle to set a mood for dreaming!

2. Begin by brainstorming. Hand out paper and pencils and then ask family members to quickly think of the goals they have for the upcoming year. Write them down. Goals should be attainable in a short period of time. For example, consider something short-term like “make better grades” or “improve in a sport.”