Summer Camp can be overwhelming
Did you go to summer camp as a kid? I did. I remember the first time with uncanny clarity. Long dirt road, dust clouds that covered the car, my heart was in my throat, too scared and nervous to say much at all.
Going to camp, staying overnight away from mom and dad can be scary. Not to mention trying to navigate the often strange, but fun camp traditions, new friends, campfire sing-alongs, dreading your turn to be the ‘gopher’ for your table in the dining room or tipping the canoe. All of it can be a bit overwhelming for a first time camper.
That’s where a letter or a postcard from home can help. I stumbled upon this camp stationery by my new Canadian paper friends at Ecojot that I think would be just perfect to send a camper a note from home. Aside from the creative, beautiful paper designs, what I love most about Ecojot is their GIVE program This is where a portion of sales goes towards providing writing tools for children in need around the world.
Tips on how to write your camper
Now, not everyone agrees with me on my thinking that a note from home while at camp is a good thing. Some dorm counsellors think that receiving a letter from home can make the situation worse; cause a waterfall of tears that could have been avoided.
But still, I can’t help but think a little something in familiar handwriting might help the heart.
Here are some tips to consider when writing a letter to your little camper when they are off on their own at camp:
1) First off, check in with the camp guidelines on whether or not sending a letter is permissible (may not be for reasons I mentioned above).
2) Hide little notes in their suitcase in funny spots – inside socks, underwear, pillow case.
3) The words you write should be upbeat and encouraging, wishing them to have a fantastic time (even if, as you write, you are crying your own eyes out)
4) Short and sweet so they won’t be asked what they are reading by fellow campers. Avoiding what might be an embarrassing situation for getting letters from ‘mommy.’
5) Include a journal for the camper so, if they want to respond to your notes/letters, they can do so right there in the journal. When they get home they can either give you the whole journal or rip out the various pages.
So, what is your opinion? Do you think sending cards/letters to a camper while away from home is a good thing?
Hi Barb,
My guys went to sleep-over camp for the first time this year. I included little surprises and notes for every day – a whoopee cushion, a glow stick for the campfire, Archie comics, Menchies lip balm, Mad Libs. They all had a purpose and they really loved them. I loved the notes they sent home too and the amazing hug when we picked them up 🙂
Hello there Dominique, What a big step, going to sleep-over camp! No doubt this was an adventure never to be forgotten. I love your practical ideas for sending along a little love from home (especially the Archie comics, I would have been all over that as a kid). Notes are hard to beat, but hug would do it! Sounds like a fantastic part of summer for your guys. Thanks for sharing all your good ideas with us.