Write to a Camper

Our son leaves for 3 weeks at sleepaway camp tomorrow. He'll only be two hours away, but psychologically (on both sides) it is a much longer and harder trip. I've been encouraging as many friends and family as possible to drop him a line. So my thought for the day is...

WRITE TO A CHILD AT CAMP.

I bet you can easily find one--a neighbor, your child's classmate, a child you teach in Sunday school, maybe even a child who your church or synagogue is sponsoring for camp. If you attended camp, you know the thrill when there is a piece of mail--any kind of mail!--for you. As I am telling everyone, it is truly the quantity, not the quality, that counts when it comes to camp mail.

There are a few thoughts floating out there about what a camp letter should and should not contain. Falling Creek Camp, where my son is headed, makes this suggestion:

"When you write to your son, it is helpful to center your attention on what the child is doing at camp rather than detailed accounts of what is happening at home. In all cases, be sure to set a positive and encouraging tone."

Don't dwell on "we miss you so much" or "the dog keeps looking in your room for you." Sharing a funny story from your memories of camp is probably much safer. You don't want the child crying after reading your letter, after all. If you see an interesting newspaper article or funny comic, be sure to tuck that in. That's a fun read during quiet time in the cabin.

Some camps, like Falling Creek, allow you to email campers. In our case, the email is printed out and delivered to the camper, so it really counts as actual mail. This is a great way to be in touch if you are a on-the-spot, cross-it-off-my-list kind of person. You may need to get permission from a parent to be on the email list for a camper. I purchased "e-stamps" from Falling Creek's online mail partner and I emailed one or two off to grandparents, aunts & uncles, and anyone who I thought might be interested in sending a note.

Happily, we aren't even allowed to send packages, so I don't have to worry about that. However, if you are in touch with a child who CAN receive packages, make sure you check with the camp to see what their policies are regarding them. Most camps forbid sending food these days, even though we all remember the pride when Mom send Rice Krispy treats for the whole cabin.

PS Also, don't forget The Summer Camp Fund, which provides scholarships for local children to attend outdoor day and overnight camps. Partners in Out-of-School Time (POST) administers the program, partnering with the Charlotte Observer.

To do: If you don't have a camper of your own, seek out a camper and send a random note. Mail is mail!