Surprise! Whether you’re a parent, relative, or friend of a camper, writing letters to camp can be easy, quick and fun. And you can write letters to overnight or sleepaway camp in just five easy steps!
Of course letters to camp are an ideal way (often the only way) to share the latest news, stories and jokes and to build a special bond with your camper – whether the camper is your own child, grandchild, niece, nephew, cousin or friend. And most camps will tell you that letters to camp are also a great way to help your camper to have a great summer camp experience
Before you begin, be sure that you have the correct camp address and address instructions for your camper (for example, Mikey Smith, Bunk #B-3 or Michael Smith – Cabin #23).
There are five things you want to do in a letter to camp:
- Say hello
- Ask questions
- Share the latest “news”
- Tell a joke or share something special
- Encourage your camper
Read on for details and examples.
#1: Say hello
Let’s take care of the easy stuff first. Start with a greeting to your camper such as
Dear Michael,
Hi Mikey!
Hey kiddo!
Now add in a few opening comments:
Great to hear from you last week.
We’re so happy to hear that you’re having a great time at camp this year.
Congratulations – you’ve just completed the first part! Now on to the juicy stuff.
#2: Ask questions
Of course you want to know what’s going on at camp, so let’s start off with a few questions. With any luck, your camper might even answer your questions in their next letter. No matter though – questions let you express interest in your camper’s experience.
What’s your favorite part of camp so far?
Which contests did you do in the color war?
We can’t wait to hear about your new friends at camp.
What activities did you sign up for?
#3 Share the latest “news”
Campers want to know what’s happening at home. Which is funny since there’s usually a whole lot less going on at home than at camp. But that’s OK because this is your chance to share some news about home, family and friends. Go light on activities your camper might regret missing like baseball games or water/amusement park outings.
Yesterday the weather was sunny in the 80s. Dad and I woke up at 7 and walked the dog. Dad went off to work and got home at about 7. Your grandparents came over (they look great and say hello by the way) and we all went to that new Italian restaurant on Main Street. We enjoyed the shrimp scampi. It was getting cool at night so we just went home after dinner. Today is Saturday so we’re off to visit Aunt Martha in Maple Village. We’ll tell you more in our next letter.
#4: Tell a joke
Most kids enjoy humor – jokes, riddles and funny stories, especially those they can share with their friends at camp. Check out the jokes post for more ideas.
- Question: What’s a good time to go to the dentist? Answer: At tooth-thirty! (Yahoo! Kids)
- A funny news headline: Red Tape Holds Up New Bridge (Aha Jokes)
- Knock Knock. Who’s there? Dewey. Dewey who? Dewey have to listen to all this knocking! (Az kids Net)
By the way, this is also a great place to share something special with your camper like the French/Spanish/Chinese/SAT/word of the day, bible verse of the day, sports scores etc. For more ideas, see Not-So-Obvious Letter Ideas and A Joke A Day Makes A Happy Camper.
#5 Encourage your camper
As you wrap up your letter, make sure to include some encouragement for your camper. The camper owns their experience at camp, but this is your chance to support them and to help them think about what a great experience they’re having. And yes, it doesn’t hurt to throw in a final plug for letters from camp.
I know this is going to be your best summer yet at Camp Awannagohome. I can’t wait to hear about all of your great activities in your next letter! We love you very much.
Love, Mom and Dad
Well, it sounds like your camping trip was fantastic. We’re sure you’ll get over poison ivy in no time and please remember not to itch because that only makes it worse. We love you sooooo much.
— Mommy and Daddy
I can’t believe that camp will be over in just 5 days. Have a great time and enjoy the final banquet!
Always, Mom and Dad
That’s it – letters to camp in five easy steps. You don’t need to be a professional writer to create a great letter. Just be yourself, have fun, be creative, and above all else, write! Check out the rest of the letters to camp blog for more tips on how to write great letters to your campers.
Letters to Camp 
Hey that’s nice. I learnt so many things which I dint know. Thanks for this Blog.
Thanks for your blog. After I got the information from the camp about what not to say I wondered, what was left that I could say. Since they don’t suggest saying “Miss You” or sharing what you are doing without them, it was clear I’d be at a loss. Your site has pointed me in the right direction and now I have ideas of what to say.