Letters to Camp

Here at the Letters to Camp Blog, we are always looking for new ways to add humor to letters to your camper. So we scoured our favorite AI tools, free Google AI search, free Microsoft Copilot, free ChatGPT, and the paid version of Claude. We’ve included sources where available. Following are our top selections that are unexpected, engaging, and fun.

As always, we recommend that you pick and choose what is most appropriate for your child based on their interests and age. We hope these provide some great ideas for you to create your own unique letters and emails!

Different Approaches to Your Letter

• Be playful: Use exaggerated language, goofy metaphors, and pretend drama (e.g., “The dog tried to take over the house. We had to negotiate with treats.”). Source: Microsoft Copilot.
  
• Lean Into the silly: Kids love absurdity. Use exaggeration, fake news from home, or over-the-top scenarios to make them laugh. Example: “The cat has taken over your room and declared it an independent nation. We now need a passport to clean it.” Why It Works: Humor can reduce anxiety and help kids feel emotionally safe Source: ChatGPT based on American Camp Association (ACA).
  
• Write from a different perspective — Consider writing a letter from the viewpoint of a family pet, a favorite toy, or an inanimate object in your house (like a talking refrigerator or a mischievous sock) Source: Google AI search. And we LOVE dog letters here at the Letters to Camp Blog.
  
• Send letters in a secret code — Create a simple code and include the key, allowing them to decode the message. Source: Google AI search based on Catalina Island Camps.
  
• Make letters visually fun — Doing things out of the ordinary is a fun and easy way to make receiving a letter much more fun. This includes using multicolored pens or markers, silly envelopes, or stickers Tips for Sending Fun Letters to Kids at Sleepaway Camp. Type the letter in funny fonts or backward, or hand-write it in a circle or in a bunch of different colors. Source: Claude AI.
  
• Add special touches — Include funny postcards or magazine clippings you know they’ll enjoy Tips for Sending Fun Letters to Kids at Sleepaway Camp. Make up a code, and send the key along with the letter 10 Fun Letters to Send Your Camp Kid – Catalina Island Camps or try origami paper. Your summer overnight camper can look forward to unfolding cranes and frogs to read the message you have crafted 10 Fun Letters to Send Your Camp Kid – Catalina Island Camps. Source: Claude AI.

Funny Things to Include When Writing Your Camper

• Create a “Top 10” list — Compile a humorous list, such as “Top 10 Foods We’ve Been Eating While You’re Gone” (include some truly unappetizing items), or “Top 10 Parent Activities While You’ve Been at Camp” (e.g., cleaning closets, organizing the garage). Source: Google AI search based on Gold Arrow Camp , Pali Adventures, Camp Walt Whitman, Sunshine Parenting, and the Momling at the Well Trained Mind Community.
  
•  Include a Joke or Riddle — “Why did the camper bring string to camp? To tie up loose ends!” Source: Microsoft Copilot.
  
• Create a playful, low-stakes “crisis” — Invent a silly problem at home that you “need their help” to solve. This empowers your child, makes them feel important, and puts them in on the joke. It subtly reinforces their capable role in the family, which can be a confidence booster. Example: “We have a serious situation. The squirrels in the backyard have learned how to open the bird feeder and are throwing lavish parties every afternoon. We need your expert opinion: should we try to reason with them or build a tiny water balloon catapult? Your strategic input is vital.” Source: Google Gemini.
  
• Use inside jokes and shared humor — Inside jokes reinforce connection and comfort. Example: “Don’t worry, the Red Sox still haven’t won. You’re not missing anything—except maybe Dad yelling at the TV.” Why It Works: According to Psychology Today, shared laughter strengthens relationships and builds trust—even through letters. Source: ChatGPT.
  

Use of AI

Each bullet is an excerpt from an actual AI prompt, “Share tips for writing funny letters to a child at overnight camp and include sources.” You can see the full prompts and responses here:

• ChatGPT
• Claude AI
• Google AI search
• Google Gemini
• Microsoft Copilot

The blog was ideated and organized by the writer without AI assistance. The images are original and were clearly generated by Google Gemini as indicated by “ai” and the “dog-scratch below.” Which is why the best letters come from real people!