Can AI Help You Write Better Letters to Your Camper: AI Prompts & Results

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ChatGPT Chat

Following is the text from my chat with ChatGPT. ChatGPT responses are in quotes.

Give me prompts to help you write a great letter to my son Mikey at overnight camp

Great idea! Here are some prompts to help you share the kind of details, stories, and feelings that will make your letter personal, meaningful, and memorable for your son:

1. What is your son like?

What are his favorite things about camp (or what do you think will be his favorites)?
Is he more adventurous, thoughtful, silly, curious?

2. What’s happening at home?

Any funny stories from home since he left?
Any updates from family members, friends, or pets?
Something you normally do together that feels different without him?

3. What do you want him to feel?

Reassured? Encouraged? Loved? Missed—but not too much?
Do you want to make him laugh or feel proud?

4. Any inside jokes or family traditions you can mention?

Shared catchphrases, nicknames, games?
A favorite family movie quote?
An ongoing competition (e.g., who can spot the weirdest bug)?

5. Anything you’re proud of or excited to hear about?

Is this his first camp? Are you proud of his independence?
Something new you hope he tries?
Do you want to encourage friendships or bravery?

6. What’s something to look forward to?

Plans for when he returns (e.g., special dinner, movie night, surprise outing)?
Anything fun coming up at home that he’d like to hear about?

Answer any of these you’d like (even just a few!), and I’ll turn your responses into a warm, custom letter he’ll want to read again and again.

Funny: Our dog Rufus made a mess of the paperclips
Mikey is curious
I miss when I go fishing
I want him to feel encouraged and loved
I want him to laugh Inside jokes: There’s always next season for the Red Sox!
This is his first time at camp – we are proud of him

Perfect! That’s a great detail—funny, homey, and something your son will probably laugh about. Here’s a draft of the letter with that detail worked in. Let me know if you want to add more or change the tone!

Hey Mikey,

How’s life at camp? I’ve been picturing you making new friends, trying all kinds of new stuff, and probably out-curious-ing everyone around you. (Yes, I just made that a word.) We are so proud of you for jumping into this big adventure—it’s your first time away, and I already know you’re doing great.

Things at home are… weird without you. I miss our fishing trips—even if we never catch anything, it’s just not the same without my favorite fishing buddy. Rufus clearly misses you too. He decided to explore the desk drawer and somehow turned a box of paperclips into modern art. I found one in my shoe this morning. He’s a menace… and your job when you’re home.

Also, you’ll be glad to know the Red Sox are doing exactly what they do best—disappoint us. There’s always next season, right?

I hope you’re laughing a lot, trying new things (maybe archery? canoeing? goat yoga?), and enjoying every minute. Keep being that curious, kind, brave guy we know and love. You’ve got this. We’re thinking about you every day and can’t wait to hear all your camp stories.

Sending a big hug (and a small package of paperclips, just in case Rufus missed a few).

Love you tons,
Dad

Want a shorter version? Or one that’s handwritten-style (more like something you’d scribble on camp stationery)? I can tweak it!

Please remove part about Rufus being a menace – he’s just funny, that’s all

Got it! Here’s the revised letter—same tone, just with Rufus portrayed as his charming, funny self:

Hey Mikey,

Things at home are… quieter and a little less fun without you. I really miss our fishing trips—even if we barely caught anything, it was always the best just hanging out with you by the water. And Rufus? He’s keeping things interesting. The other day, he somehow got into the desk drawer and turned a box of paperclips into his latest masterpiece. We’re still finding them in weird places. That dog cracks me up.

Also, in case you were wondering, the Red Sox? Still finding new ways to break our hearts. There’s always next season, right?

I hope you’re laughing a lot, trying new things (maybe archery? canoeing? goat yoga?), and soaking up the camp experience. Keep being that curious, kind, brave guy we know and love. We’re thinking about you every day and can’t wait to hear all your stories.

Big hug,
Dad

Use of AI in this blog post:

I conducted my own research of different conversational AI engines, and I wrote the first draft without AI. I used AI to make edits for clarity.

Letters to Camp