Every summer our daughter goes to summer camp. She looks forward to it every year. I can't believe next summer will be her last opportunity to go to camp before she goes off to college.
Our daughter started going to summer camp when she was in middle school and has gone every year since. She finally graduated from camper and kitchen help to camp counselor this year. Every year I send her a care package with candy and other treats and she always looks forward to receiving it.
Our daughter just returned from spending two weeks on a ministry trip to Honduras, was home for one day, and then is going off to church camp for a week. I knew we wouldn't have much time to talk between trips, so I decided to write letters to her to send to her at camp.
I wrote to her about some of my day-to-day activities and about what she was missing in the news. I wrote about Hurricane Dennis and how worried I was for her so far away from home. I told her she was always in my prayers and how much I missed her.
Just in the two weeks she was gone she missed her baby brother's hair falling out and her brothers' first colds. I knew she missed her baby brothers very much and missed their baby hugs and kisses. I told her about what they were doing and that they missed her too.
Because we like to spend a lot of time talking about our spiritual lives, I shared with her what I had been learning in my daily devotions and shared what my prayers were for her.
I wrote three letters to my daughter to open on different days and included pictures of her brothers that she likes to carry around with her wherever she goes. I packaged up the letters with some candy and sent her care package off to her today.
If you decide to write to your child at camp, here are a few tips:
* If your children are young and this is their first time away from home, make sure to send several letters to let them know you're thinking about them and that you miss them.
* Have other family members write to your child also. Kids love to receive mail.
* If you have a child who would be embarrassed by letters from home, just send a care package with some of their favorite candy or other small items. One year I sent my daughter a pair of Sponge Bob boxer briefs, and they were the hit of the camp.
* Be creative with your packing. You can use a 2-liter pop bottle as a mailing container. Cut a slit in the side to place items in it and then tape over the slit. The kids will get a kick out of seeing what's in the bottle.
* Depending on how long it takes the mail to get to the camp or how long your child will be gone, you may have to mail the package the day your child leaves, or even before they leave.
* If you know any of the other kids at camp, like your child's closest friends, don't be afraid to send them a note or treat too. I often send thinking-of-you cards to some of my daughter's friends, and I know they love receiving mail from people other than their parents.
In this day and age, letter writing is becoming a dying art. If my daughter keeps the letters I wrote her someday they will be a special keepsake for her, capturing an exciting time in her life.
We don't always take the time to do little things for our kids or tell them how we feel about them. Writing to them at camp is a great way to keep in touch with them while also sending them a welcome treat.
Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom of four. For more inspirational articles and tips for everyday living, visit her web sites at http://www.creativehomemaking.com and http://www.creativehomemaking.com
whole house cleaning Deerfield ..``Mom, can I go to the mall with my friend... Read More
How would you like to have more time? Of course... Read More
In elementary school it's pretty straightforward: bringing in cupcakes to... Read More
Most of our Founding Fathers, including Ben Franklin, Sam Adams,... Read More
Saying no to our children is not always easy or... Read More
One of the most difficult struggles in life for a... Read More
I thought I was the only one in the world... Read More
Childhood friendships are as special as they are a necessary... Read More
I am in pain. I've been in pain all day.... Read More
Dear Sir, It was with some interest that I read... Read More
Public-school teaching is structured in such a way that it... Read More
It's a familiar scene: Kids screaming at each other, complaining... Read More
Dear Camille,As I thumb through the photographs that I carry... Read More
The Real Dangers to Kids Online and How to Avoid... Read More
Every children in the world whishes to have toys and... Read More
A parent writes in, ``We are having a hard time... Read More
At the ADHD Information Library we are big believers that... Read More
Grandparents, what better way to stay close to your grown... Read More
I still remember the scene vividly. I was getting out... Read More
There is no doubt that the benefits of being a... Read More
You know that children can get into trouble. The older... Read More
Vinegar or honey, what do kids really want? "Toys, candy,... Read More
Pool safety should be on the minds of every parent... Read More
Are your children truthful, kind, and helpful? If so, read... Read More
Imagine yourself lying flat on your back, totally strapped down... Read More
home cleaning services Des Plaines ..Self esteem in an important quality for all children to... Read More
John was a 43 year-old sales manager at a large... Read More
Do you struggle to get your child to bed at... Read More
Let's face it.The job market is getting tougher every day.Computerization... Read More
Back in college, I wrote for a five-day-a-week, award-winning campus... Read More
``Mom, can I go to the mall with my friend... Read More
Last night Tom's daughter, Sue, came out of her room... Read More
On one of her quarterly visits to see her grandson,... Read More
Despite serious reductions in funding for arts programs in... Read More
Let's be honest! When it comes to parenting, men expect... Read More
It's that time again! Parent-teacher conferences are coming. Are you... Read More
Although it might seem pretty corny to a lot of... Read More
Do you think you really know your child? I don't... Read More
"Get down from the table top right now! What are... Read More
WHEN AN INJURY HAPPENS AT CAMP, HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED... Read More
In the last 20 years we've all been introduced to... Read More
Start some gardening traditions with your kids. Give them their... Read More
One of the most important aspects of parenting, is ensuring... Read More
The cruel callous remarks made by our offspring can sometimes... Read More
Unfortunately each year many young children drown in swimming pools,... Read More
How many times have you flipped through the pages of... Read More
What are the easiest things citizens can do to prevent... Read More
Thank you to all of our professional educators who dedicate... Read More
Everyone loves penguins. And now, everyone has a chance to... Read More
There are only two ways to get more money:1) Increase... Read More
Parenting |