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
limousine airport Glendale Heights .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareI am in pain. I've been in pain all day.... Read More
Individualism is a common thing in today's modern society. Many... Read More
If your child or teen has been diagnosed with Attention... Read More
When my daughter was born, I must admit there was... Read More
Successful families don't just happen. They take time, talent and... Read More
Although, not a well publicized statistic, childhood obesity has more... Read More
I look out of the window as I am writing... Read More
It can be difficult on all family members to have... Read More
Although many parents are concerned with our children's intelligence quotient... Read More
John was a 43 year-old sales manager at a large... Read More
Here is an easy, inexpensive and fun kid experiment for... Read More
MYTH: All teens have to rebel, and the teen years... Read More
I had my first two children on either side of... Read More
This past holiday season Canadians spent over $45 billion-with parents... Read More
The debate in many towns continues throughout this country about... Read More
"Just turn the lights off and go to sleep"Do you... Read More
It was no contest. Given a choice between a ball... Read More
We want our children to do the right thing, especially... Read More
Most research into children's friendships shows that those children who... Read More
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the phrase that is... Read More
One of parents' most important duties is to protect their... Read More
Did you know that cooking with your kids is a... Read More
Fall marks the beginning of many new things both for... Read More
Parents of hyperactive children know the "Would you please just... Read More
An Awesome Dad in by no means perfect. But that... Read More
Lincoln Stretch rentals Willowbrook ..Do you think you really know your child? I don't... Read More
When I was pregnant, we knew that we had some... Read More
(Isaiah 11:6 KJV) The wolf also shall dwell with the... Read More
Jason Meridith's two-year old son whines when he wants more... Read More
Do you know what these famous people have in common?Alexander... Read More
"Will my doubts and fears affect my child?" This father... Read More
Homes should be run by parents, not children. So many... Read More
Several similar terms describe the central attribute of a character... Read More
I recall somewhere in the recesses of my aging brain... Read More
"You can learn many things from children. How much patience... Read More
How would you like to have a closer relationship with... Read More
The cost of being a parent and raising a child... Read More
The disquieting behavior of teenagers in the 21st century, is... Read More
I've learned numerous, important lessons on life, motherhood and men... Read More
Ever feel like you're out of the loop when it... Read More
Optimists do better academically, socially and enjoy better health than... Read More
Bi-Polar Disorder, or Manic Depression, is characterized by mood swings,... Read More
Parents of hyperactive children know the "Would you please just... Read More
Here we will come to know who are the most... Read More
Your Virgo Baby..August 23 - September 22Virgo children are honest... Read More
After giving up my profession to become a wife, a... Read More
During the assessment process it is of great importance for... Read More
I used to have a really challenging job. It was... Read More
What is a parenting problem?Parenting is a tough job, we... Read More
Traditionally, babies have been named at a christening/baptism.... Read More
Parenting |