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
Rolling Meadows Cadillac Escalade rental .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareI never dreamed that I would be in a position... Read More
Your child's leadership skills begin at the family dinner table.... Read More
Lets face it becoming a mum is a bit of... Read More
This is one of the most common questions asked of... Read More
So you want to be a mum? Every time you... Read More
Parents looking for a quick fix usually choose troubled teen... Read More
Lead is one of the most dangerous toxins a person... Read More
Home schooling. What is it? What does it mean to... Read More
Q. My teenage son is turning 16 early next year... Read More
It is not the divorce but the conflict arising after... Read More
Bedtime and children's sleep habits can cause nightmares - for... Read More
Every parent wants their child to develop positive character traits.... Read More
Perhaps I could make a lot of money by founding... Read More
The cruel callous remarks made by our offspring can sometimes... Read More
Memorabilia ? Children can create enough artwork for an entire... Read More
There are a few points about shyness in children which... Read More
OK, moms and dads out there, we hear you when... Read More
Speaking as a Michael (a Hebrew name, meaning "Who is... Read More
According to a September 2004 study by the RAND Corporation,... Read More
Fall marks the beginning of many new things both for... Read More
Homework. It doesn't have to be a daily battle of... Read More
This year alone, 1,600 teenagers aged 15 to 19 will... Read More
Being in a competitive world, the lowest qualification to secure... Read More
"The best blush to use is laughter: It put roses... Read More
Dear friends here we will charge up our mind with... Read More
Des Moines rental limo ..No matter how old your children are, you have an... Read More
When parents help their children learn to read, they help... Read More
Many parenting books advise against eating out with young children.... Read More
Teachers know that children thrive in an environment with routines,... Read More
We are all aware of the child obesity epidemic that... Read More
There has been much attention in the media of late... Read More
Rule #1 Make Every Bite Count!Everything your child eats should... Read More
Peaceful Parenting? ideas are very different from other kinds of... Read More
Why Me?"We should certainly count our blessings, but we should... Read More
It happens every year. Just when you are settled in... Read More
Thank you to all of our professional educators who dedicate... Read More
Everyone needs friends, and, as parents, you and I both... Read More
Parents of hyperactive children know the "Would you please just... Read More
Every year over one million parents have to talk to... Read More
We were all teens at one time for some many... Read More
Do you have a wild child? Then this article may... Read More
One of the most powerful tools that parents have for... Read More
Remember when cash was a tangible commodity in all of... Read More
"Setting the alarm on Sunday mornings is inhuman?..God should know... Read More
We were sitting in the family room. My kids had... Read More
Summer Survival The... Read More
"Walk through any toy store and you will see walls... Read More
Looking for an unusual and memorable gift? Why not preserve... Read More
Many children enjoy TV, and they can learn from it.... Read More
Does the homework battle so typical with your hyperactive or... Read More
Parenting |