Express excitement about your camper’s adventures at camp. Ask to hear about his or her friends, counsellors, favourite activities, favourite meals, etc.
2. “I’m so proud of you for…”
Express pride in your child for trying something new, meeting new friends, accomplishing a specific goal, or just experiencing camp for the first time.
3. “It’s boring at home…”
Your child will want to hear news from home but doesn’t want to be missing out on anything exciting. Paint a picture of home that is humdrum: the weather report, chores you have done around the house, things happening at work. Please don’t talk about a vacation you’re taking unless you are absolutely certain that your child would rather be at camp than with you on vacation.
4. “Knock knock…”
Sending a list of jokes or puns is a good way to get your child smiling.
5. “The Blue Jays won last night…”
Sending reports or statistics from a favourite sports team can help your child feel part of the action, even when he or she is away at camp. You can talk about current events, but please refrain from passing on upsetting news about scary things that might be happening in the world. Camp is a protected bubble, and we can all use a break from the bad headlines.
If upsetting things happen in your family such as a relative’s serious illness or the death of a pet, please call the camp to discuss how and when to let your camper know rather than writing it in a letter or email.
As a general rule…
Campers want and need to hear that their parents love them, but if you talk about how much you miss them and how empty the house feels without them, it may cause them to feel guilty about being away. Every letter should remind campers that they are loved and supported, and that you are so thrilled to hear about the fun they are having at camp. Also, short notes sent daily are better than infrequent but detailed long letters. And a small care package always makes a camper smile.
Your camper’s email address is: camper@campkodiak.com and please put his or her first and last name in the subject line.
Shari has worked at Camp Kodiak since it began in 1991. She has been the Academic Director since 2010, and is one of the Camp Directors. During the year, Shari works for the Peel District School Board as a special education teacher. She earned her Masters of Education from Queen’s University.
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