How to Send Email to Camp (and what to write)

By Jimmy Miller CBS Alumni & Parent

Camp mail is a paradox. Campers LOVE to receive it. They treasure it; hoard it; reread them day after day. These same campers will likely never write back. Embrace the one-sided relationship and send those letters, emails, and packages! Let’s talk about what to send and why.

Mail at Camp Balcones Springs is serious business. After lunch, cabins visit the CBS Post Office to pick up any emails, letters, or packages sent their way. Counselors will receive the stack, and distribute the mail on the way back to the cabins for Recharge (our rest period in the hottest part of the day). Back in the cabin, your camper will eagerly read your messages. It’s exciting to hear what’s happening at home, and be asked about their time at camp (even if they never intend to respond). Letters are a reminder that our family back home is thinking about us. It’s a connection point that says “I love and miss you.”

While physical mail and post cards are fun, email is your best friend. You can go into the parent portal, and write as many emails as you want. Camp staff will diligently print those emails out, and deliver them to your campers. I love the email method, because I can send something every day. For campers, it’s like getting a little gift after lunch.

What to write to your camper Depending on your child, a pretty good email structure goes like this: We miss you and hope you’re having fun Reference the camp blog/calendar to ask or remind them about a theme night Tell an anecdote from home about a sibling or a pet We love you

Here’s an example of that structure in action -

Hey [camper], Mom and I miss you so much, but we know you are having a blast at camp. I saw a picture of you at a dance last night and it looked CRAZY! You looked like you were busting a serious dance move. Someday you’ll have to tell me what song was playing to make you pop up into a handstand. I wish you had been here yesterday. You know how Rufus always chases the squirrels in our yard? Well last night, HE CAUGHT ONE. It was super gross. Your mom didn’t want to look at it at all. Rufus was so proud. He wagged his tail like he had finally achieved his lifelong goal. I love you and I’m proud of you. See you in a few days! Dad

In that framework you can also drop in other little nuggets. If your camper is a sports fan, send them score updates or trades. If your camper was excited about an activity, ask them how it’s going. Ask questions about their counselors and cabinmates. Ask them about team competition.

Another great thing to include in a letter is a picture. Campers love to see pictures of their parents, siblings, and pets. They will stick them on their beds and look at them every day.

One final note - Your camper will probably not write you back.

Here is why that’s a good thing. If your camper isn’t writing home, that means they are so preoccupied with having fun that they can’t slow down for even 5 minutes to scratch out a letter. Don’t take it personally. I only wrote letters home as a camper because my counselors made me.

If you want to better your chances, send your kids to camp with pre-stamped and addressed envelopes and Mad-Lib style letters. Maybe an envelope pre-addressed to a grandparent, best friend, your family pet. Make it easy for them. Here’s an example -

Dear _________,

I am having a ____________ time at camp. My counselors names are ___________ and ________. One of my best friends at camp is named ___________. My favorite activity so far has been __________. I love it because ___________________________.

Love _______________.

Remember this: Even if you make it easy, they still might not send the letters. That said, they love getting mail from you. Do your best to send letters and emails and do try to send at least one care package. Getting letters from home is part of the camp experience and it’s a great way for parents to participate. Don’t miss out!