How to Write Letters to Camp

Getting a letter at mail call is the highlight of a camper's day. But what you write—and how you write it—can either help your kid thrive or accidentally make homesickness worse.

Why This Actually Matters

In a world of instant messages, a physical letter is magical. It's something they can hold, re-read, keep under their pillow. But the wrong kind of letter can undercut their independence and make them feel like they're missing something at home.

What to Write: The Good Stuff

Keep the focus on THEM and their experience:

  • ✓

    Ask about their activities

    "Have you gone swimming yet? What's your favorite thing so far?"

  • ✓

    Express confidence in them

    "I know you're probably making friends already. You're good at that."

  • ✓

    Share boring updates

    "The dog is fine. I went grocery shopping. Your room is still messy." (Nothing exciting = nothing to miss)

  • ✓

    Be encouraging about challenges

    "If anything feels hard, that's normal. You've got this."

  • ✓

    End with something forward-looking

    "Can't wait to hear all your stories when you get home!"

What to Avoid: Common Mistakes

These well-meaning phrases can backfire:

  • ✗

    "We miss you SO much!"

    Makes them feel guilty for having fun and emphasizes what they're missing at home.

  • ✗

    "The house is so quiet/empty without you"

    Suggests that home isn't okay without them—puts pressure on them to come back.

  • ✗

    "Only 4 more days until you're home!"

    Countdown language focuses them on leaving rather than being present.

  • ✗

    "You're missing [fun event at home]"

    FOMO is real. Don't create it. Save exciting news for after camp.

  • ✗

    "Are you okay? Are you eating enough? Are you sad?"

    Anxiety in your letter becomes anxiety in their mind.

Sample Letters

For a First-Time Camper (Day 1-2)

Hey buddy!

Hope you found your cabin okay and your bunkmates are cool. By the time you read this, you've probably already done a bunch of stuff I can't wait to hear about.

Things here are pretty normal. Dad is watching baseball. The dog misses having someone to throw the ball for her. Nothing exciting happening here—all the exciting stuff is happening where you are!

I know you can handle anything this week throws at you. You're braver than you think. Have fun at the lake!

Love, Mom

For Mid-Week

Hi sweetie!

I've been wondering what activities you've tried. Did you do the ropes course yet? I bet you crushed it.

It rained here yesterday. Pretty boring. Your brother ate the last of the Oreos, so I guess we'll have to get more before you get home.

Only a few more days of camp adventures left—make the most of it! I want to hear all the stories when you get back.

Love you lots, Dad

From a Younger Sibling

Hey sissy!

Mom is making me write this but I actually wanted to anyway. Your room is weird without you but don't worry I'm not going in there.

Are there bugs? I bet there are bugs. Tell me if you see any cool bugs.

See you soon!

—Your brother (the best one)

Pro Tips from Camp Veterans

Write letters BEFORE camp and mail them early

Some camps are remote—mail can take 3+ days. Write and mail letters the week before so they arrive on time.

Send pre-stamped, addressed envelopes

If you want letters back, make it easy. Include envelopes ready to go.

Stickers and drawings are gold

Especially for younger kids. A silly doodle means more than fancy words.

Include something small but fun

A comic strip, a photo from home, a riddle they can share with their cabin.

One letter per day is plenty

Don't overwhelm them. Quality over quantity.

Grandparents can write too

Coordinate so they get mail on different days.

What About Email or Digital Messages?

Many camps now offer one-way email systems (you send, they print and deliver). Same rules apply:

  • Keep it positive and forward-focused
  • Don't use it to "check in" anxiously every day
  • Remember: they can't respond, so don't ask questions that need answers
  • A physical letter still feels more special than a printed email

The Point of All This

Your letters should communicate one thing: "I love you, I'm proud of you, and I know you can do this." Everything else is just details. The goal isn't to fill the homesickness void—it's to give them a piece of home that makes them feel supported without needing to come back to it.

Looking for Camp?

Find the perfect Christian camp, then write the perfect letters.

Browse Camps