Page 16 - Greenwood Trails Camper Handbook

Writing Mail

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

MAIL:
Everyone loves mail, especially a child away from home. It

makes him or her feel loved and remembered. Here are a few
hints to help make this even more special for you and your

child.
When corresponding with Please

your child, tell them that address all
you miss them but not

that you are miserable, as mail like this
it may trigger severe bouts
of homesickness.

Tips for Writing to Your Camper
When corresponding with your child; let them know how proud you are of them for choosing to go to camp. Keep your letters
newsy and upbeat. Let them know you miss them, but that you are so happy they are at camp trying new things and making new
friends. Often campers are afraid they are missing something exciting at home; let them know that is not the case. Always
remember to be reassuring and positive. If you have any concerns, do not share them with your child. Instead, please do not
hesitate to call the office.

Please write often!

Ask family, friends and even your pets to send mail and packages

Packages are a great way to show your campers you are thinking of them. You can send books, magazines, games, clothes,

pictures, etc. Please do not send food. Food is not allowed in the cabins as it tends to invite unwanted critters and insects into

the cabins. Also, some campers have severe allergies and food in the cabin can be a safety risk to them. Your child will not be

allowed to keep any food or candy you send. Please help us avoid any potential upset feelings by not sending any food. There

are several care package companies online that provide foodless fun packages to your campers.

Mail a letter to your camper a week before they are due at camp, so they have a letter waiting for them when they
arrive! The first night at camp can be somewhat overwhelming for a child, a letter from you will give them a little

confidence boost.

We encourage campers to write home as often as possible. Please pack stationary, already addressed, and stamps, to make
it easier for your child to write. Post cards are great! Sometimes campers will write home within the first few hours or days of
their arrival expressing feelings of homesickness, asking you to come pick them up. Please call the office and let us know and
we will be happy to check on them and let you know how they are doing. Chances are, by the time you got that letter, their
feelings of uncertainty were resolved. Even more important is that you write back right away to acknowledge the feelings of
homesickness and to help her work through the homesickness and regain confidence. Be supportive and firm, asking them to
stick to the agreed plan and send along some photos as a loving finishing touch.

Sometimes, parents suffer more from “homesickness” than the children do! Try to enjoy the time your child is away.
Keep busy, take care of yourself, visit with friends. Your child is having a great time at camp and you should enjoy this time
as well!

Our office number is 860-379-6517 and is open between 9am and midnight. There is always someone in the office during
the day except during meal times and when we have camp wide activities . If no one is available to take your call we check
messages often and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.

 In the event of an emergency we have a 24 hour emergency number which is 516-353-6910

14