Make sure to pack your stationery with self-addressed, stamped envelopes. Makes you much more likely to receive mail from your camper!

Don’t be afraid to ask for things you want or need.

Pre addressed, stamped post cards and letters.
Campers are so busy. Make it easy for them to share their experiences!

Pack lots of stationary, stickers, fun, colored pens. Pre address and stamp envelopes for ease.  Be sure to send your children letters well before they are arriving at camp so the letters will be waiting for them. Camp mail is the best! Do not tell your children how much you miss them in letters.  That could create a sense of guilt/homesickness for them, and they will imagine you sad at home wishing they weren’t at camp.  Just tell them how excited you are to hear about all of their new friends and adventures.

Shelia M.
Camp Staff Member 
Camp Highlander
5 years

My daughter's second year at camp, she was very homesick in the beginning. She wasn't homesick at all her first year so it was a surprise. (We did skip one year of camp because of Covid, so that may have added to her anxiety.) I hated hearing how sad she was at camp (through her letters) but tried to reassure her through my letters and emails with positive messages.

Your feelings are normal.

Even though you don’t feel like you can do this, I know you can.

I'm proud of you.

Nothing fun is going on at home.

Heather K.
Parent of a Camper 
Camp Longhorn
3 years