Packing for camp is more than a checklist—it's a lifeline of letters, packages, and moments that keep campers feeling close to home while they spread their wings. These real tips from parents, staff, and seasoned campers show you how to keep connections strong, boost confidence, and spark joy in the mailroom all summer long.

Mailing Letters

To help campers with homesickness, mail letters before they go to camp so they can get them right away. I never realized how much they could mean in helping my daughter adjust to camp!

Callie F.Parent of a CamperCamp DeSoto1 Year

Pre-Address Envelopes

Pre-address your envelopes! This will make sending letters quicker and less confusing! Parents can help to avoid errors in writing the address and format.

Jezabel L.Camp Staff MemberCamp Foss6 Years

Send Care Packages

My daughter loved that I kept a few items out of her trunk and sent them in a care package so she had fun mail to open: sunglasses, twinkle lights, playing cards. Just fun things for her to receive.

Sandra M.Parent of a CamperCamp Nokomis1 Year

Pre-Write the Mailing Envelopes

Pre-write mailing envelopes to home and friends. Up the odds of getting more letters!

Lisa R. Parent of a Camper Crane Lake Camp 2 Years

Start Packing Sooner

I am the grandparent of three campers… THE SOONER YOU GET IT DONE, THE BETTER YOU FEEL! All that is left are the clothes ... how great is that!?

Amy P.Parent of a CamperCamp Harlam10 Years

Sending Packages

I leave a few dated packages at the main office—one with shareable goodies like glow sticks or a game—to help the cabin bond. Perfect for day two!

Kathy F. Parent of a Camper Camp Takodah 3 Years

Communicate During the Packing Process

Pack together and talk it out. If they're not ready to share feelings, ask what they're most excited to try at camp.

Debra P.Parent of a CamperIndependent Lake Camp2 Years

Label Camp Shirts

Order camp shirts early and label everything—there'll be 100 kids in the same tee.

Shannon W.Parent of a CamperCamp Ridgecrest5 Years

Pre-Addressed Envelopes

Pack stationery with self-addressed, stamped envelopes—you're much more likely to get mail back.

Heather B.Parent of a CamperCamp Champions2 Years

Prepping Your Camper

Pre-addressed, stamped postcards and letters make sharing easier for busy campers.

Carol H.Parent of a CamperCamp Seneca Lake5 Years

Photo Opportunities

Teach them how to use a disposable camera first—save those fingers from the lens. 😅

Tami K.Parent of a CamperCamp Belknap3 Years

Gift a Camp

Give the gift of overnight camp—or donate to a local scholarship fund.

Happy S.Parent of a CamperCamp Louise1 Year

The best camp summers begin with strong preparation. From early packing wins to clever shortcuts, these family-tested tips take the pressure off departure day and let the excitement shine. Use them to set your camper up for success before they even step through the cabin door.