Sending Your Camper Emails – the Camp Director’s Wife/Mom Point of view

I am the mother of two rising third graders and a sixth grader who are attending a full week at Camp Horizon.  And I’m also the wife of the Camp Director, Joel Wilke.  The combination of these things means that Joel often receives lots of unsolicited feedback from me regarding “a parent’s perspective on camp” and “the things that matter to parents.”  Afterall, I’m the target demographic, and I talk with many other parents of campers.  He’s truly lucky to have my wisdom 😉. 

And what’s my big soapbox right now?  I want all parents, grandparents, churches – anyone in a child’s support system – to know just how easy it is to send camper mail via email.

I get it, we all have a lot going on.  Who has time to plan in advance to buy cards and stamps and get things mailed a week before kids go to Camp?!  (Okay, I have friends who rock at this, but I’m in the “slacker mom” category…so if this is you, keep reading.) 

Blessedly, Camp Horizon makes it super easy.  Anyone who wants to send a note to their camper can email camper.mail@horizoncenter.org with their camper name in the subject line before 11:00 am (Tuesday-Thursday).  A Camp staff person then prints all emails for the day and delivers them to campers at lunch each day as “mail”.

I appreciated that I could send our children, their friends and even other kids from our church messages of encouragement.  I valued letting them know that I was praying for them. Plus, I know that even if it is subconscious, I am highlighting the community of support that cares about their faith formation.

When I write our kids, I try to keep my messages short and encouraging, and I avoid any topics that might make them miss home.  Below are a couple of sample messages, but while your camper is away, I encourage you to craft your own as often as you can.  It really does make a difference.  Happy emailing!

Lindsay Wilke

(Mom of three and “unofficial” Camp Parent Improvements Manager 😉)

SAMPLE LETTER #1

Dear Maddie,

 Did you have a fun day at camp?! I can't wait to hear all about it. Right now I'm wondering three things:

1) What choice times will you get to try today?

2) Do you like the top bunk?

3) Was the camp spaghetti as good as Gram's spaghetti?!  (And please tell me you are trying the fancy Camp salad bar!)

 The house is WAY too quiet without you all, but your rooms look super clean, haha!

 I love you and pray for you every day. I am so proud of you for making new memories and for growing closer to God and to others.

Love you lots!

Mom

  SAMPLE LETTER #2

 Dear Luke,

I hope you had a fun day at camp! I can't wait to hear what choice times you picked and what your favorite thing has been so far.

 I saw pictures of you on the Camp Facebook page.  You were heading down a giant  slip-and-slide in one photo!  And in the other photo, I saw your group playing a crazy game of “hungry hippo” with scooters and laundry baskets.  It all looked like fun, but you are probably thrilled that I am not there yelling, "Be careful!" all the time, haha!

I love you and am praying for you.  Have the BEST Day Three, and give your sisters a hug for me!

Love, 

Mom