There’s something magical about getting a letter or care package at camp, especially when it’s from a grandparent. Whether your grandchild is away for one week or an entire month, a note from you can be the emotional anchor they didn’t know they needed. Because they might be having the time of their life, but they could also be feeling a little homesick – and your letter can land at exactly the right moment to ground and encourage them.
These letters become treasured keepsakes, reminders that they’re deeply loved and thought of, even in the middle of canoe races and talent shows. So I wanted to create a simple structure to help you make letter-writing feel easy and heartfelt.
Tip: This letter writing recipe works beautifully for any letter or card you send to your grandchild, not just camp letters! Use it for birthdays, holidays, or random surprise mail too.
The Camp Letter Recipe
Overall, stick to short sentences and easy-to-read language. Keep it light, love-filled, and encouraging. Here’s the basic structure:
- A warm and engaging hello
- A short memory (about you, a parent, or another relative at camp)
- A fun, shareable moment (e.g., a joke, would-you-rather question, or tongue twister)
- A heartfelt message of encouragement
- A creative sign-off that you can use again and again
To make it even easier, I’m going to break it down and give you some ideas!
1. A Warm and Engaging Hello
Set the tone right away with a friendly opening. If writing doesn’t come naturally to you, just grab a line from below to get started:
Dear [Grandchild],
- I can picture you right now – probably singing camp songs, swimming, and being awesome.
- A quick note from your [Nana/Grandpa]… First of all, I hope camp is full of adventure, new friends, and gooey s’mores!
- I’ve been thinking about you all week. Camp must be buzzing with fun – especially with you there!
- Hello, my super smart and extra kind grandson!
2. Share a Short Memory
Kids love hearing stories from when you – or someone they know – were their age. It makes them feel connected to a bigger family story.
Try something like:
- Your [dad/mom] once got homesick at camp… until they tried canoeing and LOVED it.
- Your grandpa once won a talent show at camp juggling oranges – badly!
- Your Nana always loved camping because she could toast marshmallows and tell ghost stories.
- When I was your age, my favorite part of camp was sleeping under the stars.
- Your cousin Sam told me his favorite camp moment was catching a fish (and letting it go!).
Notice these are just short little snippets. Camp is busy with tons of distractions, so you want to keep your letters short and sweet (and if you pique their interest, they will ask you to tell them more another time).
3. A Fun Question or Activity to Share with Friends
Letters from home are a huge deal at camp, and kids often read them out loud. Include something they can share with their bunkmates – a joke, a tongue twister, or a “Would You Rather” question. Here are some examples.
Camp Tongue Twisters (say them 3 times fast!)
- Soggy socks squeak
- Buggy bunk beds
- Crackling campfire crunches
- Marshmallow mess makers
Jokes to Share Around the Cabin
Why did the tree go to summer camp?
It wanted to branch out and make new friends!
Why did the scarecrow win the camp award?
Because he was outstanding in his field!
Why did the math book look forward to camp?
It wanted to get all its problems solved!
Why don’t tents tell secrets?
Because they always leak!
What’s a mosquito’s favorite sport at camp?
Skin diving!
Would You Rather – Camp Edition
Would you rather…
- Be in charge of bug spray or snack duty?
- Have a flashlight that tells jokes or a backpack that sings songs?
- Lead the camp song or perform in the talent show?
- Paint your face with mud or wear socks on your hands for a whole day?
- Do a silly dance at lunch or wear your shirt backwards all day?
Pro tip: Pick just 1 or 2 fun things per letter to avoid overwhelming
your grandchild – and keep them coming back for more.
4. Add a Line of Encouragement
End your note with a sentence that reminds them how much you believe in them and how proud you are:
- We are so proud of you for trying new things and being your brave, kind self.
- I miss your big imagination and the sound of your laugh – but I love knowing you’re having fun!
- You are never alone out there – my love is packed in your backpack.
- You’re amazing just the way you are, and I can’t wait to hear your stories!
5. Create a Signature Camp Letter Sign-Off
Use the same sign-off in each letter and it becomes your thing. Kids love predictability in moments like this. Or to surprise and delight, use a different one each time and it will become something they remember and look forward to reading.
- Roasting marshmallows in my imagination,
- Sending sunshine and cabin high-fives,
- Hugging you across the miles,
- With an envelope full of love,
- With a pocketful of pinecones and love,
- Still the best marshmallow toaster,
- With a s’more and a smile,
- Counting stars and thinking of you,
- Looking at the same moon,
Bonus: What to Know Before Sending a Care Package
Camp care packages are often a highlight of the week – but not everything is allowed. Rules vary, so check with the parents or, better yet, visit the camp website or email the camp general information email for information before sending anything.
Things You Can Usually Send:
- Letters or postcards
- Joke books, Mad Libs, word searches
- Stickers or friendship bracelet string
- Photos of family or pets
- Fun socks, bandanas, or hair ties
- Puzzle books or card games
- Small stuffies or fidget toys
- Self-addressed envelopes and stamps for letters home
Things You Usually Can’t Send:
- Candy or food (attracts critters and violates allergy policies)
- Messy things like glitter or slime
- Water balloons or prank items
- Money or valuables that could be lost
Whether it’s a silly card, a heartfelt letter, or a perfectly packed parcel, what you’re really sending is love – and that travels beautifully through the woods and across the lake!
Hope this helps – and if you like this kind of support, that is, ideas about what to send, to say and to play, you might really enjoy The Long Distance Grandparent Ideas Club. I send you a printable each month with snail mail to print out and send, and video chat activities, games and conversation starters. You also receive a video of me going through the download and giving you tons of ways to engage your grandchildren aged 2 to 10 from a distance. You can find out more here: The LDG Ideas Club . As always, reach out with any questions.
