In a world of constant pings and posts, camp offers a true pause. No phones, no screens—just the chance to slow down and connect the old-fashioned way. That’s why writing letters to and from camp remains such a beloved tradition.
We know parents can’t wait to hear from their kiddos. But let’s be honest—letter writing is practically a lost art for many kids today. Add in a few classic mishaps (like forgetting to add a stamp, skipping the address, or never actually putting the letter in the Camp mailbox), and even the best intentions can go sideways.
As parents, we spend all this time picking out the perfect stationery, printing return address labels, and packing just the right pens. I know for me, every summer, my kids promised they’d write—and every summer, most of that stationery came back untouched in the same Ziploc I sent it in. My daughter would swear she wrote “so many times,” even as I held proof that nothing I sent was even opened. Just the other day, while cleaning out my now 21-year-old son’s room, I found leftover stamps and notepads from his Camp days. (Yep, I honestly didn’t know whether to laugh or cry about that one.)
Now that I’m a few years past it all, I can tell you this: most of the time, kids are just having way too much fun to stop and write.
And yes, there are Bunk Notes (like through Bunk1), where parents can send typed messages and campers can write back by hand. It’s a great tool—but in the age of digital everything, nothing beats a handwritten letter from home. For kids who rarely get real mail, opening an envelope with their name on it is pure magic.
While we can’t guarantee your mailbox will be overflowing, we can promise this—you’ll find yourself racing to check the mail each day… if you can tear yourself away from refreshing the Camp photos, of course. After you share the video and tips below with your camper(s), check out Pack for Camp’s Stationery Sale (scroll down for more details)!
Here are some tips for campers and their families back home:
FOR CAMPERS
How to write a letter home 101
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Start with a Hello
“Hi Mom and Dad!” / “Dear Grandma!” / “Hey Ella!” -
Share What You’re Doing
What activities did you try? What’s something fun or new?“Today I went on the blob—it was awesome, even if I was a little scared!”
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Say How You’re Feeling
Happy? Tired? Making new friends? Missing your dog? -
Ask a Question
“What’s new at home?” / “Has the cat knocked over anything?” -
Sign Off
Love, Miss you, and your name
“I love you, but I’m having too much fun to miss you! Love, Asher”
FOR PARENTS
Tricks to help letters happen
Pre-Printed Address Labels
Make it easy—if you want your camper to write to Grandma weekly, send pre-addressed labels (yes, the exact number of them!).
Pre-Printed Return Address Labels
The easier it is, the more likely it gets mailed.
Stationery + Supplies in One Place
Use a large envelope, clipcase or Ziplock to hold paper, pens, labels, envelopes, and stamps. Bonus: fewer supplies under the bunk with the dirty socks.
Fill-in-the-Blank Letters
Sometimes “Camp is fun” is all you’ll get. Fill-in letters help campers share more (like bunkmate names or favorite activities) and make it easier to write.
Check Out Pack for Camps Stationery Sale!
This Week Only: Buy 1 Camp Stationery Item, Get the 2nd for 20% Off! Mix and match across all stationery categories. Offer ends Wednesday, May 28, at midnight ET!