Care packages for campers: What to send? {Somerset Beach - Michigan Youth Camp}

Campers LOVE to get mail.  There's nothing better than a postcard or letter from home.  Just a simple, "We love you and miss you" can mean the world to your child. Take it from us: Letters and notes are far more effective at alleviating home sickness than phone calls or visits.

We make it convenient to send a note to your child by offering the ability to email your camper (campermail[at]somersetbeach[dot]org). Any email received before 11 AM on any given day will be delivered that day. Anything received after 11 AM on the last day of camp might be delivered.  Please note that photos sent via email or attachment might not print.

A hand written letter or package goes a long way, too. Because the USPS is sometimes slow at mail delivery, letters often don't make it before the last day of camp.  As an alternative, you can leave mail and packages at the registration table when you drop off your camper.  Be sure they're marked with your child's name and what day you'd like it delivered.

If you're looking for fun ideas for care packages for your camper while he or she is at Somerset Beach, here are a few ideas (we encourage parents to NOT send anything edible or any money in care packages):

1.  A letter from your pet.  You can do this on paper, or by email.  Tell your child what's going on at your house this week from your pet's point of view. Campers are so excited to hear from their animal friends, and it's a unique way to keep in touch.

2. Mad libs.  Cabins love working on mad libs together, and if you search, you can find some books of camp-themed ones or free ones to be downloaded.  If you have time, you could even write your own!

3. Things that glow. Glow sticks, glow necklaces, glow in the dark balls, etc.  These are fun for campers to play with are a hit with our younger campers. We sell glow sticks in the Trading Post, so you could even pick one up at registration and leave it to be delivered later in the week.

4. Temporary tattoos or stick on mustaches. These are so much fun. Better yet? Send one for every kid in his cabin! It's a great way to help encourage cabin unity!

5. Autograph book, t-shirt, pillow case, etc. Be sure to include instructions so that your child knows what he or she should do with it.  It's a great thing to receive toward the end of the week, when your child is saying goodbye to new friends.

6. A journal or sketchbook. Encourage your child to write down or draw about what he or she is learning at camp.

7. Band aids. Many campers get a scrape or scratch that requires a band aid.  Our nurses have plenty, but a brightly colored band aid or a bandage with his or her favorite character on it is always fun. And even if he doesn't need it, he might enjoy sharing one with a friend who does! 

8. Fun socks. Take it from us: A camper can never have too many clean socks.

9. Camp gear.  Stop and get your camper a water bottle or t-shirt from the Trading Post before you leave and have it delivered to them on the first day of camp!

10. Pinterest.  Check out our pinterest board for SBC-appropriate care package ideas.  Remember that campers aren't allowed to hold onto their own money (to keep it from getting lost or stolen) and that food isn't allowed in the lodge, so anything edible would need to be consumed right away. 

7 reasons that SBC is the camp for your kids

 

1. SBC is committed to your child's well being above all else.  Our staff is carefully screened, trained, and dedicated to a high level of safety. Our equipment is tested and well-maintained.  A health officer is always on duty.  Food served at SBC always includes fruits and vegetables and alternatives can be provided in case of food allergies or special dietary needs.

2. Campers love SBC staff.  Don't get us wrong . . . they love the fun and exciting activities and games, too.  Often, though, when you ask a camper what their favorite part of camp was, they say it was their counselor.  Relationships are the most important part of the camp experience at SBC.

3. SBC stretches campers to try new things.  We provide a space in which campers feel emotionally safe so that they can be stretched beyond their comfort zone.  They might feel pangs of insecurity as they arrive, but they'll also experience the thrill of meeting new people and being loved and accepted by their cabin group.  They might be fearful of new activities, but they'll also feel excited and energized when they succeed at something they never thought they could do.

4. Somerset Beach staff members love their jobs.  Our staff members are so excited about what they do and that enthusiasm spills over to our campers and guests.  They enjoy being in the outdoors, they're full of energy and enthusiasm and they love working with kids and teens.  Staff members at SBC are key players in a camper's experience. They help campers to make friends, to learn new skills, to feel loved and accepted, to face fears and disappointments, and to understand the Bible and apply it to their lives.

5. Campers leave SBC with lifelong friends. When kids are here, they don't have mom and dad there to help them approach people and make connections. With the assistance of trained counselors, they have to put themselves out there.  There's something about the SBC setting that allows campers to let their guard down and develop deep relationships with each other.


6. Life-changing encounters with Jesus are the goal of SBC youth camps.  Through Bible studies, relationships, conversations, teachable moments, guest speakers and more, we hope that every camper goes home feeling good about himself or herself, having self-confidence based on the fact that Christ loves him or her and offered Himself as a sacrifice for him or her.

7.  SBC campers have FUN! Zip lines, tubing, campfires, swimming, hiking . . . the list goes on and on.  We believe that when campers are interested and enthusiastic about being here, they're more teachable than they would be otherwise, so we make every effort to make their time at SBC the best week of their summer!  In addition to traditional camp activities, and adventure initiatives, we plan special games and events.  Campers are never bored.

Ready to register your son or daughter?  Click here for more information. 

What about you?  What are your reasons for sending your kids to SBC?  Leave a comment below and let us know!