There are lots of special moments in overnight camp: singing classic kumzits songs around the campfire (when everyone neglects to sing the melody in favor of the harmony), learning new card games during rest hour and playing at every opportunity, thinking that every weird moment is definitely Color War breakout . . .
But from my many years at sleepaway camp, I can tell you there’s nothing as exciting as receiving a letter in the mail addressed to you and ripping it open to see what’s inside. I’m talking about good old snail mail.
I actually have a whole collection of the letters I received while at camp. While this might hint at my hoarding tendencies, it also shows how much I treasured every single one.
If you know someone spending the summer in camp, consider making their day by sending them something fun. Yes, you may need to dig up a stamp and visit the post office. But trust me: it’s worth it.
Here are ten easy ideas, each designed to take fewer than ten minutes to prepare!
- Word Search: Use an online word search maker to create a puzzle with camp-related words or inside jokes. For an extra challenge, don’t include the word list . . . let them figure it out!
- Letter in Code: Write your letter in Morse code, a backwards alphabet code or a simple substitution cipher. There are online tools to help you encrypt it quickly. The fun is in decoding it!
- Words of Inspiration: Send an age-appropriate Devar Torah for the week’s parashah. You can include an interesting question or thought to mull over. I loved when my father sent me something thought-provoking to read each week.
- Mad Libs: Send them a list of words to fill in, with strict instructions not to turn the page until they do. On the next page, write a short, silly story about what’s happening at home with blanks for them to substitute in their words. Even if the story itself is boring, their words will make it hilarious!
- Riddles and Jokes: Look up a few good riddles or jokes. Your recipient will have a good time trying to solve them and sharing them with bunkmates.
- Torah Trivia Quiz: Send some difficult and interesting questions, and challenge them to find out the answers before the end of camp.
- Puzzle: Write a letter, cut it into puzzle pieces, and mail them together. The recipient has to put it back together to read!
- Would You Rather: Send a list of silly, weird and thought-provoking “Would You Rather?” questions. Encourage them to write back with their answers.
- Art Challenge: Start a partial doodle or scribble on paper and ask them to complete the picture and send it back.
- Bingo: Make a bingo board with silly camp happenings to check off. Include things like “Lost a sock,” “Ate marshmallows” and “Bug in the bunk.”
The next time you find yourself with a few minutes of downtime, consider making someone’s day by sending a letter. It may just end up in a big Tupperware container in their basement for years to come, but at the very least, it’ll remind them they’re loved and bring a smile to their face.
Sari Kopitnikoff is an experiential educator, digital artist and content creator who is passionate about creating books, games, activities and shows that bring Judaism to life. You can find her books, games and lots of educational activities on her website, thatjewishmoment.com and on social media, @thatjewishmoment.