Parents:
As we inch ever closer to leaving for Summer Camp, there are still a few
announcements and reminders to share. This one is specifically for you the
parents.
If this is your son’s first time to camp, or even his fifth – don’t forget that you can send him messages through the mail. No, not email or texts (remember – they are NOT allowed to bring their phones – NO ELECTRONICS are allowed), but rather traditional mail through the post office. Sending little cards, notes or letters is always allowed, and appreciated by those who receive it. Our Scouts LOVE mail time. Getting mail can be the highlight of their week… some Scouts have been known to receive 3, 4 or 5 letters in a single day. Packages are always appreciated too. They can be filled with goodies or treats as a way to say – “we are proud of you.” (Mr. Smith loves Chocolate Chip cookies 😊 and I love Brownies, 😊 ). Also, don’t forget to invite your extended family or friends to send mail to your Scout. Sometimes a package from Grandma is even better than a package from Mom and Dad!
One thing to note – and this is important – if you are going to send something,
please, whatever you do, don’t gush too much, as many times overly enthusiastic
letters or notes can cause homesickness, and that can be hard to squelch once
it gets going. We’re trained to deal with it, but it’s best to avoid any
mention of “we miss you” but rather play up the “we’re proud of
you” or “we can’t wait to hear about how much fun you’re having when
you get home” kind of words. YOU know your son best of all… if he
is prone to homesick feelings while away from Mom or Dad, or there is a family
situation where Mom or Dad have been gone for an extended period of time prior
to his departure for camp – it might be best NOT to send any mail at all. In
2010 and 2013, we had several serious cases of homesickness that were caused
specifically by mail. We would prefer not to repeat the problem again. PLEASE understand
that if even a twinge of homesickness creeps in to the mix, any additional mail
for the individual Scout(s) affected will be held until Friday of camp. We
haven’t lost a Scout yet to homesickness, and we don’t want to start this year.
If you would like to send mail – please remember that we are only in camp for 5
full days. It takes 2 days for mail to be processed in Bloomington and received
in camp; there is no mail on Sunday, and we leave on Saturday. So please do not send anything after
Wednesday of camp. Plan now and start mailing on Thursday
or Friday before we leave.
If you plan on
sending multiple items, I would recommend you send them all at the same time
and write on the front either a day of the week or a number. This way, we
have the best chance of getting all your mail and by numbering them, we will
spread out the distribution.
To send mail – you will need the following information (you do not need
anything extra):
Scout (or adult
leader) Name
Troop 101 / Week 3
Ransburg Scout
Reservation
7599 E. Waldrip Creek
Road
Bloomington, IN 47401