Summer camp is a time for kids to explore the great outdoors, make new friends, and most importantly, have fun! To help make the experience even more memorable, we've put together a collection of tips, ideas and printable activities.

Every summer, parents send their children off to summer camp with a heavy heart. The weeks leading up to the big send-off are filled with packing lists, shopping trips for new gear, and last-minute reminders to pack sunscreen and insect repellent. But once their child settles into the routine of camp, parents start to relax and begin looking forward to hearing about all of the amazing things their little camper is doing.

Here are some tips for encouraging your child to write home regularly while at Summer Camp.

• Get creative with your stationery: Choose fun, colorful stationery that will make your letters stand out. You can even get creative and decorate the envelopes with stickers or drawings. This printable Letter from Camp Stationery is perfect as your child can choose which letter design they want to use. If they have time they can write a long letter, but if they are too busy having fun then they may choose to use the check box letter

CAMP LETTER WRITING TIPS FOR PARENTS

• Write about what's going on in your life: Your child wants to hear all about what's going on back at home. Share news about the family, friends, and pets. 
• Ask lots of questions: Show interest in what your child is doing at camp by asking questions about their activities, new friends, and favorite parts of the day.
• Send care packages with letters, photos, and small gifts: What's better than getting a letter in the mail? Getting a care package full of goodies  Include some small surprises such as stickers, photos, or even a pressed leaf from your backyard.

• Don't forget to say "I love you" No matter what, be sure to end your letter with words of love. Your child will appreciate it, and it'll help them feel connected to you even when they're far away. 
• Before heading off to camp, establish a routine for writing and communicating and try to stick to that schedule as much as possible. This way, your child will always know when to expect a letter
• Stay in touch through social media: In today's world, there's no excuse for older children not staying in touch with their parents. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram make it easy to post photos and updates, so your parents can see what you're up to even if they can't be there in person.
• Make time to write back promptly: One of the best ways to show that you're thinking of them is by writing back promptly to their letters. They'll appreciate the gesture, and it'll make them feel like they're a part of your camp experience even if they can't be there in person.

Saying goodbye to your child as they head off to summer camp can be tough. But with a little planning and some creativity, you can stay connected and make sure they have the best experience possible. So get writing - your child at camp is waiting to hear from you!

SUMMER CAMP AT HOME

With just a little bit of effort, you can create an amazing summer camp experience for your kids right in your backyard. You can keep your kids entertained and learning all summer long by bringing summer camp activities to your backyard.

This can be as simple as taking a nature hike or playing tag, or as complex as building a water park out of PVC pipes and pool noodles. Whatever you choose to do, make sure to get creative and have fun!

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DIY SUMMER CAMP ACTIVITIES FOR ALL  AGES

What if you don't have the time or money to send your child away to Summer Camp? Or maybe they're too young for an overnight camp? Don't worry - you can create your own DIY summer camp right at home! Here are just a few ideas to get started. 

• Create a tent village: This is especially fun if you have younger kids. Set up a few tents in your yard and let them go wild with their imaginations. They can pretend they're camping outdoors or traveling to far-off lands. Be sure to include some props like sleeping bags, camping gear, and pretend food and camping food cards 
• Have a picnic: Pack up a blanket and some sandwiches for a fun-filled picnic. This is a great way to get outside and enjoy the summer weather. Plus, it's an easy way to keep the kids entertained for hours on end. You could visit different places to have your picnic such as the park and the playground or even have one in the backyard

• Set up a Treasure Hunt: This is a fun way to keep the kids entertained. We have a range of fun Treasure/Scavenger Hunts for all ages from young children through to teenagers.
• Set up a obstacle course: This is a great way to get your kids moving and active. Use whatever you have around the house to create an obstacle course. You can even make it a competition between siblings or friends.
• Go on a nature scavenger hunt: Kids love exploring the great outdoors. Make a list of things they can look for on a nature walk and see who can find the most items.
• Have a water balloon fight: Fill up some water balloons and let the kids have at it! This is a great way to cool off on a hot summer day.
• Make homemade ice cream: This is a delicious treat that the whole family will enjoy. Plus, it's a fun activity to do together. Turn your ice cream into these easy ice cream sandwiches

• Go stargazing: Lie out on a blanket at night and look up at the stars. This is a great way to relax and bond with your kids.
• Build a fort: Kids love pretending they're in their own little world. Help them build a fort out of blankets, pillows, and chairs. Then let them decorate it however they want.
• Play shadow puppets: This is a fun way to entertain the kids at night. Turn off all the lights and use your hands to make different shapes on the wall.
• Have a Backyard Camping Sleepover: This is the perfect way to make the most of the warm weather and for turning your yard into an awesome summer camp spot.
• If the weather turns bad, there are still plenty of activities you can do inside. You could print off these Summer Printable Games for an afternoon of fun

• Make a Summer Bucket List: Then tick off the activities as you do them
• Have a dance party: Put on some music and let the kids loose! This is a great way to burn off some energy and have some fun.
• Get creative in the Kitchen: Lets the kids pick out a couple of recipes to make. You could make this into a Masterchef competition for the older kids. This Strawberry Lemon Mason Jar Dessert looks impressive but is easy for most kids to make.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. There are endless possibilities when it comes to creating a summer camp experience in your own backyard. So get your creative juices flowing and start planning an unforgettable summer camp experience for your family and friends. It’s sure to be a summer they will never forget! Have you ever hosted a backyard summer camp?