Tips for Making Camp Amazing

Below are some tips for making camp a memorable experience for your child

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Set Expectations

Be careful to set appropriate expectations:
- Tell your child about your memories from camp, if you had any.
-  Tell your child that this will be an amazing week, and by giving these four days their best, they will build memories for a lifetime. 
- Tell them if they are homesick, to write you a letter. Send an envelope (self-addressed) and paper. 
- Send mail for delivery throughout the week. (See tips on snail mail and email). 

THING NOT TO DO: 
1. Send electronics along with your child. 
2. Tell your child they can call if they're homesick. (This ALWAYS makes the homesickness worse). 
3. Tell your child that they can come home if they don't like it. 
4. Pack medications for your child. These should always be given to the camp nurse for dispensation. 

Snack Shop

Come prepared to put a few bucks into the snack shop bank, so your child can purchase snacks at the snack shop. You will find the snack shop bank open at a table when checking in. 

We suggest $1.50-$2 per day ($6-8 total). We see families give their child $20, and we discourage that - it gives them WAY too much sugar!

We don't do snack shop to make a profit, so everything is reasonably priced. It is one of the kids' favorite places to visit!

Camp Mail - SNAIL MAIL

Letters and packages for your child can be mailed to: 
2349 Campground Rd
Hastings, MI  49058

Or better yet, to ensure delivery, hand to PJ at the registration desk!

Also, some parents have learned that writing the DAY FOR DELIVERY on the front will ensure your child gets it on the specified day. For example, writing: "<child's name> THURSDAY" will trigger us to deliver it on Thursday.  That way, you can have a letter or package delivered every day. 

Mail is always a favorite. So please take advantage of it! 
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Camp Mail - Email

While snail mail is the best way to give your child mail, email is available as well. With a few tips, a child can really enjoy it!
1. Include a joke or funny story
2. Tell them what their pets have been doing without them.
3. Tell them you miss them and are praying for them. 
4. Keep it light and funny. 
5. Share a favorite Bible verse with them, and what it means to you. 
6. Do NOT send color photos. This makes printing slower, and might print black&white. 
​7. Email is a good way to get friends, relatives, and church leaders to connect with your child, so feel free to share!

​Emails can be sent to: windingcreekkids@gmail.com

Remember that emails sent before 4pm will be delivered that evening. Also, any email sent after 4pm Friday will NOT be delivered. 

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