Dogs Don't Eat Pizza

For the first time, my kids are off to sleep-away camp! As you can imagine, they’re excited but also a little nervous. I want to make sure that they write home and tell me all about their experiences, so I made it easy for them with this DIY Summer Camp Letter Kit!

FYI, this post contains affiliate links. For my full disclosure policy, please click here.

First, I bought this clipboard with storage from Amazon:

Another parent had told me about this clipboard and how the latched storage area under the writing surface kept the envelopes and paper dry during the hot, humid summer.

I bought the blue one for my son and the green one (naturally!) for my daughter (click HERE for why I bought a green one for my daughter).

Next, I personalized each one by painting their names on it. I used a paint pen.

M wanted me to add a soccer ball – which didn’t turn out perfectly, but she loved it.

Next, I added the essentials for a letter-writing kit: stationery, stamps, and pens. We found the stationery at Michaels; they are cards in bright colors that come with envelopes.

There were 30 in a pack, so I split the pack in half for each kid. Perfect for 11 days at camp!

NOTE: Michaels is out of this particular product online, but THIS ONE is similar. Or you can find the product above in stores, in the paper department.

TIP: Go ahead and address and put stamps on all of the envelopes. That way, the kids just have to write the letter and put it in the envelope!

Rather than hand-address each envelope, I just used return address labels. You could also use a return address stamper to address each one quickly and easily.

I included extra labels and stamps, just in case. And, for fun, I added emoji stickers. I thought they were fun and sometimes it’s easier to say how you feel with an emoji!

I also added a copy of the packing list from camp. That way, when the kids are packing to come home, they can use this as a checklist to make sure they’ve packed everything (M has a habit of leaving things behind).

I also included their piano sheet music, for two reasons: (1) they have a recital three days after they get home and should practice if they can and (2) it’s a fun activity to play music on a rainy day at summer camp!

Lastly, I used double-sided tape to attach photos to the top of the storage box. I included pictures of our family, our dogs, and their BFFs. The pictures will remind them of home and hopefully cure any homesickness they might have. I didn’t tell them I was doing this and they were so happy when they found them there!

There you go – everything your kids need to write home!