Communicating with Your Camper While at Camp

Communication with your camper

We strongly encourage you to write your camper, either by mail or email. Every day at lunch our staff lead mail call for the campers where they distribute mail in fun ways! This looks like singing the hallmark song if you send a hallmark card, fan mail, post mail and so many more. You can even write a note on the back of the letter that says "in order for (your campers name) to receive this letter they must (fill in the blank)" This could look like having them sing a song, answer a question, etc. Many campers get notes and cards, and it can be disappointing for those who do not. This is a great way for extended family members and friends to get involved in your child's camp experience. Please write upbeat messages! It is important to recognize that your child may have moments of homesickness a sad letter from home may further encourage those feelings. Campers may send mail from the office, so pack stationary and stamps if your child is interested in writing home!

Snail Mail: Write the name of your child’s specific camp on the outside of the envelope in addition to your camper’s name and the camp address (i.e. Adventure 1, Jr. High 1, etc.). You may leave mail with staff during check-in or send by mail. If sending via the post office be sure to mail it BEFORE your child leaves home so it will arrive in time. You may also want to write “Day 1”, etc. on the envelope if you want them to receive the letters on a specific day. The camp address is 125 Aldersgate Camp Road, Ravenna, KY 40472.
Camper-grams: You may send emails or CAMPER-Grams to your child online using a link that Aldersgate will provide at check-in. This is a free service. Your camper will receive printed Camper-grams once a day during mail call.
Phone Calls: Aldersgate's office phone line, 606-723-5078, is monitored 24 hours a day during summer camp in case of family emergencies. The phone is transferred to one of the directors during the evening. We discourage calls to campers as it can interrupt the camp experience and foster homesickness. We will arrange a time for you to speak to your child if necessary. If a child is homesick, we will communicate this with you and allow you to decide if speaking with them is the best decision for your child. If you receive a call regarding homesickness please encourage your child to stay and enjoy this opportunity. The camp director may give you some guidance; however, the decision about if your child will stay at camp or not is that of the parent/guardian. Campers are not allowed to have cell phones at camp. Cell phones brought to camp will be held in the office and returned at the end of the week. This is to protect campers from outside distractions and to help them to disconnect from the world in order to connect with God and the camp community. If there is a need for your camper to call home on a regular basis please communicate with us in advance so we can discuss what’s possible.

Homesickness Prevention

Although it sounds contrary to logic, do not talk about homesickness with your child prior to coming to camp. Rather, talk about how much fun they will have and set them up for success through your encouragement. If homesickness occurs, our camp staff will work with your camper and we call when appropriate. Do not suggest to your child to call home if they are homesick.

If this is your child’s first camp experience help them to know what to expect by talking with them about activities, lodging, making friends, rules, and the opportunity for spiritual growth. Encourage them to learn as much as possible and let it be known that you are excited to hear all about their experience when they return home.

Finally, pray with your camper about camp. Pray for safety and health, so they can enjoy all camp has to offer. Pray for friends who will have a positive impact on your child’s life. Pray for their counselor that they may help your child grow.