By Raquel Wildes

Raquel Wildes is a freshman at Columbia University.  She is a former editorial intern for Savvy Auntie and a contributing writer to Columbia's daily newspaper.

A child’s first summer away from home can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Little reminders that family and friends at home miss him or her can go a long way, and receiving a care package from a Savvy Auntie will plaster a smile on his or her face.

Getting letters and care packages in the mail at camp makes children feel loved, missed, and important. So even if you cannot send an entire care package, be sure to write to them; and let them know that you are thinking of them. Of course, don’t be upset if your niece or nephew does not write back; that is a good sign! It means he or she is having so much fun that there is no time to respond.

The perfect summer care package should include any or all of the following:

1. Pictures of you and your niece or nephew:
Blow up pictures of you and your niece or nephew for them to hang up on the wall next to their bed. By decorating the wall next to their bed, your niece or nephew will be reminded of home and will find comfort in seeing your face right before bed.

2. Sweet treats:
Candy! Children love candy; and in sleep-away camp, candy becomes a kind of currency. If your niece’s or nephew’s camp does not allow campers to receive food packages, you can get creative by hiding little piece of candy in small spaces, like the inside of a stuffed animal!

3. Fun games:
Send games for them to share and play with their entire bunk. Jacks, Chinese jump rope, and cards are summer camp classics. Your niece or nephew is sure to love them.

4. Comics:
Gather and send comic books, magazines, or novels for them to read during rest hour.

5. Camp essentials:
Pack some hair spray, face paint, or other accessories in the camp colors for inter-camp tournaments or for color war teams.

Don’t forget to write them a letter, telling them how much you miss them; and ask them what else they need or want in the next care package! You can even include stationary for them to write you back. Most importantly, seal your package with a kiss!

Photo: photostock
Published: July 2, 2012