The Pony Express: The Lasting Power of Camp Letters

There is something magical about receiving a handwritten letter, especially at summer camp. At Teton Valley Ranch Camp, we see firsthand how letters from home can brighten a camper’s day, provide encouragement, and serve as a treasured keepsake for years to come. In a world dominated by instant messages and social media, letter writing remains a cherished tradition—one that connects campers with their families in a meaningful way while allowing them the freedom to fully embrace their camp experience.

The Power of Letters from Home

Letters are a bridge between home and camp. They remind campers that their family is thinking of them while allowing them to stay immersed in their camp world. However, parents should be mindful that letters are often written during quiet moments—times when campers might be more reflective or even a little homesick. If you receive a sad letter, don’t panic. For every letter about missing home, there are likely a hundred happy moments that went unmentioned.

We have seen letters with dramatic exaggerations like:

• “We just got back from our backpacking trip. They had us hike 50 miles a day uphill the entire time!”
• “We haven’t eaten a meal in two days.”
• “I’ve been here for three days and haven’t met one friend.”
• “The Bathhouse is ½ a mile away from my cabin.”

Rest assured, these letters rarely tell the full story! If ever you are truly concerned, reach out to Zoe or me—we’re happy to check in. At the same time, we also see letters filled with deep reflection and growth, like:

• “When we summited Static Peak and watched the sunrise as a group, I have never felt so close to people my age. We were so proud of all we had accomplished.”
• “This experience has been life-changing.”
• “While I am nervous about my Rough Ride, I can’t wait to be called. I am ‘Ready to Ride!’”

These letters show the transformation that takes place at camp—one of independence, resilience, and personal discovery.

What to Write to Your Camper

Parents, do you remember being a child and receiving a handwritten letter in the mail? Remember the joy you felt that someone was thinking of you and took the time to write? Your camper is no different and would love to receive a handwritten letter from you, even if you are sending campstamp letters as well. When writing to your camper, it’s important to consider the tone and content of your letters. Instead of listing all the fun things they are missing at home, focus on the adventure they are having. Comment on the photos you’ve seen of them at camp, express how proud you are of their accomplishments, and ask leading questions to encourage detailed responses.

Try including phrases like:

• “I saw the photo of you on horseback! What was that experience like?”
• “I heard you went on a backpacking trip—what was the hardest part, and what was the best part?”
• “I am so proud of you for trying new things and pushing yourself. I know you can do this!”
• “I can see how much you are growing through this experience.”

These kinds of messages help campers feel supported while also giving them a reason to write back with more than just a quick “Camp is good.”

How to Encourage Your Camper to Write Back

While campers love receiving letters, writing them isn’t always their top priority. Here are a few ways to make sure you get a response:

• Send pre-addressed and stamped envelopes. Many letters are returned due to poor addressing, so providing ready-to-use envelopes can prevent issues.
• Set expectations before camp. Let your camper know you’d love to hear from them and who they should write to, especially if a grandparent or family member helped send them to camp.
• Use our weekly letter-writing tradition. On Rodeo days, campers must write home before going through the dinner line. Having pre-addressed envelopes and stationery makes this easier.
• Share the camp address with family and friends. Encourage extended family and close friends to write as well! It may surprise you how many people enjoy sending “snail mail.” Be sure to provide them with the camp address and the dates of camp so they know when to send letters. Also, share with them our Package Policy since grandparents break this rule unknowingly, but with the best intentions.

A Letter is Enough: Our No Package Policy

At TVRC, we have a no-package policy. Over the years, we have found that letters alone are enough to help a camper feel loved. Packages, on the other hand, have become the great de-equalizer—some campers receive packages throughout the summer while others do not, which can diminish the significance of letters. Additionally, packages generate excessive waste, clutter in the cabin, and create unnecessary conflicts within cabin groups. For the sake of our camp community, we ask that families honor our no-package policy and embrace the simplicity of a heartfelt letter.

A Keepsake for Life

As a former camper myself, I treasure the letters I received at camp. To this day, I have a shoebox full of them—a journal of my camp experiences through the years. Many parents have shared how they saved their child’s letters as well, sometimes even sending back old Rough Rider letters when their camper becomes a Trailblazer, reminding them of how far they’ve come. The letters sent and received at camp capture a moment in time—one of adventure, growth, and memories that last a lifetime. So as camp approaches, take a moment to put pen to paper. Your words may just become one of your camper’s most cherished keepsakes.