New Approach to Care Packages

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The campers cluster around the mailboxes, eagerly scanning the newly posted package list. “Yeah I got one!” “Lily you got a package!” “YES!” can be heard as the campers spot their name or a friend’s name on the list. Often simply receiving a package is more important than the contents.

However, having sent numerous care packages over the years, and having covered the basics, I was looking for a new approach to putting together a package. My daughter’s camp discourages sending food and the Mad Libs have come home empty in past summers. My daughter hasn’t even had time to read the books she went to camp with. So what to send?

Rather than heading out to the store, I decided to look around the house to see what I could send.  I opened the junk drawer in my kitchen and peered in. I considered each object in turn:

• Cool pad of paper—check, that could easily be included
• Fun colored pens—pens are always running out, I put them in
• Rocks—okay there are plenty of rocks at camp, leave those in the junk drawer
• Bouncy ball—sure, small, lightweight, fun
• Rubber bands—hmm, not sure that would be so exciting
• An unused skein of gimp—so many uses, sure, I dropped it in the bag
• And way in the back—an old riddle book—paused and read that for a bit. This one had probably been forgotten about and would be enjoyed as if it were new.

I have only just sent the package, so I don’t know yet how well it was received. Guess I’ll just have to wait by my mailbox for a return letter. If you give it a try let us know what you find and how well it was received.