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Mail Delivery Stampedes Speak Volumes!Apr 04 '01 Write an essay on this topic.The Bottom Line Put some thought into your packages and they will mean an incredible amount to the receiver! Care packages are incredibly meaningful and special to the recipient. Most of the time, it doesn't even matter who it's from or what it is. The littlest things can make someone incredibly happy. Care packages are almost a necessity for a camper, student, loved one or other person not used to being away from home, etc. I also find myself sending care packages to family and close ones when I have not seen them for extended periods of time, because it helps me fill a little bit of the gap by doing something special for someone, and by making them happy. Care packages do not have to be excessively large or contain expensive contents to be meaningful. One of the greatest things about receiving a package is not expecting it at all. It is important to consider the recipient and the things that they might need or want. Often, when I have been away, I cannot get all the things I can get at home. So when I get something in the mail that I cannot buy, it's a really special treat and shows that the sender truly thought of me in their efforts. For kids at camp, it can be a little bit of a different story. I worked at a summer camp, and when the mail came, there was complete and utter chaos. I hate to say that I saw a great deal of jealousy between campers, because some were not getting any packages (or even mail for that matter). For others, it got a bit competitive in terms of who got the "coolest" packages. However, I saw an overall sharing of the excitement. I was glad to see that campers who got packages shared the contents of what they had gotten. This is something else for parents to keep in mind. Although you may want your child to have some special treats, it is common for campers to give away some of those treats through generosity or begging by others. Therefore, it was a great idea for a parent to plan ahead by either sending (or bringing to camp right from the start) something like a big bag of candy. I remember a big metal container of "Chuba Chubs" lollipops that helped ease some of the issues involving green-eyed envy. Also, one of the girls was sent enough embroidery string (which is cheap) to share among the other campers for bracelets and hair wrapping- it was an all around hit for everyone. It was a wonderful ice-breaker, and did not involve the flaunting of wealth. Some recommendations: I wouldn't recommend sending things that are of little or no immediate use. A whole lot of campers got stationary from family members, who probably sent it in hopes that the kids would write letters. But for a cabin of 13-year olds, any spare time mean chatting and staying up all night long. As a counselor, I ended up with tons of stationary that had been thrown in the garbage at the end of the summer, most of which had not even been opened. On the other hand, you may want to send some things that will be trashed or used up- magazines, stickers, an I-zone camera, and other things along these lines. Another consideration is sending things to that are great for passing time- nail polish, stickers, small craft things, magazines, etc. Keep time elements in mind. If a camp is two weeks long, you want to make sure a package doesn't get there towards the end of the second week. In fact, you may want to send a package out on the first or second day that your child is beginning camp. If you are sending to a college student, you might want to send a package when midterms are upcoming. Send something at the time of most need. Also nice when the person is totally unexpecting of the package! Necessities are great! Food, vitamins, extra socks, pretty much anything, depending on the person. Non-necessities are great too! To get a little cute/luxury item out of the blue can be a thoughtful idea or wonderful stress reliever for the recipient. Candy is ok.. but just ok. Candy at camp may get out of control (or should I say, get the campers out of control). The kids at the camp I worked with practically had sugar coming out of their pores. No wonder they stayed up until the wee hours of the morning every night! Candy binges during finals week do not do a mind (or body) good. I always try for a few candy "wannabees"- nuts, sunflower seeds, and other little cute snack things that are at least decent in health value, but still are appealing taste wise. Keep in mind, there is already candy everywhere. Ahh, the gift of rotten teeth. Food is alright. Campers are fed well, and although they seem to always be snacking, there are no hunger issues that need to be solved by sending food. Don't test the recipient's arm strength or outdo every birthday to come. Care packages are meant to be special, but not the best day of your life. Also, in terms of packages, most/many camps and dorms require recipients to pick up their packages in a separate location. In other words, consider if the recipient is going to have to walk a half mile with their new lead teddy bear. You also don't want to send something that is so wonderful that it outshines gifts given on regular occasions. "Camp" things are great! Signature and address books are great for a camper to have all their friends sign, and so they can get everyone's address. There are plenty of options- they make all kinds of pillows, stuffed animals, and so on that can be signed by fellow campers. Overall... THINK of the recipient. This isn't for yourself, and just because you have a 5-pound bag of old Halloween candy left over in March does not necessarily mean that whoever you are sending it to wants it! But don't worry- just about anything you send will be gratefully accepted!  |
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