That familiar camp song, everyone can sing the first few bars. But let's face it, whether it is sports camp, leadership camp, band camp or wilderness, kids hate writing letters. And sadly, every parent wants to know what in the world is going on. We live in a world of instant news and how difficult it is to wait for a letter. Sometimes they never come, that means they're having a blast. I learned a little trick last summer when my son was at a version of summer camp, and we had no verbal communication for 4 weeks. I knew he was too busy to write a thoughtful letter and tell me what I was dying to know. So I basically wrote it for him.
The letters were multiple choice questionnaires. Who is your room mate? Where is he from? The weather is hot, rainy, humid, fabulous (circle one). Questions that he could answer in a few quick words or select the answer. It was perfect. He would answer 40 questions and I found out everything I wanted to know. I mailed the letters with my own to him, and included self addressed, stamped envelope so it was easy for him. My letters to him were synopsis of his favorite shows, baseball scores, and of course news from home.
Any time away from home can be a challenge, and if snacks are allowed, here is my favorite cookie to pack along. We call them Never Ending Cookies, because they make a million. Pack a bucket for your camper (I like ice cream buckets with a lid), put a huge bag of them in your freezer for a later date, and enjoy the rest while your camper is away and you're sipping coffee reading a great book.
Never Ending Cookies
1 pound light brown sugar
2 cups white sugar
1/2 pound butter, unsalted, softened
6 large eggs
1 1/2 pounds peanut butter (we like it smooth, but chunky is good too!)
3 teaspoons vanilla
2 teaspoons white corn syrup
4 teaspoons baking powder
9 cups quick cooking oatmeal
1 pound M & Ms
In an enormous bowl, cream butter and sugars. Add eggs and mix well. Add everything else and mix with your hands for fear of burning out your mixer! Scoop with ice cream scoop. Bake at 350 for 12 minutes or until golden. Do not overbake! You can half the recipe, but it just won't be as much fun!
About the Author:
Susie Tilton is a blogger from Tennessee. You can check out her blog at Sweetie Petitti.
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