Sleepaway camp is the dream, for parents and kids alike. For parents, it’s a chance for a quieter house, a time for catching up on sleep and finally tackling those random chores. For kids, it’s a month of adventures—playing outdoors, doing crafts, climbing ropes, and living with friends. A throwback to the days before cellphones and instant communication, the post office delivers streams of letters back and forth between camps and homes. All kids are excited to be handed a letter or email by their counselor, but this doesn’t even come close to the feeling of receiving a package slip.
As a child, walking to the office proudly clutching that slip of paper, thoughts of what it could be and who it could be from race through your mind. The return trip back to your bunkhouse is even better, since everyone can clearly see that you are one of the lucky ones. Packages show that parents are thinking of their child. For years, parents and grandparents have been missing the youthful presence of those off at camp, and have thought of fun games, knickknacks, and treats to send in the mail.
Sweets On Cedar, a popular candy store in Teaneck, helps many people decide which goodies to mail to their child or grandchild. Entering the shop is like walking into Willy Wonka’s factory, as you are struck by the bins upon bins of colorful treats. There are a variety of sugary delights, ranging from sour to gummy to chocolatey goodness. The walls are covered in beautiful arrangements for many occasions. It can be tough to choose what to send.
With the wide selection, you could DIY the whole thing, and create a care package specified to the tastes of your child. There are also many pre-made packages, including packaged candies and practical, yet fun, items for camp, such as autograph pillows, pop-up laundry bags, and lightweight blankets.
It’s easy to get carried away, literally like a ‘kid’ in a candy store, and want to send everything. After all, your kid is bound to share with the bunk, and who knows what the others will like? Just make sure to check what the rules of the camp are before mailing, as many camps are becoming stricter regarding food in the bunks, as well as allergens. It is advised to send only packaged foods, so that the ingredients are clearly visible. Take this as an opportunity to devise clever and out-of-the-box surprises, which are sure to bring even more joy to those away at camp.
As Monica Sitko, of Sweets on Cedar, says, “Don’t worry about the dentist bill until the fall!”
Sara Linder is a JLNJ summer intern. She is a Teaneck resident and a student at the University of Maryland-College Park.
By Sara Linder
