One thing to keep in mind when writing your cadet is to try your best to keep the letters positive.   Remember, your words may just be the pick me up they need after a rough day of training.  Grab your pen, a pad of paper and plenty of stamps to get ready for more letter writing than you’ve probably ever done in your life. Follow these tips to make your letter writing a success!

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Tips to Writing Your Cadet:

1.

Enlist the help of family and friends. While you may plan on writing every day, there is possibility that you will miss a few days here and there.  When this happens, it’s great to know that other family members and friends are also sending mail.  

2.

Buy a stack of greeting cards or post cards. These tend to be much less intimidating than a blank sheet of paper. You can write a quick note and be happy knowing that your cadet is still receiving mail that day. After an exhausting day, your cadet may be just as happy to have a short note to read rather than a four-page letter from you.

3.

Speaking of that, don’t feel bad about keeping it short. If you have a lot to say, by all means go for it. Your cadet will be just as happy with a one-page letter from home.

4.

Jot down notes during the day of things that you want to tell your cadet about when you write.  That way at the end of the day when you sit down to write a letter your mind doesn't go blank.  Get a small notebook to jot down your thoughts.

5.

Tell your cadet about your day.  Yes, it used to bore your kid to death when they were with you, but now?  They want to hear about home and to hear about “normal” life.  So share those details.  You’ll never have the chance again for such undivided attention.

6.

If you’re running out of things to say, recap what’s on television for them. Give the scoop on their favorite shows or the ESPN update with sports scores. They’ll love being able to still know all that is going on at home even when they are far away from any type of media coverage.

7.

Do not send anything that is NOT listed on the packing list.  Letters and packages are opened in front of Cadre.  Anything considered contraband will be confiscated.  If you send homemade chocolate chip cookies, they will be sent directly to the Admissions Department for taste testing!

8.

If you have something to say that is extremely important and might upset your cadet, reach out to their Counselor first.  The Counselor will determine the best time to tell your cadet whatever it is that needs to be communicated.  

9.

If your child writes you and tells you they don’t like it at Sunburst and to come and pick them up, don’t!  It doesn’t work that way.  Every cadet, throughout their Sunburst experience, has a moment where they miss home or want to quit.  You will miss them and they will miss you.  Call your cadets counselor and talk about it.