At Camp Mah-Kee-Nac, we know how much families miss their boys while they’re away for the summer. While camp is a special time for campers to unplug, gain independence, and dive into adventure, staying connected is still important—and totally doable! Whether it’s through handwritten letters, emailed notes, or our favorite day of the summer (hint: it involves YOU!), we’re here to help you feel close, even from afar.
Here are some fun and meaningful ways to stay in touch with your son while he’s having the time of his life at Mah-Kee-Nac:
1. Letters Make a Big Impact
Trust us—mail time is one of the highlights of a camper’s day. A letter from home, even just a few lines, can lift his spirits and make him feel supported. Keep letters light, upbeat, and focused on his camp life. Great things to ask include:
- What activity are you loving most right now?
- Did you try something totally new?
- What’s the inside joke in your bunk?
- What new friends have you made?
You’ll also receive letters from your son throughout the session—some may be detailed and some may be, well… “Hi. Camp is good. Love, me.” Either way, they’re keepsakes and mementos to hold onto for years to come!
2. Follow Along with Daily Photos and Updates
We upload photos every day so you can peek into life at Mah-Kee-Nac and feel connected to your camper, no matter the distance. Whether it’s your son water skiing across the lake, scoring the winning goal in a soccer match, or simply laughing with his bunkmates during evening activities, these daily snapshots provide more than just a glimpse—they offer real-time reassurance that he’s thriving, engaged, and having the time of his life. From spontaneous cabin moments to major camp events, our photo galleries capture the full range of experiences that make MKN so special.
To make it even easier for families to stay in the loop, we’ve created “The MKN Totem,” our private online hub where you can access everything from daily photo uploads to written recaps of camp happenings. Once you create an account, you’ll get access to our daily news updates, feature stories, and special highlights that showcase all the incredible things happening around camp. It’s the perfect way to feel connected and share in the joy, laughter, and milestones of your camper’s summer adventure, even from miles away.
We will also frequently post updates to our blog, where you can check out our weeks in review, where we post stories and pictures from each week at camp.
3. Mark Your Calendar: Family Visiting Day!
For first session and full season families, one of the most exciting moments of the summer—for campers and families alike—is Family Visiting Day! This is your chance to step into the magic of Mah-Kee-Nac, see your son’s world firsthand, meet his friends and counselors, and enjoy some quality time together on the lakefront. You’ll want to make sure you don’t forget your swimsuit and towel!
Families often bring picnic lunches, lawn games, or treats to share. Whether you’re tossing a frisbee, touring his bunk, or hearing his stories in person, it’s a joyful, memory-filled day that means the world to your camper.
We suggest making your hotel reservations well in advance, as rooms in the Berkshires are in high demand during the height of the summer. You can view a full list of hotels in the area here.
Disconnecting to Reconnect
We intentionally keep Camp Mah-Kee-Nac screen-free so boys can truly be present, unplug, and connect face-to-face. That means no texting, snapchatting, or dm’ing during the session, but don’t worry, you’ll still hear from us if anything important comes up, and our leadership team is always available for questions.
This “disconnect to reconnect” approach is one of the most powerful parts of camp life. It helps your son build resilience, self-confidence, and independence in a way that’s hard to replicate anywhere else.
The camp bubble is a beautiful thing, and your support from the outside makes it even stronger. Whether it’s a handwritten letter, a photo of his smiling face, or a hug on Family Visiting Day, these little connections go a long way. We’re proud to be a home away from home for your son, and we can’t wait to see how much he grows this summer.
