Camp Sea Gull and Camp Seafarer, two YMCA sailing camps in Arapahoe, N.C., thank donors by sharing stories of campers and counselors.

The camps offer two model letters, both of which use the phrase “I AM CAMP.” The letters show donors examples of how their donations are used and make them feel like part of the camp.

“We wanted them to feel a direct connection to what was going on,” said Lisa Brown, director of annual giving and stewardship at the camps and the author of the letters.

In the letters, Ms. Brown attempted to show examples of how gifts to the annual fund are used, including camper scholarships, training for counselors, and other programs, she says.

This letter is part of the Great Acknowledgment Swap, a collection of letters collected by Lynne Wester, director of stewardship and donor recognition at Yeshiva University and blogger at donorrelationsguru.com. You can see the full 638-page collection on her site.

As always, we invite you to critique the letters and borrow ideas for your own acknowledgments.