Camp Tips
Plan Ahead to Pack Smart

Okay - you and the kids have found just the right camp and you feel like you can cross “Summer Plans” off the to-do list.

Not so fast!

Ask any mom who has found herself at Walmart frantically buying socks and flashlight batteries the night before the camp bus sets off and she’ll tell you - get packed early!

Most camps will supply a list of items which campers will be required to have, as well as recommended or optional items. Most of these are sensible choices that have stood the test of time, but veteran camp parents can offer some additional tips that novices might not think of when under the gun.

• Have your child help pack their bags. It’s tempting and certainly more efficient to pack for them, but your child’s hands-on participation will increase the odds that they actually come home with the items that they left with, not to mention knowing where to find things when they need them. Conversely, don’t let them pack without you. Use the supply list as a checklist as you work together to collect all the needed gear.

• Pack comfortable, older clothes. Buying new items just for camp is risky. New shoes especially can be uncomfortable, even to the point of being unwearable. Plus, kids sometimes don’t recognize the new items as being theirs – increasing the already high likelihood that they will be left behind.

• Label, label, label! Most camps have procedures in place to retrieve missing articles and labels will insure that you can claim important items. It is a good idea to also include a phone number on the label in the event that your child’s things inadvertently go home with another camper. A permanent silver marker works great on dark items.

• Follow packing guidelines with your child in mind. Some kids regularly go through more clothes than recommended and there are some who will realistically wear less.

• Pack at least one set of warm clothing. Hot summer weather can change quickly, plus nights tend to generally be cooler and rain/dampness can make it feel very chilly.

• The water bottles is an essential piece of gear. Best to choose one with a wide-mouth top to accommodate ice cubes and some type of strap or clip that will keep it hands-free.

• Don’t send anything you can’t afford to lose. Electronics are generally not allowed anyway, but avoid anything high-end. Disposable cameras are the way to go and disposible flashlights work just as well as traditional, for very low cost.

Hey Kids!

Camping is great, especially when you have everything you need. Be sure to double-check the list from your camp so you don’t forget anything or bring something that is not allowed. 

Here are some items to consider that can come in handy, but might not be on your list:

• Mosquito netting and head/hat netting for wilderness camping or canoe trips
  
• Anti-itch cream
  
• A day pack for hikes
  
• A shower tote
  
• Large ziplock bags for clothes or shoes that get wet or dirty or to keep important items dry
  
• Something to use for autographs – autograph book, t-shirt or pillowcase
  
• Include your doctor’s phone number with any medication just in case the prescription gets lost and needs refilling.
  
• Sunburn lotion (in case you forget to use the sunscreen that you packed!)
  
• Deck of cards

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