You’re preparing to send your child away to camp for 6 whole days, and you want them to have the things they’ll need! But how do you avoid overpacking and having to lug 50 pounds of stuff up to the cabin when you get here?
1. Clothes that can get dirty!
We promise to take good care of your camper, but we can’t make any promises about your camper’s clothes. With all of our fun outdoor activities, your camper will get messy and sweaty, and those clothes may come home looking... a little worse for the wear. Pack those clothes that your son is about to grow out of, or those hand-me-downs that your daughter is ready to hand down again.
2. Bedding & Towels
Whether you opt for the traditional sleeping bag, or sheets and a blanket, don’t forget bedding! And a pillow! Again, it’s best to pack bedding that you don’t mind getting dirty, so dig out one of those mismatched pillow cases and a pillow that you’re ready to get rid of.
Your camper will also need a towel or two. Towels are indispensable at the pool and waterfront, as a sit-upon outside, and of course if your camper can be convinced to shower once or twice during the week! Pick out old towels and put your camper’s name on them... you’d be amazed at how many unclaimed towels we have in the lost & found by the end of the summer!
3. Shoes, Shoes, Shoes
Your child will need these three types of shoes:
-
Closed-Toed Shoes: For some activities (challenge course, camp games, etc), campers will need sturdy shoes that protect the whole foot. An old pair of sneakers is the best bet. (Croc-style shoes don’t count, because they aren’t fully enclosed and don’t protect the heel.)
-
Water Shoes: Your camper will have lots of fun in the river, but to protect her or his feet in the river and on the bank please send along sturdy water shoes that will stay on. Flip flops aren’t a good bet because they WILL come off and float away!
-
Shower Shoes: Here’s where those Crocs or flip-flops come in! Just like at the YMCA or a college dorm, it is recommended that campers wear shoes in our washhouse showers.
4. Flashlight... and batteries
A lot of our most memorable camp activities happen after dark. Whether going to campfire, joining in counselor hunt, or just walking to the bathroom at night, your camper is going to want a flashlight. Make sure to test the flashlight before you pack it, and send extra batteries along just in case!
5. Appropriate Swimwear
Regardless of the program your camper signs up for, an appropriate bathingsuit will be key for spending time at the pool or in the river.
Boys should bring swim trunks or board shorts and girls should bring a one-piece suit (or a two-piece suits that meets in the middle).
While other styles of swimsuits may be a great option for the beach, we've found sturdier styles with more coverage to be most appropriate for the level of activity involved in our water programs. For both boys and girls, a more covering suit will simply be more comfortable, and will help to avoid the possibility of a wardrobe malfunction. Rash guards or swim tees are a great choice for everyone to limit sun exposure, too!
As with the other items we’ve already listed, make sure your camper packs a bathing suit that is okay to come back a little worse for the wear. For some programs, bringing two bathing suits is a good idea, to give suits a chance to dry out between wears.
6. Paper, Envelopes, & Stamps (and other quiet time activities)
Remember when people sent letters in the mail? In a time when we are used to instant communication, your kid may have some down time at camp to write a good old-fashioned letter!
Writing letters can help kids who are coping with cellphone withdrawal and can comfort those who are feeling a little homesick. For younger campers, you may want to send addressed and stamped envelopes along just to make things a little easier.
It might also be a good idea to send along other quiet time activities to help your camper wind down during rest period or at the end of the day. Books, word searches, journals, and coloring materials are all good options.
7. Sun protection
We all know the health risks associated with unprotected sun exposure, so sunscreen and other forms of protection are critically important items to send to camp with your child.
You should pack waterproof/sweatproof sunscreen with at least 30 SPF, and you may want to consider sending a hat or UV-protected rashguards to decrease the likelihood that your son or daughter will come home sunburned.
As we tell our counselors during training, a sunburned camper is a sad camper!
8. Meds & Health Form
Good news - you can now fill out your camper's health form at the same time as their registration form, or any time prior to their week of camp. A doctor's signature is ONLY required IF your camper will be taking medication while at camp.
Please be sure to complete the form before your camper's arrival, including the digital signature for both parent/guardian and camper. That’s all important information in case your child needs any type of medical care.
As for meds, all medications (including over the counter meds and vitamins) need to be brought in their original packaging and checked in with the nurse. We have a health center stocked with normal over-the-counter household meds like Tylenol, ibuprofen, Benadryl, and more, so you don't need to pack those with your camper (to avoid the meds check-in line at camper drop off!).
Our on-camp nurses are available 24 hours a day, and meds will be distributed at meals and bedtime (as determined when you check in the with the nurse). If your camper requires any “as needed” meds, she or he can take buddies and go to the nurse at any time.
If your camper has an inhaler or Epi-pen, the counselor will hang onto it and be sure that it is available at all times.
9. Put it all in a Duffle Bag
Toss everything in a sturdy duffle bag or suitcase that can fit easily under the bottom bunk.
10. A friend!
Campers who arrive on their own will have just as much fun, but if your camper wants to share the camp fun with a friend go ahead and invite them along!
Returning campers can even get a discount for inviting new campers - for more details see our Thrifty Fifty offer. Just don’t pack your human friend in your duffle bag; the friend may not be so friendly after that!
Sometimes a stuffed animal friend can be a comfort to campers who might be nervous or homesick. Just remember that you might need to toss this friend into the washer after camp.
If you are nervous about bringing a cherished stuffed animal to camp, you can even pick up one of these friends at the Trading Post on Sunday during check-in!
Megan Sweeney is the Camp Programs Coordinator at Pecometh.
For more tips and ideas, take a look at our Camp Packing List Pinterest Board!
And don't forget to register for Camp!
Topics: Camp