How to Have a Great Time at Overnight Camp

By attending a sleepover camp, you'll experience independence and adventures that you'll remember long after the summer is over. Ensure you have a great time by packing the essentials, preparing for time away from home and immersing yourself in the experience.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Turn the camp's information packet into a checklist of items you'll need to bring with you. Consider a sleeping bag, pillow or blankets, toiletries, towels, extra shoes, pajamas and items like sunscreen and bug repellent. Check weather forecasts and the list of scheduled activities to determine what types of clothing to pack.

2. Develop strategies for coping with homesickness before you leave for camp. Bring a journal to write in, paper and stamped envelopes to send letters home from time to time and a security item to carry with you. Determine policies about phone calls, email or family weekends.

3. Interact with and be approachable and friendly to the other campers, even if you're attending with existing friends. You may meet kids from other backgrounds and form bonds that will last for years.

4. Participate in every activity, even if you're not sure you'll like it. They'll allow you to interact with other kids, develop skills and take your mind of homesickness (if you're suffering from it). You may even discover a new sport, hobby or craft in the process.

5. Soak up the camp spirit by talking to the counselors, singing songs, wearing camp shirts and staying up late to chat and laugh with your cabin mates.

Tips & Warnings

• If you'd like to take photos to remember your great times at camp, consider packing several disposable cameras as opposed to an expensive digital model that may be lost, damaged or stolen.

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