How to Prepare for Summer Camp as a Girl

If you've never been to summer camp and don't know what to expect once you settle in, the idea of being away from home for an extended period of time is unsettling. You're a girl who enjoys the creature comforts of home: your warm bed, a hot shower and a telephone. You need to get ready for this new experience, so follow these steps to prepare for summer camp.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Embrace the opportunity for individuality. As a girl, you spend so much time of your school year dressing and acting like everyone else in order to fit in. Summer camp gives you the chance to meet new people who don't know you as you are in school, so express your own personality and get ready to try new things without worrying about what others think.
2. Dig out your old clothes. The stuff you ordinarily wouldn't wear to the mall or to the movies with your friends at home is just what you'll need for camp. You'll be roughing it compared to life at home, so make good use of your clothes that will soon be out of fashion.
3. Ask a lot of questions. Call the camp to learn the information that's pertinent to girls. Find out if there are enough female counselors, if there's an experienced nurse on staff ready to deal with any menstruation issues, how many girls are expected to share a bathroom and any other concerns you may have.
4. Follow the packing guidelines the summer camp provided. Girls tend to overpack; while you may want to bring lots of shoes, a few stuffed animals, extra makeup, jewelry and accessories, stick to the camp's checklist. The staff knows exactly what you'll need for your stay, and you can cut down on the number of bags you have to carry to your cabin.
5. Spring for some new stationery and pens. Girls love to keep up with the latest gossip at home and love pretty stationery. Pack some great colorful stationery to write to your friends and family, or buy some stationery with the camp logo to show off to your friends where you've been having such a great time.
6. Minimize your primping routine. Use your stay at camp as an excuse to go natural since you won't be spending a lot of time in the bathroom. Practice cutting down on your prep time by allowing your hair to air dry and your skin to breathe without makeup.

Tips & Warnings

• If you've never slept away from home, arrange to have a girls' sleepover at a friend's house before summer camp starts.
• If you've already had your first period, pack the appropriate supplies. For girls who haven't but are of that age, make sure the counselor is aware of this.