How to Pack for a Week of Summer Camp

Wondering just your child needs to bring this year to summer camp that the general list might not tell you? This article will give the 411 on things you might not of thought to bring to camp this year.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• over a week's worth of clothes
• bug spray
• sunscreen
• gear to prepare for rain or thunderstorms
• money
• bandaids
• creative ideas
• reassurance

1. The list for summer camp usually tells you to pack a week's worth of clothing. Pack more. A reason for this is it can be extremely difficult to predict the weather. If your child gets soaked, they are going to want a change of clothes. Camp is a place where you are most likely to be doing something that could get your clothes dirty. Also, horse camp might make it a requirement to wear long pants.

2. Bug spray can be your child's best allie when going to camp. The mosquitos tend to be more prominent in wooded areas, often where camps are built around. So unless your child wants to do the mosquito dance the entire week to try to get them away, to make your child's life easier during their week at camp, do not forget to bring bug spray.

3. As with bug spray, sunscreen should be brought as well. No child wants to be sunburn the entire week they are there because it is likely most of the activities will be outside.

4. Another great idea is to put bandaids in their dufflebag. For some reason, camp seems to be an easy place to trip or get injured. It is likely that the counselor will always have bandaids with them, but just in case, it is always a good idea to bring them.

5. This might be slightly more geared towards girls, but think of creative things for your child to bring to entertain themselves during quiet times at camp. For example, stationary or items to write letters are always good things to bring especially for those that are younger. This can even help for those that are likely to get homesick.

6. Depending on the camp, money may be a crucial thing to bring. Perhaps the camp has a gift shop or a candy shop they can visit at certain times.

7. Finally, share the enthusiasm with your child. This is going to be a great experience for them!

Tips & Warnings

• If your camp has a craft shop that makes shrinky dinks, bug spray can often erase permanent marker mistakes when you are in the process of making one.
• Ensure your child that their counselor has their best interest, and that they will be safe during the week.
• Bring rain gear because you never know when it is going to rain!
• Cameras are also a great thing to bring so that your child can share the memories with you!
• Homesickness can occur and is normal for those that are younger or it is their first time at camp.
• Some camps do not allow the use of technological devices during their week at camp in order that your child gets the most out of their time spent in nature.