My tips for packing for Summer Camp
My family and I have been going to Camp Newman for 5 summers now and we packing for camp down to a science. Here are my tips for packing for camp:
15 tips for packing for camp:
1. Make a few copies of the packing list for camp - I write each kids name on the top list and use it as a checklist, I keep one in my purse so when I am out I can look to see what I still need to buy.
2. Zip top bags - I use them for everything - shampoo in one, sunscreen in another, bug spray in a third. They also hold stationary, pens and friendship bracelet string. I write their names on the outside of the bag and what goes in it so they can find their stuff.
3. Label everything, and I mean everything. My favorite tags are Name Bubbles and Label Daddy, but I also keep a sharpie next to me while we pack. My kids tease me about putting their names on everything, but I have seen the inside of a cabin half way through camp - stuff is everywhere, the kids just throw all their stuff together when they are in a hurry to clean up.
4. Not everything that goes to camp comes home again. One summer one of my kids left her duffle bag at camp, she brought home everything in her laundry bag instead. Don't send anything to camp that you would be heartbroken if you never see it again. I still miss that duffle bag and I'm still not sure how a kid can forget to bring that home.
5. Don't be afraid to make adjustments to the suggested packing list. Our list never includes a flashlight, but I always send one. Our list also suggests only 4 pairs of shorts for 12 days - I send 6 figuring that my kids are likely to be able to wear the same pair for 2 days, but not three. I make the same calculation with shirts and pajamas.
6. Yom Sport is color wars - send something in Red, Blue, Yellow and Green - you never know what color they will be.
7. My girls like an organizer to hang from the bunk - there are camp ones, but any small hanging organizer works. Some clothespins are also great to send.
8. A plain pillowcase works great as an autograph memento at the end of the session. Send a sharpie to go with it and everyone in the cabin can sign.
9. Those $1 glow bracelets are fun to bring to share with the cabin.
10. I send a fitted sheet to go on the mattress under the sleeping bag. No particular reason, it is just a nice little touch of home.
11. This year my oldest packed some crazy accessories for theme nights. As kids get older groups have more theme nights and activities - don't worry if you don't know what to send - the counselors also bring things to share.
12. A small backpack. At Camp Newman they go on an overnight in tents, away from their cabin, a small backpack helps them pack for the overnight.
13. Pack lots of sunscreen. I also send a sunscreen stick to make it easier to put sunscreen on their faces. Kids will share, counselors will remind kids to apply and reapply but I try to make it as easy as possible for my kids to stay slathered in sunscreen.
14. Closed toed shoes are a must. I love Keen toe protecting sandals, I'm sure they have saved me from a bloody foot on more than one occasion.
15. That being said, I throw in a pair of cheap flip-flops for the pool or shower or for stepping outside to hang up a towel on the clothesline. They are not an alternative to shoes, but an alternative to bare feet.
Still want more packing advice? Check out All Packed Up
15 tips for packing for camp:
1. Make a few copies of the packing list for camp - I write each kids name on the top list and use it as a checklist, I keep one in my purse so when I am out I can look to see what I still need to buy.
2. Zip top bags - I use them for everything - shampoo in one, sunscreen in another, bug spray in a third. They also hold stationary, pens and friendship bracelet string. I write their names on the outside of the bag and what goes in it so they can find their stuff.
3. Label everything, and I mean everything. My favorite tags are Name Bubbles and Label Daddy, but I also keep a sharpie next to me while we pack. My kids tease me about putting their names on everything, but I have seen the inside of a cabin half way through camp - stuff is everywhere, the kids just throw all their stuff together when they are in a hurry to clean up.
4. Not everything that goes to camp comes home again. One summer one of my kids left her duffle bag at camp, she brought home everything in her laundry bag instead. Don't send anything to camp that you would be heartbroken if you never see it again. I still miss that duffle bag and I'm still not sure how a kid can forget to bring that home.
5. Don't be afraid to make adjustments to the suggested packing list. Our list never includes a flashlight, but I always send one. Our list also suggests only 4 pairs of shorts for 12 days - I send 6 figuring that my kids are likely to be able to wear the same pair for 2 days, but not three. I make the same calculation with shirts and pajamas.
6. Yom Sport is color wars - send something in Red, Blue, Yellow and Green - you never know what color they will be.
7. My girls like an organizer to hang from the bunk - there are camp ones, but any small hanging organizer works. Some clothespins are also great to send.
8. A plain pillowcase works great as an autograph memento at the end of the session. Send a sharpie to go with it and everyone in the cabin can sign.
9. Those $1 glow bracelets are fun to bring to share with the cabin.
10. I send a fitted sheet to go on the mattress under the sleeping bag. No particular reason, it is just a nice little touch of home.
11. This year my oldest packed some crazy accessories for theme nights. As kids get older groups have more theme nights and activities - don't worry if you don't know what to send - the counselors also bring things to share.
12. A small backpack. At Camp Newman they go on an overnight in tents, away from their cabin, a small backpack helps them pack for the overnight.
13. Pack lots of sunscreen. I also send a sunscreen stick to make it easier to put sunscreen on their faces. Kids will share, counselors will remind kids to apply and reapply but I try to make it as easy as possible for my kids to stay slathered in sunscreen.
14. Closed toed shoes are a must. I love Keen toe protecting sandals, I'm sure they have saved me from a bloody foot on more than one occasion.
15. That being said, I throw in a pair of cheap flip-flops for the pool or shower or for stepping outside to hang up a towel on the clothesline. They are not an alternative to shoes, but an alternative to bare feet.
Still want more packing advice? Check out All Packed Up
I am totally using this! My other secret is packing cubes.
ReplyDeleteIt may take a while to label items, but it's definitely worth it. Thanks for the helpful tips.
ReplyDelete