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January 14, 2011
Preparing for overnight camp
How to pack all the right necessities and extras for summer fun.
REBECA KUROPATWA
In just a few months time, it will be time for kids to head out the door to overnight camp. To avoid getting into a frantic state of stress about what kids should take to camp and how to help them pack efficiently and effectively, stay in-the-know about what are the essentials and what are the extra comforts necessary to facilitate a positive camp experience.
Whether kids are going to camp for the first time or the eighth, it can be hard to know what to bring, and, of course, what not to bring. Some parents pack enough for an army, while others barely manage to make sure kids leave with a toothbrush and a pair of underwear. Somewhere between these two extremes is a happy medium – the right balance for your child.
Start early by looking over the camp’s clothing and equipment list with your child and, together, commit to stick to its suggestions.
Here is a list of must-haves when packing for overnight camp.
1. Blanket – If cold weather is a possibility, put an extra blanket inside your child’s sleeping bag before rolling it up. This is also nice if your little camper is used to sleeping with a special blanket at home.
2. Daily defence – Sunscreen and bug spray go a long way to keeping campers happy and protected from sun and any bugs that may be lurking.
3. Trash/plastic bags – These are an absolute must, and can be used as a ground cover, makeshift poncho and/or dirty laundry storage.
4. Head covering – Pack your child’s favorite hat and/or bandana to avoid sunburn, rain and wood ticks.
5. Toiletries – Essential toiletries, like soap, shampoo, deodorant (for older children) and a toothbrush, can be packed into a pouch or caddy to ensure easy carrying to the camp washroom facilities.
6. Medication – If your child has a known allergy or illness that needs special treatment (like an EpiPen), be sure to send it along – and make sure to let the camp know about it.
7. Clothing – The key word to keep in mind when packing clothes is “functional.” Camp clothing is best when it’s comfortable, made from breathable fibres (like cotton) and layers well (i.e. T-shirts, flannel top and a light jacket).
8. Rain gear – Although it would be nice if camp sessions featured only sunny, warm days, that’s rarely the case, so having wet weather gear (a rain jacket, rain boots and rain pants) is a must.
9. Footwear – Having ample socks and shoes is essential, as well as a pair of inexpensive flip-flops.
10. Hiking gear – A sturdy pair of hiking boots and a water bottle or canteen are critical to pack for nature excursions.
11. Swim gear – For swim time, pack a swimsuit and Aqua Sox or flip-flops.
12. Flashlight – Don’t forget the batteries.
13. Creature comforts – Although most camp time will be filled with organized activities, it’s good to pack a few items for potential downtime, like reading material and activity books.
14. Correspondence supplies – Pack a fully charged phone card or a couple rolls of quarters for phone calls, as well as stamps and stationery for letter writing.
15. Memory makers – Camp packing isn’t just about having all the essentials. Pack a journal and disposable camera so your child can capture special camp experiences.
To avoid wasting time and money, or worse, causing your child disappointment, make sure there are some items that are not packed.
Do not pack strongly scented perfumes, lotions, soaps or shampoos. They are likely to attract insects and can be an issue for other campers with allergies. Though a disposable camera is nice to include, an expensive, fragile digital camera is not (as it can be lost, damaged or stolen). Most camps don’t allow campers to keep any treats (i.e. cookies or candies), so it’s better to forgo packing them at all. Even for camps that do allow campers to have a stash of goodies, it’s best avoided (as hungry cabin critters may be itching to share).
Once everything is gathered, label and take an inventory of everything going to camp. This will help in packing the following year. Put a copy of the list of items in the bag or suitcase to remind your child of what was sent, and help him/her develop responsibility for his/her belongings. You can also e-mail a copy of the list to the camp.
Last but not least, take a photo of your child sitting on his/her luggage before boarding the camp bus to mark the beginning of the fun of camp season.
Rebeca Kuropatwa is a Winnipeg freelance writer.
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