luggage for camp??

[Sandi]

These posts make me laugh. Lots of memories. The first few years DD went to camp, her favorite thing was that showers were "optional" since they swam every day.

My DD is 17 now and is on a six week bike trip from Maine back to Camp Miniwanca in northern Michigan on the coast of Lake Michigan. The kids have to haul all their stuff on their bikes, so they were very selective about what they took.

Anyway, when she first started going to this camp as a first grader for a week, we just packed her stuff in an older roller bag. On top of that, she had her pillow, a sleeping bag, and a backpack. I sure wouldn't buy any new luggage as it will likely get filthy dirty and beat up at camp. After you've done it once, you'll know. Take a look at what the older kids bring and, if your child decides to go back in future years, you can use that information to figure out what to bring. We were able to get a great bright pink trunk at Target one year for about $15 and she's used that over and over -- I think it may go to college with her. She also brings the rubbermaid boxes and the plastic rolling three drawer bins. For a first time camper, my best recommendation is to not get anything new if you have bags at home that will work.

 

[MinnieForMe]

Hi:
Our troop encourages the boys to purchase plastic/rubbermaid type foot lockers (we got ours at Walmart). They fit under the bunks, are water proof, and have a place to add a lock. I just looked on their site and I no longer see the model we got but perhaps they can be found in the store in the automotive department.

 

[bearloch]

also remember that the clothes u send may not come home so buy/send the cheap/staind/worn outfits! same with towels an socks hey will not be white ever again! therubermaid idea always worked for me and my troop I liste it as a packing requirment! because it is water proof and it alwasy rained the fist day of camp and anyone with just a duffle all there stuff was wet!! I also didnot have them bring sleeping bags i had them bring twin sheets anda light blanket! the sheets keep them off the cot mat( assuming they have mats on cots find out) and helpedwith germs! andthe sheets were lmost always the only cover they ever used the cabins are not ac! also send wipes!! is wondrfull for te kids to clean the bottom of feet beore getting into bed!!

he will have a blast

 

[naomi78155]

DS 8 just went to camp for the first time. We got him a large LL Bean rolling duffle (on sale). It worked great! It fit all of his clothes/towels and bedding for the entire week. It was easy for him to pull himself! Def recommend it!

 

[Hannathy]

also remember that the clothes u send may not come home so buy/send the cheap/staind/worn outfits! same with towels an socks hey will not be white ever again! therubermaid idea always worked for me and my troop I liste it as a packing requirment! because it is water proof and it alwasy rained the fist day of camp and anyone with just a duffle all there stuff was wet!! I also didnot have them bring sleeping bags i had them bring twin sheets anda light blanket! the sheets keep them off the cot mat( assuming they have mats on cots find out) and helpedwith germs! andthe sheets were lmost always the only cover they ever used the cabins are not ac! also send wipes!! is wondrfull for te kids to clean the bottom of feet beore getting into bed!!

he will have a blast

Are these girls or boys? Cause I don't think my son had his socks off the entire time, except for maybe swimming. I Know none of them would have wiped their feet. And you are supposed to get undressed for bed? Course they were in tents and not cabins.


For the new parents if your kids are camping for camp -in tents, then unpack outside and shake everything out, outside so you don't bring any ticks in with the stuff, or other creepy crawlers, but mostly ticks.

 

[crisi]

My kids are also world travelers and have separate and high quality luggage for when we go on trips. That dirty duffel my daughter takes to camp stays at home when we take a plane anywhere. They've had the same bags since they were seven or eight, and they've held up well (they are young teens now) and we tend to travel twice a year. For that they NEED a roller bag because THEY handle their own bags.

 

[riley2008]

also remember that the clothes u send may not come home so buy/send the cheap/staind/worn outfits! same with towels an socks hey will not be white ever again! therubermaid idea always worked for me and my troop I liste it as a packing requirment! because it is water proof and it alwasy rained the fist day of camp and anyone with just a duffle all there stuff was wet!! I also didnot have them bring sleeping bags i had them bring twin sheets anda light blanket! the sheets keep them off the cot mat( assuming they have mats on cots find out) and helpedwith germs! andthe sheets were lmost always the only cover they ever used the cabins are not ac! also send wipes!! is wondrfull for te kids to clean the bottom of feet beore getting into bed!!

he will have a blast

The good part about going to camp at the END of the summer is they are starting to outgrow clothes and most are looking tired/worn anyway. The cabins are not a/c, but the do have bunk beds - a triple stack with the little angled at an "L". I think for the reason you mention, the sheets and mattress pad is a really good idea (they can bring that or a sleeping bag)!Thanks

DS 8 just went to camp for the first time. We got him a large LL Bean rolling duffle (on sale). It worked great! It fit all of his clothes/towels and bedding for the entire week. It was easy for him to pull himself! Def recommend it!

Haven't found anything on sale. Going to check the local big-box stores this weekend for something on wheels. Someone too made a good point about kiddos dragging in mud and getting stuff dirty - hadn't thought about that. I'll keep checking LL Bean though.

Found a wbsite with that I WON'T be buying from, but WOW it is cool. everythingsummercamp dot com