Packing for summer camp

[Karel]

My son is going to summer camp for two weeks for the first time. I was a counselor for many years but it's different packing for him than it was for me. There's no laundry done so we've been running around trying to make sure he has enough clothes.

I'm looking for little tips about what I should and should not send. Anything that would make things easier or better that I haven't thought of?

 

[MerryPoppins]

We usually bag whole outfits in large ziplock bags. That way they stay clean until the kids wear them, and it's easy to find everything needed to get dressed in one grab.

Sunscreen, bug spray, flashlight, dirty clothes bag (I like the kind with lots of holes so the clothing dries out), postcards to write home, water bottle, if staying in cabins they might allow clip on fans (I know our church camp does).

Since it's the first time away, you might leave a couple of notes for him to find. My DD likes riddles, so I always leave some that will make her smile. She also takes a family photo with her. If the camp allows care packages, you might want to send cookies or other goodies for him to share with pals. I always try to mail things a little ahead, since the first couple of days are the roughest. Once they make some friends they feel a lot more at home.

For Scout camp I sometimes hit the Goodwill store and buy extra shorts and t-shirts. Then if they don't survive I don't feel bad just throwing them away. The same can be done with a pair of tennis shoes. I actually got this tip from an older Scout parent. Oklahoma mud is hard to get out of clothes.

 

[winniedapooh]

Poncho, sweatshirts, towels, those travel size shampoos and soaps from WDW make great camp supplies. Oh and don't forget to pre stamp and pre label the postcards. I actually got letters this year! For some reason, the kids will mail stuff to friends and relatives but usually forget us the lowly parents-lol! summer reading books also great for rest time. Good luck.