Sleep over camp ?

[MrsPete]

What kind of clothes do you suggest sending? I was thinking of just doing regular t-shirts (we have so many of them) and athletic shorts. I don't want to send anything nice!!

That's it exactly. If you have stained or faded shorts/tees, send them.

 

[thebeesknees]

I've been following this thread with interest. My 8-year-old is going to camp for the first time this year and I"ve seen some great ideas on here. Thanks to all you experienced parents for sharing your tips with us first-timers!

 

[lovesmurfs]

That's it exactly. If you have stained or faded shorts/tees, send them.

DS's camp says that "anything new will come home old".

 

[crisi]

Definately some sort of bag for dirty clothes as well.

Extra pens and paper. An address book (so they can get the addresses of their new friends) - stickers with your kid's address and email on them (younger girls don't always know their email).

Stuff for theme night if they have one.

And - while its a lot of stuff - keep it light. Your daughter will be responsible for getting it perhaps to her cabin (we do drop off, so we can help there) and getting it out to the pick up location (that's where your cabin mates start hating you when you packed the kitchen sink and they are all cleaning up and packing out). I know one leader who tells her girls they can't take anything to camp they can't carry in and out themselves without help. And for a week (or six) of sleep away camp for an eight year old - that might be a little extreme - it actually isn't a bad thought.

 

[3boymthr]

DS's camp says that "anything new will come home old".

Oh so true.

Which is why we are heavily invested in the oh so cheap scout T shirts - you know the ones they pay $5 or so for every time they go on a scout trip or participate in a major activity - also known in the BSA as class B shirts. I especially like to send these as they have a kind of "uniform" feel in that they are recognized official scout shirts but I don't care if they get ruined.

 

[ShannonMB]

Thanks for the thread and the wonderful information here from everyone!! DD (9) is going to camp for the first time this year, and I'm going to go through this thread with her when we make our packing list (while for-sure adhering to our camp's list, of course)!

WHAT did I do before the DISboards???

 

[rbork]

plastic bins don't work if they have to hike into their camp. They are big and awkward. external frame back pack and maybe a duffel at best. I used to worry about them having everything...now I leave it up to them to pack. I do make them do it a week ahead so they have time to really think about stuff that they might have forgotten. SOCKS, SOCKS, and more socks. Way more than you'll ever think they'll wear. I pretty much trash them when they get home because they smell so bad but they have a blast at camp. My youngest starts camp this year. I cried the first time I dropped off the eldest in what looked like a scene from deliverence. Army/open tents and lots of mud etc... This time I'm replacing the tears with my happy dance.

p.s. Mine go to summer camp out west next year. 50lb weight limit on their backs and that's it. That could be a challenge

 

[Diabolicdesire]

Thanks every one for the ideas.

I really like the idea of the plastic bin (It's what I keep all our stuff in when we camp) but I don't think she could really move one on her own. We did go to the open house and the unit she will be in are tents and you have to walk across a swing bridge to get to it.

I will definitely send old clothes and pack in ziplocks also I like the idea of the pop up hamper.

I am concerned about it being too hot though. Her camp is at the end of July and it gets awfully hot and humid here. I do have a small battery operated fan but there is really nothing in the tent to sit it on. I've seen the magnetic ceiling fans for the tents and wonder if that might be a better option. Anyone else have any ideas on that?

I do want to get her some kind of tote for her bathroom stuff, guess I better start looking now.

 

[3boymthr]

Thanks every one for the ideas.

I do want to get her some kind of tote for her bathroom stuff, guess I better start looking now.

As for the tote. Check Target in their travel size/sample area in the H&B section. They have little bags with a zipper for dollar perfect size for a toothbrush, sample sizes of toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo & soap. I got all my items for about $1 each including the bag.