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How to Pack for Summer Camp
The camp has been selected, the fees paid, and the anticipation has begun to build. All that's left is to wait for summer... and then start packing.
Packing for summer camp can be a challenge, both for older and younger campers. Parental assistance (or at least supervision) is usually required, and it can be a great time to bond with your child.
The best way to start is by contacting the summer camp to find out if your child will need anything out of the ordinary. Most camps have a packing list that can be mailed, emailed, or even downloaded off the internet. It's a great tool and should be kept near your child's duffle bag or suitcase so it can be referred to often as he or she is packing.
Once you have the list, go through it with your child and mark the things that will have to be purchased. If you do this far enough in advance, it can be a great opportunity for your child to earn some of the money that will be needed to purchase the required items, either through an allowance or - if your child is old enough - a part-time job. It can be an excellent "teaching moment" for helping your child better understand the need to budget and the value of working for something he or she wants. Consider selecting one or two items that your child will be responsible for purchasing, and develop a plan to help him earn and save enough money.
Though most kids drive to camp, some fly. If your child is flying, remember that hygiene products will either have to be in 3oz containers, or they'll have to be in a bag that's checked at the ticket counter. If your child tries to bring full-size bottles of shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, etc onto the plane, he will be required to throw them away at the security check-point. Also, to make trips to and from showers and bathrooms easier, put all of the toiletries in a bag or basket. And include a pair of flip-flops or "shower shoes" so your child won't have go barefoot into the shower/bathroom.
If your child is taking clothing that he hasn't worn in a while, have him try it on to make sure it still fits, especially if he's younger. Once you're sure the clothes fit, or you have purchased the clothing he'll need, put his initials or name on the tags to help ensure that nothing gets lost.
Include an extra laundry bag or pillowcase that your child can use for dirty clothing.
Find out if clothes can or will be laundered at camp. Some places have washers and dryers, and some even have a laundry service. If that's the case, your child will be able to pack less.
Be sure that your child packs a flashlight, insect repellent, and sunscreen.
If your child needs medication, pack it in its original bottle(s), and include a note for the camp nurse that outlines what the medication is for, and how and when it should be taken.
If you'd like to get letters from your child while he's at camp, take the initiative and pack several postcards or envelopes that are already stamped and addressed. Pack them in a side pocket or a plastic bag so that they're less likely to get crumpled or lost.
Your child may need money for a special trip, extra activities, or a "general store" that sells snacks. Check with the camp about this and make sure your child has what he needs. Find a safe place to pack the money, and make sure your child knows that he needs to keep the money well-hidden when he's not in his room. For an extra bit of security, consider buying a zipper bag that locks. You can find them at most office supply stores.
Just as there is a list of things your child should take with him to camp, there's also a list of things that should stay at home. Electronic devices like iPods or CD players are often prohibited at camp. So are fireworks. Expensive jewelry, handheld video games, "snack" food, and cell phones should be left at home, too. You might be met with some resistance over a few of these items (especially iPods and cell phones) but it will do your child good to live without these "necessities" for a little while.
How much your child enjoys his camp experience will depend, in part, on how well he's prepared. Being too cold, too wet, or getting poison ivy because he was wearing shorts instead of long pants, can quickly turn a positive experience into a negative one. The right clothes and equipment will ensure that he's comfortable and able to fully participate in all of the activities.
Is your teen struggling with behavioral and emotional issues that are prohibiting him or her from growing into a mature young adult with a positive future?
Talisman Summer Camps offer programs for children ages 8 to 17 with LD, ADD and ADHD much more than the typical summer adventure. Talisman specializes in creating camps that offer not only adventure, but learning experiences, for children and teenagers with learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Asperger's syndrome and high-functioning autism.