Listen Now
School is out for the summer, and for many kids, camp is right around the corner. It is time to prepare for a wonderful summer full of fun, new friends, and exciting experiences. Whether this is your child’s first time at camp or not, preparation is important for a positive camp experience.
As a Summer Camp director for several years, I can let you in on some secrets to help prepare your child for camp.
Sometimes in all the emotions, fears, and rushing around, parents forget some of the most basic things, like … underwear! Imagine your child realizing that the only pair of underwear is what he’s wearing! Not a good start to what can be a really long week!
So here are some tips that will help you make your child’s camp experience a great one.
For every day your child is away, plan one outfit if at all possible. If you don’t have enough, you can get things cheap a thrift store, or you can borrow them. A checklist is provided for you at right. Check items off as you pack.
Your child will probably lose a couple of personal items. Please don’t hassle your child about this — it happens. The important thing is that she was good and had a great time. But to help her keep her items, put her name or initials on all clothing with a laundry marker.
Packing Checklist
- shirts/blouses ____
- pants ____
- socks ____
- underwear (1 or 2 per day) ___
- jacket (1)
- bathing suit (1)
- towel & washcloth
- toothbrush
- toothpaste
- comb
- soap
Have your child help you pack, so that he knows what is in his bag/suitcase. Also, a great idea is to include a plastic bag or laundry bag for wet or dirty clothing.
Your child may want to pack a favorite picture or stuffed animal as a reminder of home, along with some stamped envelopes or pre-addressed postcards to write you a note!
Make sure your child can manage basic personal hygiene such as brushing teeth, changing clothes, and bathing.
Bed-wetting should not prevent a child from attending camp; however, the camp staff needs to be made aware of the issue. This way they can make arrangements and ensure that your child is taken care of without feeling embarrassed.
It is important to write your child a couple of letters or even emails. “Mail Call” is a pretty big event at camp and kids love to receive mail from home. Pack a surprise letter telling your child you love and miss him.
Care packages can be the highlight of your child’s day when at camp, but think smart when putting one together.
Check with the camp regarding guidelines on food because many camps don’t allow it. If you do send food, make sure there’s enough to share with everyone in your child’s cabin.
Be realistic. Like the rest of life, camp will probably have its high and low points. Make sure your child does not feel pressured to succeed at camp. And remind your child that the main purpose of camp is to relax and have fun.
But as the camp director, my last plea — Don’t forget the underwear!
