Don’t Forget These Important Things When Packing for Summer Camp
It took you a few weeks but you’ve finally found a sleepover camp that you want to send the kids to this summer. Though summer is still months away, the moment you’ve decided on which program you’re sending them to packing should be a priority. Sending them with too much of the wrong thing or too little of the right things could really change their experience. So, you want to give yourself as much time as possible to get everything they’ll need. While some things are pretty obvious, here is a list of things you most definitely don’t want to forget.
Labels
Your kids are going to be sharing living quarters with a host of other children. They’re going to be traveling from one site to another and participating in a lot of activities. That means there are plenty of opportunities for their things to come up missing or arguments to break out. The best way to keep this to a minimum is to make sure that you’ve labeled everything from their bedding to their underwear with camp labels.
Extra Clothing
There’s a lot going on at camp. From arts and craft projects to hikes and other outdoor adventures there’s no doubt they’re going to make a mess of things. That’s why it is important that you pack extra clothes and underwear for the summer. Though most sleepover camps have washers and dryers to clean clothes for the children, you don’t know how frequent that is and want your kid to have something to change into right away should they damage their clothes.
Sunscreen and Bug Guard
Your children will be spending a lot of time outdoors during their summer camp program and you want to keep them safe. This means making sure they have adequate sun protection. Packing lotions with sunscreen protection as well as additional sunscreen for your child to use on a daily basis protect them from damage. Also, since there are all sorts of creepy crawlers out there sending bug guard to keep mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas from biting are recommended.
Medications and Medical Needs
Does your child suffer from seasonal allergies? Do they have asthma and require an inhaler? Perhaps they have specific food allergies or other allergies that need to be addressed. If this is the case, make sure that you have informed the camp administration by completing all health forms accurately. Also, make sure that you have packed things they’ll need to stay safe and healthy for the summer. Inhalers, epi pens, allergy medicine, contact lenses, retainers, glasses, and anything else you can think of needs to be packed. Adding a note with clear instructions for your child and a reminder to camp counselors how medications are to be administered and what foods or other items your child needs to steer clear of.
Avoid Packing Things They’re Attached to
Sending a favorite blanket, teddy bear, or baby doll may seem like a great way to help your child cope when they’re so far away from home, but, should those things get lost, it could make their camping experience worse. Sometimes these things aren’t retrieved and/or cause conflict with other campers. It is best to leave home anything that is of emotional value to your child as well as things you’ve invested a lot in financially.
Chances are you’re sending your kids to summer camp this year because you loved the idea growing up and know all the fun you had. If you want them to have a great experience just as you did, it is important to make sure that you don’t forget to pack any of the above-mentioned items. Also, avoid packing things they’re attached to along with anything else that might be listed on the restriction list from the program. If you keep these things in mind your children are sure to have a wonderful summer break.
