Tips and Tricks:
What (and how) to pack for camp

You've found that perfect camp for your child, everyone is excited and now comes the tough part - packing. Packing for camp gets easier and easier over years. Here are a few tips and tricks that will get all of your camper's gear up to camp...and hopefully back home for next season.

Stick with the program: Most camps will provide you with a recommended packing list. Make sure you cross check this list while packing.

Pack in a duffel bag: A large soft shelled hockey bag is ideal. Its no secret that camp gear can get tossed around while in transit from home to camp. Hard shelled suitcases often crack or get can get squashed in transit.

Pack for all 4 seasons: Although your camper is going away for what will most likely be the warmest months of the year, keep in mind temperatures.

Don't pack the Tiffany Lamp: Expensive and breakable items should remain at home. They usually break...or get lost.

Purchase a really good flashlight: It sounds crazy, but don't but that dollar store flashlight. A solid flashlight is worth the additional few dollars, it will shine significantly brighter, last years longer, and will not break through light abuse. Bring tons of replacement batteries.

Kids love the trends: You don't have to purchase expensive clothes or wearable, but certainly let your camper have a few of the latest trends. Having a new pair of Jeans from Old Navy is an inexpensive way to help fit in. Listen to the campers "wants" and "needs."

2 things you need more of: Socks and Underwear.

Name Labels: Label EVERYTHING with your campers first and last name. You can purchase name labels or use a simple Sharpie permanent black marker. Label EVERYTHING from the packing bag itself to your child's clothing.

Here is a sample packing list to get you started.

Clothing Toilet Articles Bedding
  • 6 pairs of shorts
  • 8 t-shirts
  • 6 long pants
  • 1 heavy jacket or sweater
  • 2 sun hats
  • 12 pairs of socks
  • 4 light sweaters
  • 1 pair of slippers
  • 3 pairs of pajamas
  • 10 underwear
  • 4 bathing suits
  • 2 running shoes
  • 1 rubber boots
  • 1 raincoat & hat
  • 1 bathrobe
  • 1 whistle
  • 7 towels
  • 2 face cloths
  • 2 laundry bags
  • 1 brush & comb
  • 2 bars of soap
  • 1 toothbrush & paste
  • 1 hair shampoo
  • 1 insect repellent
  • 1 sun screen
  • 1 nail clippers
  • 1 toiletry bag or pail
  • 2 boxes of Kleenex
  • 1 pillow
  • 2 warm blankets
  • 2 pillow cases
  • 4 sheets