Summer camp is a time for kids to venture from the home nest and gain a sense of independence for a few weeks. Nowadays, whether your child is interested in astronomy and math or dancing and theater, there is sure to be a camp specifically designed to help nurture your child’s interests and ambitions. While some summer camps take place within the same city and are half-day affairs, many other camps occur outside the city limits and last anywhere from a week to the entire summer break. For these types of camps, you will want to be sure you have helped your kids pack adequately for their trip (maybe their first) away from home. Here are some items you will not want to forget to include while packing for your child’s summer camp excursion.
* When packing your child’s different outfits, be sure to include clothing for all kinds of weather. For those chilly nights, include a warm jacket and a sweater or two. Don’t forget to pack a raincoat or umbrella, as well, should it rain. In addition, pack extra sets of underwear in case your child cannot do laundry as often as he likes. As far as footwear goes, include at least one pair of tennis shoes and some heavy boots (for hikes or rainy weather). Of course, the type of summer camp your child will be attending will dictate the types of clothes to pack. You may choose to write your child’s name on the different articles of clothing, so they do not get misplaced.
* While it would be wonderful for your child to have a different outfit for every day she will be away at camp, it is simply not feasible. In fact, many camps require the kids to wear a specific outfit, so chances are your child will need to do a few loads of laundry during her stay at camp. Be sure to include a mesh laundry bag that can be easily packed away, along with some small sample-sized packets of laundry detergent and fabric sheets. Also send your child a few rolls of quarters, in case the laundry room has coin-operated machines.
* Most children grow homesick during their first few days at camp, so arm your child with a few postcards so he can write you short letters about how his stay at camp is progressing (or to tell you how much he misses you). Don’t forget to include a pen and some stamps for the postcards.
* In a separate bag, pack all of your child’s toiletries, including (but not limited to) shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant and any medications your child needs to take (concerning medications, you may want to pack an extra set of the medication, in case your child misplaces one). Many camps require children to take showers in a community bathroom, so invest in a small plastic shower tote that your child can take with him/her to the showers. Also, do not forget towels. Include your child’s name on the towels you send with him/her so they do not get misplaced.
* If your child will be attending a camp where you need to provide the bedding, do not forget to pack a bed sheet, comforter and pillow or sleeping bag. Again, write your child’s name on these items, so they do not get switched around with another child’s personal belongings.
* Include a list of important phone numbers in your child’s luggage. Be sure to show your child where this important list is located, in case they need to reach somebody for an emergency. You may also want to send your child with a small amount of cash (even if they are not required to bring any) for any extras he/she may need to buy.
* Again, depending on the type of camp your child will be attending, you may want to pack a small flashlight, as well.
