Your Summer Camp Essential Handbook

Summer Camp Essentials

It’s time to get your camper packed up and off to overnight summer camp and you’re overwhelmed with what to pack – or not to pack. While most camps will provide a list of summer camp essentials - as well as forbidden items – to families, it’s good to have your own list of must-haves in mind.

Swim Gear

Swimsuits are of course a necessity and more than one is advisable, since they’ll be in a constant state of being wet or damp from the super parade of activities in and on the water. A couple of beach towels and some flip-flops or water shoes are also advisable, along with goggles for kids who prefer eye protection under water.

Sunscreen

Not only should your youngster bring a sufficient supply of sunscreen, but should be drilled in applying it regularly; no one wants painful sunburn to interfere with summer camp good times. Get a water-proof product with an SPF of at least 30.

Bug Spray

With adventurous woodland hikes and plenty of after-dark activities like star-gazing and campfires, your youngster will have plenty of bug exposure. Mosquito bites are especially annoying, and kids will need to spray skin and clothes well before a night of ghost story telling around the campfire. Send along a spray made especially for kids that contains a minimum of the toxic active ingredient DEET.

Stationary

Pack your youngster to off camp with some stationary and self-addressed, stamped envelopes to encourage some good old-fashioned snail mail correspondence. You’ll treasure these often entertaining epistles from camp for years!

Journal

Bringing a personal notebook or journal to camp encourages your child to record the myriad of memories sleepaway camp offers. It’s fun to include pasted-in memorabilia and photos with associated narrative. Once kids are home and back to school, they’ll love browsing through pages of summer adventures. Be sure to send pens and pencils too!

Clothes for All Conditions

While it’s nice to think that camp will consist of nothing but sunny, hot days, the truth is often a bit different. Be sure to pack a raincoat or poncho so wet weather won’t interfere with outdoor fun, even if it’s only racing from the cabin to the activity center. Quick drying cool weather tops like fleeces are ideal for layering on evenings when the temps drop or for hiking in higher altitudes.

Sneakers

Yes, sandals are synonymous with hot weather, but sneakers are better for camp. After all, you can run, jump and play sports a lot better in sneakers and you’re less likely to trip. Send along a couple of pairs in case of wet or muddy conditions.

Flashlight

Flashlights are indispensable at sleepaway camp, whether it’s for reading under the covers, a spur-of-the-moment game of flashlight tag or a little innocent evening mischief at the neighboring cabin. Be sure to pack plenty of batteries. A super-cool variant on the flashlight would be night vision goggles!

Cheap Camera

Many camps don’t allow cell phones (and their associated cameras) and you won’t want to send your camper along with any expensive photographic equipment. However, an old digital camera or a bunch of cheap disposable cameras are excellent alternatives for chronicling a summer of fun. Kids love posting on Facebook and tagging summer friends; it’s a great way to keep in touch in the “off season”.

Labels

Make sure everything is labeled! From bathing suits to backpacks, water bottles and sweaters, labeling your camper’s gear can forestall a lot of problems.

If you're considering sending your child to an overnight summer camp, be sure to visit our site to learn about Camp Walt Whitman. Located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Camp Walt Whitman offers a safe, nurturing environment in a beautiful mountain setting. Our camp is a coed sleepaway camp, with separate areas for boys and girls. The kids have a blast, and make friendships that can last a lifetime. http://www.campwalt.com.