Label everything…and then label it again
Camp very quickly feels like home to our campers, which means one thing…our campers leave everything everywhere (sound familiar?). If there is a label or name written somewhere on it, that lost item is 99% more likely to find its way back home. Initials are good, full names are better!
Let them pack (and help unpack!)
Packing should be a partnership and, with your supervision, will feel more manageable. Grab your packing list, lay out what you have, make a list of what you need, and let your camper take the lead on the actual packing. This will allow them to take ownership over the process and demonstrate responsibility. It’s also a great tool to help manage anxiety and excitement and curve those pre-camp jitters. Campers also have to pack to come home – so this is good practice!
Activity-appropriate footwear
For safety and maximum fun, make sure your camper has shoes that will stay on and support their feet. We enforce this policy; For example, no crocs on the tennis courts. Campers are welcome to bring flip-flops, but we encourage reserving those shoes for the shower and the pool to preserve their ankles (think slide sandals and Birkenstocks instead).
Camp swag
Trip day shirts are a good start and campers may want to expand their camp wardrobe to include a sweatshirt, tank top or hat. Check out the options in the camp stores!
It’s the little things
Here are some of the tricks of the trade:
- Having a hanging shoe organizer (the kind with many pockets) is a useful organization tool for not only shoes, but sunscreen, cards, bug spray and more. It can be hung over the foot of the bed or hung on the wall in your camper’s area.
- A little rug can go a long way. Something small and inexpensive can give your camper’s area an extra sense of comfort and flair.
- An egg-crate-style foam mattress topper can turn a camp mattress into a Tempurpedic…sorta.
Extra sheets
Our counselors will help the campers change their sheets every week before the laundry goes out so these are good to have. Regular-sized sheets will do the trick!
Shabbat and Banquet outfits
Socks and underwear, underwear and socks
This time it IS about the quantity…you can never have enough. Campers could go from basketball, to the pool, to ceramics, to lunch, to archery, to the lake…we count the potential for FOUR, count it, FOUR pairs of socks in there. They don’t have to match, they just have to be available.
Tutus, costumes, and anything neon
The weirder the better. There are many opportunities to wear a crazy hat, get dressed up or walk around in a tutu…without anyone questioning your ensemble. Don’t have something to dress up in? Luckily you have bunkmates and counselors who are awesome sharers. It’s the camp way!
Less is more
Still have questions? We are here to walk you through it. Don’t ever hesitate to give us a call or send us an email. There are no silly questions, just questions to help better prepare you and your campers for an incredible summer!
See you… at Target!
