No one at your kids’ camp is hoping you will overpack. Camp staff are busy scheduling the type of summer adventures that make lifelong memories. So resist the urge to overpack your kids for camp. Keep your approach simple. Here are a few tips that will make your job easier and save you money and headaches.
Follow the Camp Packing List.
Heed the camp packing list, even if you don’t understand every piece of advice. The staff has done this before and they know what is necessary and what is not. If you have a question, send an email in advance. Don’t wait until the last minute to pack. Divide and conquer the list early by laying everything out where it can be checked and double-checked. Expect it to all come back home in a jumble, of course.
Invest in a Duffel Bag for Camp Packing.
If your camp does not tell you how to pack, invest in a large, sturdy duffel bag and do not overfill it. You want to leave a bit of room for everything to come home after camp when it’s not packed as well as you packed it. In fact, tuck a collapsible nylon bag into one of the duffel bag pockets. It’s sure to come in handy on the way home. If your camp requires a trunk, consider a soft trunk for easier mobility.
Don’t Invest in All New Clothes for Camp.
Don’t go on a spending spree and send your child to camp with a whole new wardrobe. These clothes will likely come home stained and ripped, if they even make it home at all. Suffice it to say, pack old clothing that won’t be missed if it does not return. Anything of irreplaceable sentimental value needs to stay home, even if it’s just an old T-shirt. Send favorites as long as they are replaceable. Have a variety of appropriate shoes. And if you buy new shoes, definitely break them in before camp starts.
Label Almost Everything for Camp.
Use a black laundry marker or a silver Sharpie for black items. If you shop online, you can find a white laundry marker that will last a couple of years. But don’t go so far as labeling socks. Buy inexpensive socks of the same type and make sure your camper can identify them. Keep markings simple for most things by using three initials. No one wants to have the label-crazed parent. However, mark important items like boots, sneakers and water bottles with full names. Also label luggage.
Send Lightweight Clothing Layers With Your Camper.
Even if it will be cool or even cold at night, resist the urge to pack a parka. Go with lightweight layers. A T-shirt, sweatshirt and waterproof shell are plenty warm enough for active kids. For cooler locations, fleece is lightweight and warm. Jeans may not sound fierce but will come in handy on cool nights by the fire. Don’t forget a camping chair for damp mornings and evenings outdoors. And if you are going to pack anything extra, consider more socks and underwear, a second bathing suit and a backup water bottle. They won’t take up much room.
Expect Damp at Camp, and When to Zip It.
Sleeping bags should be easy to dry in the sun, just in case. Pack any stationery, books and papers in zip-top bags. You can separate small clothing into zip-top bags when packing. Include a few spare zip-top bags in a pocket to sort laundry into while at camp. Remind your camper not to zip anything damp into a plastic bag to avoid mildew.
Repel Camp Critters Naturally.
Make sure camp cabins will be animalproof before sending candy or snacks. Beware of ants and other bugs. When packing toiletries, invest in insect-repelling natural brands for shampoo, conditioner and soap. You can always transfer liquids into small, spillproof containers and leave the remainder at home. Natural scents that discourage bugs include tea tree, rosemary, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint and lemongrass. Try bath products with these scents and also pack traditional insect repellent.
Pre-Address Letters Home to Ease Pressure.
I am sure you want your kids to write to you from camp, so include self-addressed postcards or stationery. Then when drop-off day arrives, squeeze those campers tight, tell them you love them and let them off the hook to enjoy a summer camp experience of their own creation. They may not write or call or even think of you much, and that’s okay. If they send one piece of mail, let it be enough until they return. The less they think about you and home, the better job you did packing them up for independence.
Author, journalist and writing coach Christina Katz is a notorious overpacker. Luckily her daughter, a performer, has learned how to pack expediently yet thoroughly.
Save On Camp Supplies
- Forget what other kids bring
- Rock those hand-me-downs
- Borrow from friends or neighbors
- Shop resale
- Search for online coupons
- Leave irreplaceable things at home
- Break shoes in well
- Bring enough, but not too much
- Focus on enjoying the experience
— Christina Katz
Where to Save on Camp Supplies in the DC Area
- Casual Adventure Outfitters in Arlington County, Va. is a family-owned store that supplies camping gear for adults and kids.
- The Bee Store in Prince William County, Va. offers clothing and supplies in addition to their focus on honey.
- Good Wolf Gear in Fairfax County, Va. allows prospective campers to rent gear if they don’t want to purchase it outright.
- Infinity Thrift Store in Montgomery County, Md. plus clothing and might be a way to save on various supplies.
- Great Falls Thrift in Loudoun County, Va. is an eco-friendly thrift store with supplies ranging from toiletries to fishing rods.
- Large chains like REI have multiple locations in the DMV and periodically run sales on merchandise.
— Washington Parent Staff
Author, journalist, and writing coach Christina Katz was born a writer but she still had to take a lot of concrete steps to bring her dream to life. She knows young writers will deeply appreciate any support parents can provide.
