Packing for happy campers

Got a kid off to camp? Whether they’re heading out for the day or the week, getting them packed and out the door is a feat.

For day camp

• Reusable water bottle

• Clothes that can get dirty

• Change of clothes and plastic bag

• Sweatshirt and/or light rain jacket

• Sturdy, close-toed shoes

• Hat for sunshade

• Bathing suit, towel and goggles if camp involves swimming; bag for wet swimsuit

Label all the things

Find your best Sharpie and put your child’s name on clothes, bags, water bottles, lunch boxes and so on. For safety reasons, some parents choose less conspicuous spots (tags inside of shirts, the bottom of water bottles, etc.).

For overnight camp

Don’t forget to pack

Most camps provide a comprehensive packing list as a guide. Still, it’s wise to double check you’ve packed these items that are often left behind:

• Toothbrush: Believe it or not, this is the most commonly forgotten item.

• Camera: Make sure to pack a disposable or very inexpensive camera you don’t mind losing.

• Swimsuit: It doesn’t hurt to pack a second suit to wear while the other is drying.

• Underwear: Make sure to pack more than one pair of underwear and socks per day. Things happen, and stuff gets dirty and wet.

• Sunscreen: Pack small bottles rather than one big one in case it gets lost.

• Rain gear: If your camp is in the Northwest, be prepared with a rain jacket or poncho, just in case.

And what not to pack

Assume everything else will get lost or ruined, so leave the following at home:

• Anything new, valuable or treasured: This includes jewelry, your child’s favorite sweatshirt or expensive sunglasses.

• Electronics such as cell phones, iPads, laptops or expensive cameras are typically not invited to camp.

• New shoes: No one wants blisters on the first day of camp, so be sure shoes are worn-in.

  
  

Check with the camp on…

• Sunscreen: Each day camp has its own protocols for medications and sunblock. They may ask you to put sunscreen on your child before they arrive.

• Medications: Some children may need to take regular, prescribed medication during camp hours. Read up on your camp’s protocol; they will need you to fill out consent forms and specific instructions. Many camps request the child’s medication be in its original bottle.

• Lunch: If lunch is not provided, note that many camps will be peanut-free.

When buying swimwear

• Consider the color of your child’s swimwear for visibility — some colors are easier to see in the water while others blend in.

• Neon pink and orange are the most visible in pools.

• Neon orange, yellow and lime green are the most visible in natural bodies of water.

• Avoid dark colors like navy blue, black and dark green; same for

• pale colors like white and light blue. These colors blend into the water, which makes it hard to spot a child quickly.

  
  

Source: Stop Drowning Now