CHAPTER 11
PACKING
DON’T LEAVE IT ALL TO THE LAST MINUTE
Many families dread packing, but packing doesn’t have to be a test of wills between parents and kids. If you do it together, a bit ahead of time, the process can actually be enjoyable. At the very least, knowing what and how to pack can decrease the chances of forgetting important equipment or running out of underwear half-way through the session. Naturally, if you delay packing until the last minute, it can become a nightmare. No matter how long camp lasts, living out of a footlocker, suitcase, duffel bag, or backpack takes careful preparation. In this chapter, we’ll provide seasoned commentary about what to bring, what not to bring, and how to increase the chances that your child will bring it all home when camp is over.
START WITH THE CAMP’S LIST
Start your packing preparation with the camp’s own list. If you have not received a clothing and equipment list from the camp you and your child chose, call now and ask for one. This list is important because it’s been developed and refined over several seasons. It’s custom tailored to fit the regional
weather and the unique program of activities at your particular camp. For example, your child may need blue shorts to match the camp uniform, dress clothes for a dance, or leather boots for horseback riding. At a minimum, you’ll want to make sure that your child packs what the camp requires. In addition to the standard items, your child may wish to supplement the camp’s list. We’ll discuss some of these optional items at the end of this chapter.
Read through the camp’s entire list once, so that you know what items campers require. There may also be a list of “optional” items that you and your child should evaluate. Notice that some camps publish a very specific list, and even tell kids how many of each item to bring. Other camps publish a rather general list that says “shirts” without specifying what kind or how many. Once you have an idea about what to pack, set aside the camp’s list and return to this chapter to learn the five basic principles of packing for overnight camp. Next, read our commentary on specific items. You can then return to the camp’s list with an educated view, help your child make some choices and personal additions, and start packing. Pack together. It demonstrates your enthusiasm about camp, and it ensures he won’t forget crucial items.
PACKING
DON’T LEAVE IT ALL TO THE LAST MINUTE
Many families dread packing, but packing doesn’t have to be a test of wills between parents and kids. If you do it together, a bit ahead of time, the process can actually be enjoyable. At the very least, knowing what and how to pack can decrease the chances of forgetting important equipment or running out of underwear half-way through the session. Naturally, if you delay packing until the last minute, it can become a nightmare. No matter how long camp lasts, living out of a footlocker, suitcase, duffel bag, or backpack takes careful preparation. In this chapter, we’ll provide seasoned commentary about what to bring, what not to bring, and how to increase the chances that your child will bring it all home when camp is over.
START WITH THE CAMP’S LIST
Start your packing preparation with the camp’s own list. If you have not received a clothing and equipment list from the camp you and your child chose, call now and ask for one. This list is important because it’s been developed and refined over several seasons. It’s custom tailored to fit the regional
Read through the camp’s entire list once, so that you know what items campers require. There may also be a list of “optional” items that you and your child should evaluate. Notice that some camps publish a very specific list, and even tell kids how many of each item to bring. Other camps publish a rather general list that says “shirts” without specifying what kind or how many. Once you have an idea about what to pack, set aside the camp’s list and return to this chapter to learn the five basic principles of packing for overnight camp. Next, read our commentary on specific items. You can then return to the camp’s list with an educated view, help your child make some choices and personal additions, and start packing. Pack together. It demonstrates your enthusiasm about camp, and it ensures he won’t forget crucial items.
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