What to send to summer camp?

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by

Amy
in

Later this summer my oldest son will be going away to sleepaway camp for his first time.

I am so very excited for him, as I LOVED summer camp growing up and really couldn’t get enough of it! (Yes, my home life was fine, too. I just really enjoyed summer camp… girls camp, church camp, journalism camp… eventually even, yes, band camp).

My son won’t be gone for very long, just one week, so I have been instructed to drop off any mail for him at the camp ofice when I drop him off at camp. Care packages are allowed. Candy is allowed. (It wasn’t when I was a camper!)

So here is my question to you:

What should I pack in those packages? How many should I send? (I was thinking one or two… don’t want to go overboard, but don’t want to do too little, either.)

And, as I pack his trunk, what are you must-haves for your children at camp?

Do tell!

Um, it’s been awhile since I went to summer camp, so I really appreciate the advice of any seasoned camper parents out there!

Comments

6 responses to “What to send to summer camp?”

  1. Dawn Avatar
    Dawn

    I love Rebecca’s idea of the little notes!!

    Reply
  2. Rebecca Avatar
    Rebecca

    I’m leaving Sunday to volunteer at camp while my oldest (9) is a camper. I just love camp.

    As far as essentials go, I always pack a wind-breaker and lightweight pants, even though we live in the south. There are times, after a rainstorm that it can be rather cool. Be sure to pack a couple of plastic bags for the wet clothes and towels to come home in. A hat or two is always helpful. Tuck in a small bag or backpack (for carrying things to the pool or lake, to dinner, whatever). A new journal is a fun way to capture the memories of camp. Also, a couple of disposable cameras (even an underwater one) are great for remembering the new friends that were made.

    I love the idea of sending a care package for the whole cabin. Some fun stationery and stamps would be good for writing letters home. Bandanas are always useful, especially when worn wet, around the neck. Perhaps some tiny water-guns would be fun?

    One thing my mother used to do was very special to me. She wrote little notes and rolled them up in my clothing and other items. A note in my bathing suit would read, “Have fun swimming!” My Bible would have a special bookmark. My pajamas would have a note the read, “Good night, I love you.” I looked forward to those notes every year.

    I’m sure he will have a blast!

    Reply
  3. Kimberlea Avatar
    Kimberlea

    Hi Amy! I received this via email today. Thought you might be interested – http://www.everythingsummercamp.com/pages/drthurber-part6.htm

    Reply
  4. Missie Avatar
    Missie

    I loved summer camp too!
    I would maybe send like two packages, one at the beginning and one at the end of the week. Put some treats for him to share with his new friends!
    I am excited for him!
    .-= Missie´s last blog ..Hungry =-.

    Reply
  5. Carla Avatar
    Carla

    From my experience as camp staff. Send only one care package and keep it smaller or send something for the whole cabin. Often there are kids at the camp whose parents couldn’t be happier to be rid of them for a week, and it always sucks for them to see a kid whose parents really care get a whole bunch of letters and packages. I have seen some kids come to camp where that week is the only week of the whole year where someone cares about them, I hate to see camp be any less of a wonderful experience for those kids.

    The one item I would say your child should never be without is a water bottle. Dehydration is the biggest problem for the nurse to deal with.

    Reply
    1. Amy Avatar
      Amy

      Thanks for the great advice!
      I thinking sending stuff for his whole cabin is a perfect idea! I remember getting care packages to share and I loved doing that… bet my friends liked it, too. :)
      And YES!!! on the water bottle!
      Thanks!!!

      Reply

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