Expert Advice: Packing
Each year we publish a series of blogs to help our families prepare for camp. We understand that getting ready for camp can be stressful and at times overwhelming. But we have experience to offer and want to share with you all the tips, tricks, and secrets to making getting ready for camp exciting and fun. In our blog series “Expert Advice” we will be sharing our strategies and advice with you. We’ve already shared our expert advice on labeling, so now that everything is labeled, let’s talk about packing those labeled belongings.
Perhaps one of the most stressful parts of camp, both for parents, campers, and staff is packing. There are a lot of things you need, some items you want, and some things you have a hunch you will need or want (but will never actually use at camp.) Don’t worry- we are here to help! With years of experience in packing ourselves, and helping families prepare for camp, not to mention helping staff and campers repack their bags at the end of a session, we have some advice to offer as you begin packing this summer.
PICK THE RIGHT DUFFEL
Don’t worry about the size or weight of the bags you send to camp. Before campers get to their cabins, all bags are delivered by our staff. But did you pick the right one? Don’t send one with wheels as they don’t work well on dirt roads and grass, can crack and then they are sharp edges that could hurt the people moving the bags. Duffels come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, and the price can vary. But think of these camp duffels as an investment- it is better to buy them once than buy them every year, right? So choose the ones that will hold everything, one that will last, and one that your camper will recognize. We have seen a lot of success from these duffels: Giant Duffle from Ross Highland Park, Adventure Duffle from LL Bean, or the Biltmore Duffle from Uncle Dan’s. There are a lot of duffels on the market, so don’t feel limited to one of those- they are more to give you an idea of size and shape than anything else.
PACKING TOGETHER
Perhaps one of the most overwhelming parts of camp, regardless of years of experience, is unpacking and getting settled into the cabin. There is finite time to do it and limited space for each person’s belongings. Every staff member has their own way of helping their campers, but one thing you can do to make the first few hours of camp much less stressful for your camper is involve them in the packing process. Not only will they know WHAT they have, but they will know WHERE it is. That’s huge! And when campers pack their duffels, they get a sense of ownership, accomplishment, and independence. All things we will continue to build upon while they are at camp. Plus, as you are about to spend some time apart while they are at camp, packing time can become bonding with your camper.
ORGANIZE THE DUFFEL
Are you seeing a pattern here? First, we got the bag, then we got our camper involved to pack. Now as we pack it, let’s make it organized! While shoving things in where they fit may save time, it causes quite a headache at camp. Again, that first day of camp can be stressful as campers unpack. And not just for the camper- our staff help each camper unpack, and that should take a few minutes per camper, but when a duffel is a chaotic mess, it takes A LOT longer. How you organize is up to you. Some people use large, labeled Ziploc bags for each type of clothing (shorts, socks, underwear, etc.), some people pack with pieces of construction paper (again labeled) between different clothing types. Both methods work. Admittedly the bags are really helpful for when campers have to repack at the end, so we may prefer that, but it is totally up to you. One great tip we got from a veteran parent was to draw a map of the duffel bag and put it at the top of the bag, so it’s the first thing out. That way if your camper needs to find their bathing suit right away (which they do as we swim that first day), they can do so quickly. Another great tip- use a personalized checklist when you pack and put a blank copy in the duffel bag. That way when campers have to repack at the end they can confirm that they can check off the list and make sure they have all of their belongings.
FOLLOW THE LIST/DON’T OVERLOAD
We have years of experience in this. Since 1921 we have been running camp and preparing families, and since 1921 we have been editing and updating the packing list. There are just 3 packing lists: one for Try Chi, one for PNW, and one for EVRERYONE ELSE. That means you don’t need to alter what you pack based on your camper’s length of stay. Campers coming 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, and even 8 weeks of camp should pack the same amount (10 days), which is perfect for all sessions. Everything gets laundered by the laundry service, so just stick to the list and you should be ok. Since 1921, we have been providing suggested packing lists and we have a hunch that since 1921, families have been sending more items than we suggest. That’s fine- you know what your camper needs better than we do, but is there really a need for 6 sweatshirts and 8 pairs of shoes? Each camper will get a set of 3 cubbies where they store all of their clothing. We have them leave items used less often (extra towels, blankets, sheets, etc.) in their unpacked duffel bags under the beds, so they don’t take up the valuable cubby space.
EXPECT THE UNEXPTECTED (AND PACK FOR IT)
Summer at camp is beautiful, right? Sunny days with warm temperatures spent by the lake, on the tennis courts, and on horseback with cool nights around a campfire- those are the days and nights we often dream of. And most of the summer, that’s what we have and love. But one thing we can’t control is the weather. While we can’t control it, we can prepare for it. There will be a few days of rain and there will be some cool days. On the flip side, we will likely have some very hot and sunny days. So, pack accordingly and in addition to the tank tops, hats, and sunscreen, add in some sweatshirts and rain gear. Your camper will so appreciate it. But there’s more than just weather. Is that flashlight battery operated? What about the fan? Maybe pack sending some batteries (and labeling what they are batteries for) is a good idea? Trust us- your camper will thank you in the end.
TRUST AND INVOLVE US
We promise not to steer you wrong with packing help and ideas. That’s why we write this blog. But the help doesn’t stop here! Campers visit the canteen 3 times a week and they have just about every essential item you can need at camp from toothbrushes to shampoo and batteries. While we hope your camper (and the counselors) can anticipate the needs, we are also happy to get them things like toothpaste and other toiletries on a non-canteen day if they let us know they need it. Maybe you got a letter asking for more deodorant or body wash. If that’s the case, please call us. The canteen has all of that and we will be happy to get it for your camper.
BONUS TIP: LABEL ALL OF IT
Don’t forget to label everything that goes into the duffel. Make it an assembly line system where someone labels, someone folds, and someone puts it in the bag. That way everything is accounted for and everything is labeled.
Now that you’ve read all the tips and tricks of packing, don’t delay. Start organizing your things now, so when packing time comes in just a few weeks you and your camper are ready and eager to get packed. Have your own tips from your experience? Leave them in the comments below.