Curious Parents Camp Resources

Residential, Day, and After-School Camps in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.

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Packing Tips for Resident Camps

Bedding

• Sleeping bags, sheets, blankets and pillows.

Towels & Toiletries

• Towels should not be the family’s best, since they’ll be used for swimming and other waterfront activities as well as for showers.
• A small duffel bag will help campers carry and keep track of essentials such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, comb and brush. At some camps, campers walk to separate facilities to shower.

Clothes & Laundry

• If and when clothes are laundered at camp affects how much clothing to pack. Generally, sessions less than two weeks in length do not include laundry services.
• Always send along an extra pillowcase or laundry bag for dirty clothing.
• Most camps supply lists of recommended wear and some furnish required uniforms.
• Shorts, t-shirts and jeans are staples of a camper’s wardrobe.
• Long pants for leg protection on hikes and horseback rides.
• Comfortable, durable shoes - break in new shoes.
• A hat serves as a tick repellent and as sunscreen.
• A raincoat or poncho is a must.
• Check with camp staff for advice on changing weather and pack accordingly.
• Use a permanent marker to write your camper’s name on every item.

Equipment

• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Camera and film
• Canteen or water bottle
• Insect repellent, sunscreen and lip balm
• Pre-addressed, pre-stamped postcards or envelopes (make sure to put them into a zip-lock plastic bag)

Medication

• Send medication in original bottles, along with dosage instructions, to the camp nurse or health care facility. Your medical release form should list all medications.

Don’t Pack

• Radios, CD players, stereos
• Televisions or portable video games
• Cellular phones or pagers
• Food Hunting knives
• Fireworks of any kind
• Expensive clothing or jewelry

Use common sense and think about the activities that will take place. Don’t hesitate to call the camp.

Courtesy of the American Camping Association ®