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Top
to Bottom: What to Keep in Mind when
Packing
for Camp
As the remaining days in the school year
pass by, children are daydreaming about
summer. For those attending camp, they
may be wondering what they will do and
who they will meet. For parents, the approach
of summer camp also brings questions regarding
what they should pack for their child – what
is too much, what is too little. Parents
can contact their camp for specific packing
lists and guidelines. In addition, the
American Camp Association® (ACA) suggests
the following guidelines for parents to
keep in mind when packing for camp:
Headgear – Parents should
consider packing items to protect a camper
from the sun. ACA suggests that
parents pack scarves, bandannas, baseball
caps, or a sunhat, as well as needed
eyeglasses, sunglasses, and swimming
goggles.
Clothing – Clothing is
a necessary component of camp, just don’t
expect any to return home clean! ACA
recommends families include T-shirts,
a swim suit, and shorts for hot days;
a jacket, sweatshirt, jeans for cool
or cold days; and a raincoat or poncho
for rainy days. Also, long pants
will protect a camper from poison ivy,
bugs, and thorns during hikes. Check
with the camp to see if dress clothes
are required.
Footwear – Appropriate
footwear is one of the most important
items to pack for children at camp, especially
when they are hiking, spelunking, running,
and heading to the beach. ACA recommends
families consider packing boots, tennis
shoes, sandals, lots of socks — and
dress shoes, if the camp requires them.
Remember that shoes should be broken
in prior to the start of camp.
Bed and Bath Needs – For
children attending a resident camp, parents
should remember to pack the home basics.
ACA recommends a family bring towels,
as well as a blanket, pillow, pillow
cases, sheets, sleeping bag, laundry
bag, and mattress pad. Bathroom Kits
are essential. Families should
pack a brush and comb, shampoo, soap
and soap container, toothbrush and holder,
toothpaste, deodorant, insect repellent,
feminine products, sun block, shaving
gear, and lip balm with sun block in
it.
Additional Items – ACA
recommends that parents pack some additional
items including books and magazines,
flashlights and batteries, Frisbees or
other toys, a water bottle, and writing
materials. When considering electronics,
musical instruments, and other special
gear, check with the camp about policies.
ACA recommends that families prepare for
camp together. Decisions about camp, including
from what to pack, should be made together
as a family. When children participate
in the decision-making process, their likelihood
of enjoying a positive experience is improved.
For expert advice on what to pack, or
preparing for camp, visit ACA’s parent
resource site at www.CampParents.org.
Contact Public Relations at 765.349.3317
or pr@ACAcamps.org to
interview an ACA
spokesperson for more information about
the essential camp experience. For customizable public
service announcements or article
reprints, visit our Media Center at www.ACAcamps.org/media_center/.
About ACA
The American Camp Association® (ACA) works to preserve, promote, and enhance
the camp experience for children and adults. ACA-Accredited® camp programs
ensure that children are provided with a diversity of educational and developmentally
challenging learning opportunities. There are over 2,400 ACA-accredited camps
that meet up to 300 health and safety standards. For more information, visit www.ACAcamps.org.
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