Packing for camp is a rite of passage- for both you and your daughter! Some campers love to pre-plan each outfit and label them by day while others prefer the flexibility to mix and match their clothes. Every girl is unique and we guarantee that no matter how they pack, they will be taken care of while at camp. That being said, here are a few tips and tricks compiled from years of watching campers pack for camp:

Luggage and Storage

Choosing Her Luggage

• Trunks, duffel bags, laundry bags, suitcases, and storage bins- we’ve seen campers pack in all sorts of containers! We do not require any specific type of container, so choosing your luggage depends on your mode of transportation and what works for your family.
• Many campers love their trunks and use them as storage during camp. In some cabins, the trunks fit at the end of beds but in most cases, campers keep their trunks near their shelves.
• Duffel bags and suitcases, while not as quintessentially “summer camp”, are great because they can fit under her bunk and extra sheets and towels can be kept inside until they’re needed.
• When it’s time to pack to go home swimsuits, towels, and shoes are often wet. Pack some grocery bags or jumbo Ziplocs for this reason, and tell your daughter what they are for.

Storage at Camp

• Each camper will receive a set of shelves that is 3-4 shelves high, shared shelf space in the bathroom for her toiletries, and a nightstand beside her bunk.
• Some campers have found that small storage bins are helpful to store their clothes on their shelves. They separate their t-shirts, shorts, socks, and underwear into separate bins and this keeps them organized. While not necessary, it’s great for some girls!
• Our cabins (rising 6th-10th graders) have top bunks and bottom bunks. A bunk bed organizer that stores a flashlight, reading material, and anything else that she keeps next to her bed can be very helpful, especially for top bunk girls!
• Not all bunks are near outlets, so plan on packing battery powered fans and alarm clocks. Electronics aren’t allowed, so campers shouldn’t have much that needs charging, aside from maybe a camera or music playing device.

Labels & Laundry

Labels

Label EVERYTHING. Clothing, rain boots, socks, underwear, laundry bag, magazines, water bottles, etc.

• Most parents use name stamps or Sharpies especially for socks, undergarments, and other small items.
• Iron-on labels are great for clothes that don’t have an easy place to put the name stamp.
• Sticker labels for water bottles, fans, flashlights, and anything plastic.

Laundry

Starter Campers do not send laundry out. We will wash clothes in the case of an emergency, but please pack plenty of clothes for the duration of her stay, plus extra in case of accidents or dirty camp days!

Main Camp session includes one laundry day. We send camper laundry to a local laundromat that has been doing Skyland laundry since the ’80s! They are typically very punctual with laundry return, but it can occasionally be delayed. Please pack enough clothes for at least 10 days of camp, and remember extra sheets and towels! Some other laundry tips:

• Pack a small mesh bag for dirty undergarments so they aren’t lost or separated.
• Keep expensive clothes at home. Camp is a messy place and clothes are tumble-dried with colors and whites mixed together on high heat. Simple clothing is best, fancy workout brands are not recommended.
• Remember to label her laundry bag!

Random Items to Bring

• A shower caddy is a must-have item, as well as shower shoes
• Battery powered fan, reading light, clock or watch
• Extra batteries
• A small backpack to carry a change of clothes (needed for Swimming and Riding) and a water bottle around camp
• A bath mat to put on the floor beside her bunk. It’s nice to wipe off her feet before climbing in bed and that mat will get tons of use!
• Stationary and stamps
• Bunk decorations- many campers like to bring photos or fun blankets to add a personal touch to their bunk
• Rest Hour must-haves: books, coloring supplies, journals, sudoku, or other quiet activities that can be done from bed

Shoes – What Will She Actually Wear?

Most activities require closed toe shoes, and all shoes must have a heel strap to prevent tripping on the wet grass and on the hills. Here’s what campers love to wear on their feet:

• Crocs: the most popular camper shoe! Crocs are closed toe, have a heel strap, can get wet, and can be personalized with charms. They are perfect for camp!
• Chacos or Tevas: rising 7th-10th graders who are going rafting need a sturdy water shoe, and this is the top choice. Most campers do not like the water socks and prefer a good sandal instead.
• Rain boots: not required but nice to have, especially if it’s a wet summer.
• Sneakers: pack at least two pairs of sneakers. They will be used a lot and often get wet or muddy.

What NOT to Pack

• Cell phone- unless needed for travel, please leave it at home. We do collect phones on Opening Day but prefer for parents to keep possession of them if possible.
• Any electronic that connects to WiFi or data.
• Offensive clothing or books with graphic pictures or themes
• Valuables

 

Packing for camp can seem like a daunting task, but just remember that no matter what, your daughter is going to have an amazing time at camp and she will be cared for while she’s away from home. Include her in the packing process, ask her preferences on clothing and storage, and let her know any expectations you have about packing wet items, etc. While you will be with her to pack for camp, she will be packing to go home with her counselors before you arrive to pick her up.

See you on Opening Day!