Happy Campers 2024

Well - the first week of camp is in the books!  Mason and G are going to two sessions of Sky Ranch and went this past week and had the BEST time!  I always get requests to show how they pack and what essentials they bring so here we go! 

First of all - the lid of G's trunk was SO CUTE her first year but then she didn't like having photos tacked up there because they fell off and she lost the letters to the cute little letter board (hence the KY ranch - hahaha) so it is what it is.  We're going to try to remove everything and paint it all BUT we'll see if that happens before her next go round ;)

 

G still loves the "ziplock bag" method - where we put a shirt/shorts combo in the labeled bag for each day and then have her night event accessories bagged up as well.  

 

She tends to get a little more nervous than the boys and having everything labeled and organized makes her feel a bit more prepared and comfortable.

Sometimes I'll sneak little extras into her night event bags as surprises (like camo eye black, body glitter, etc.) which she thinks is so fun.

As far as essential items go - a backpack is a MUST.  They can throw their water bottle, towel, sunscreen, etc. in there as well as a couple of snacks.  The camp that they go to is pretty big so this helps them keep track of their things and not have to run back to the cabin.  G uses this older Fjallraven bag - it has a huge ink stain and has been through the RINGER but it does the trick and she doesn't have to worry about it getting gross.

I bought G a Camp Snap camera last year and it's essentially a disposable camera that you plug into your computer when you get back instead of sending it off to develop.  There's no screen and no limit to how many pictures you can take.

The pictures remind me so much of old school disposable pics and they're so fun!

I printed off a picture of Frank and Rosie and wrote "can't wait to see you" on it and she tacked it up to the wall!

It's just so fun to get to see a little glimpse into camp life we don't normally see.  Mason has ZERO desire to take a camera which makes me laugh so hard.

This set of hooks is $5 for four hooks and Griffin LOVES them!  she hangs them on her bunk and can hang up damp towels, bathing suits, her laundry bag, etc.  This year she shared with her bunkmate and said they worked perfectly.

If you're sending a kid to camp I can't recommend Teva's enough.  All three of my kids have them since Sky Ranch requires water shoes (not crocs) for a few activities and love that they can wear them in the lake and then straight to the next activity.  You can shop this colorway HERE.

Griffin has two of these towels that are HUGE, quick-drying and odor-resistant.  It's her fifth year to use them and they still look great!

They have access to "Cafe Sky" during set times - but each of my kids also request a few snacks to keep in their bunks.  Mason is usually Chex Mix and gummy worms and G is BBQ and salt and vinegar chips ;)

The day she doesn't pack a stuffed animal in her trunk will be a sad day at our house.

Water bottle / name stickers

They each have one of  these fans that they can wrap around the rails of their bunks to have at night or throw in their backpack to use throughout the day.

Mason packs pretty much the same - just less cute ;) hahaha  He likes the ziplock bags so he knows he has everything he needs...

... brings a hat and Pokemon cards...

... and tried to sneak Frank in there this time too ;)

On Sunday morning we packed the last few things, Mason painted his own window and we hit the road!

My mom tagged along which we all love!

Looking SO CUTE and ready for her week!

Luke is part of the Quest leadership program and he'll get dropped off here with Mason and G in July and then head up to Colorado - but he couldn't pass up a chance to head to Van.

HAPPY CAMPERS!!!

One of Mason's friends from school was in his cabin.

Their week was SUPER stormy and rainy but they still managed to have "the best week ever".  

My little lefty ;) hahaha

Can you spy Mason in the pic below? ;)

Griffin and I made her counselors all glasses with their cabin name on them so this was a SUPER fun pic to see!

Look at her taking pics!!! 

My personal favorite part of camp is the Saturday morning pickup.  There's a closing show and then when you go to pick up your camper from their counselor each one is given an award and a note detailing something that the counselors noticed in your child.  Mason got the enthusiasm award...

... and G got the "full of life".  It's always funny to me to see these counselors, after only a few days, pick up on the exact same qualities we see in our kids daily.  It speaks so highly of their level of attention and care and is just so sweet.

Griffin cried because she's going to miss her counselors (even though several of them will still be there when she goes back).  

Sam was one of my middle school students and was a counselor this summer - she didn't have G in her cabin but was able to see her a few times.  THE SWEETEST!

We got everyone some burgers and fries and a nap on the way home and then I set about washing ALL THE THINGS. hahahha. Honestly - it's some of my favorite laundry to do mud and stank and all ;)

If you have any questions about camp - feel free to email me (momfessionals@gmail.com) or leave them in the comments and if you're interested in registering your kids for this summer in Van you can click HERE and use my code MOMFESSIONALS for a discount. 

HAPPY TUESDAY, FRIENDS!!!