I don't consider myself an expert in many things - but I consider myself pretty much an expert in camp packing ;) This will be my 9th year to send kids to overnight camp and, honestly, we've got it down to pretty much a low-stress science at this point.
My kids go to Sky Ranch in Van, TX where I'd say most of the kids pack in trunks. They slide under the bunks and make it easy for kids to see everything and not be digging through their bags.
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.
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 a few years ago 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!
a few years ago 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 and then took a pic ;)
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 Mason and G LOVE them! They hang them on their bunks and can hang up damp towels, bathing suits, their laundry bag, etc.
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.
Griffin has two of these towels that are HUGE, quick-drying and odor-resistant. This will be her 6th 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 ;)
SOOOO both my boys are now part of Sky Ranch's Colorado leadership programming and no longer bring their trunks. They each have one of these duffels and they're awesome! They hold a TON, have super sturdy backpack straps, have a waterproof bottom, and have held up beautifully. Here's a size comparison with trunks.
Mason will be gone for 10 days this summer with no access to a washer/dryer.... Luke will be gone for 14 and will have access to a washer/dryer at some point during the trip. Last year another mom gave me the tip of sending him with these detergent sheets and he LOVED them for when he had access to laundry but also for some quick sink laundry while at actual camp. He was also a huge hit with friends who didn't have any detergent when they had access to a washer/dryer ;)
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 ANDREAM for a discount.
HAPPY MONDAY, FRIENDS!!!
I miss packing my kids for camp!!! Seriously. It was such a fun thing to look forward to each summer and I loved the independence they experienced. We used the plastic bag trick for outfits too! And laundry sheets are a great idea for anyone - I think I’ll get some for our summer trip to have - so much better than pods that can get squished.
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