by Bette Bussel, Director, American Camp Association New England (ACANE)

So, you’ve chosen the right camp for your child, you’ve sent in the deposit and confirmed his/her space several times. It’s now time to start the painstaking process of deciding what worldly possessions will make it into the suitcase and what will stay behind! And, it’s also time to make sure your child is comfortable with the camp experience and knows what to expect, particularly if he or she is going to camp for the first time and has never been away from home for any length of time before.

To make your life easier, the American Camp Association New England (ACANE) has put together a list of top packing tips that will give you a guideline on what campers should have and hopefully alleviate any arguments:

• Keep packing simple and limited to what you feel the camper will absolutely need.
• There is no need to buy a “camp” wardrobe. Clothes should simply be comfortable, yet durable.
• Shorts, t-shirts and jeans are staples of a camper’s wardrobe and how many of these items a child will need depends on the length of stay and laundry facilities at the camp.
• Use a permanent marker to write your child’s name on every item.
Be sure to pack long pants, as well as shorts. Campers need leg protection on hikes and during horseback rides.
• New shoes should be broken in and comfortable before leaving for camp.
• A hat serves multiple purposes — it repels ticks during hikes in the woods, protects against sunburn in the open daylight and comes in handy during stormy weather.
• A raincoat or poncho is a must.
• Other useful equipment includes a flashlight with extra batteries, a camera with film, a canteen or water bottle, pre-stamped and pre-addressed stationary, sunscreen, lip balm and insect repellent.
• Check with the camp for advice on weather patterns, suggested bedding/sleeping bags, as well as for any other specific gear needed for that camp.
• If your child takes medications, parents should send the medicine in the original bottle, along with dosage instructions.
• DO NOT BRING radios, televisions, portable CD players, stereos, food, hunting knives or expensive clothes.
• Camps have different policies on whether or not it is appropriate to bring spending money.

You should consider the following when helping your child prepare for a positive camp experience:

• Consider camp as a learning experience. This is an opportunity for a child to explore a world bigger than his/her neighborhood and a chance for parent and child to practice “letting go.” Letting go allows children to develop autonomy and a stronger sense of self, make new friends, develop new social skills, learn about teamwork, be creative and more. This time also allows parents an opportunity to take care of themselves so that they will feel refreshed when their child returns home.
• Prepare for camp together. Decisions about camp — where to go and what to pack — should be a joint venture, keeping in mind the child’s maturity. If a child feels a part of the decision-making process, the chances of having a positive experience will improve.
• Talk about concerns. As the first day of camp nears, some children experience uneasiness about going away. Talk about these feelings. Communicate confidence in his/her ability in dealing with being away from home.
• Have realistic expectations. Camp, like the rest of life, has high and low points. Every moment is not filled with wonder and excitement. Encourage children to have a reasonable and realistic view of camp. Discuss both the ups and downs the child may encounter. Make sure the child does not feel pressured to succeed at camp. For the child, the main purpose of camp is to relax and have fun.

And, remember camp is also a time for parents to relax and have fun while their children are growing and learning. Have a fun and safe summer!

Bette Bussel has been involved with camps since age 4, where she began as a day camper. She evolved to an overnighter, Counselor-in-Training (CIT), Counselor, Program Director and is now the Executive Director of the American Camp Association New England. Bette brings a rare blend of organizational and interpersonal skills to this position that she has held for more than eight years. She has established herself as a person with professional competence, strong commitment and the ability to build on the established strengths of the ACANE.