It’s hard to believe that spring is here and camp is only a couple of months away. If you haven’t started shopping around for packing list items already, chances are you’ll begin doing so soon. Of course, every parent is aware of what’s on the official list. But there is another packing list for camp, the unofficial one that includes items that come in handy for showing spirit, dressing up, birthday celebrations, and just taking advantage of opportunities to dress in silly outfits. Your child may have already handed you a list of these items, but lest you doubt or are the parent of a new camper, here is “The Other Camp Packing List…”
Tutus. Nowhere outside the Bolshoi is a tutu a more valuable part of a girl’s wardrobe. From fairy outings to talent shows and even showing team spirit, tutus are a staple in camp wear.
White shirt for tie-dying. Tie-dying and summer camp are synonymous. No matter which camp your child is headed to, it’s a given that at some point during the summer, there will be a tie-dying activity.
Mismatched Socks. You can buy them mismatched or just take mates and mix them up. The crazier the pattern, the better.
Decorative Duct Tape. Think it’s only for handymen and hardware stores? As if anyone would repair anything with polka dot duct tape…At camp, it comes in handy for things like turning t-shirts into tank tops and making costumes.
Cool Letterhead. Camp is one of the few places at which people actually still write letters by hand…and getting those few precious words on interesting letterhead is all the more special.
A Crazy Hat…Or Two! Yes, some days at camp--in fact most days--this is acceptable garb.
Temporary Spirit Tattoos in Camp Colors and Logos. What better way to show team and camp spirit? Goes well with tutus, mismatched socks, and crazy hats, too.
A Stuffed Animal. Let’s be real. Most of us slept with a favorite stuffed animal into our college years.
Mustaches . It’s a camp thing!
Reading Material. It may be against your best hopes, but sending your child to camp with a bit of reading material could result in a positive outcome. Children have adequate time to read at camp. And without television, internet, and iPods, many of them do. Joke and puzzle books are particularly good bunk activity and conversation starters.
Tags: American summer camps, Camp Starlight, packing for camp, preparing for summer camp, sleepaway camp
