Camp Packing Tips

The 64th Guides Packing Tips for Camp - May 2011

This is a note for caregivers who are tempted to help by packing a bag for their camper instead of with their camper.

Have the camper pack her own bag.

If you really need to help, choose the clothing and items to pack, lay them out and have the camper pack them. This gives her the opportunity to know what she has packed. Lost and found items usually belong to a camper whose caregiver packed something new.

To teach your camper to pack, have her pull out each item on the kit list. Discuss what she has chosen and then put together outfits for each day and bag them into zip lock bags.

Anecdote from my experience - a mom tried to surprise a camper in my Ember unit by tucking a favourite stuffy in the bag. The camper left it behind because she didn't remember it was hers (there was no name on it). We left it behind because it had no name. By the time we could get back there to check - it was gone. There were tears.
Waterproof your stuff.

Line every bag with a clear plastic bag. Sometimes bags need to be outside and you want everything to be dry.
Put her name on everything - see the story about the lost favourite stuffy above.
Choose a bag your camper can carry

Campers are expected to carry their own bags and gear from the drop-off area to the campsite.

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