Packing Tips for Summer Camp - Hillary Kouba

Trunks are great, but not necessary. A duffle or suitcase works too - just be sure it’s the correct dimensions (not too tall, 32”x18”x14”).

CLOTHING: Pack everything in labeled ziplock bags.

•  I use two bags for each day; one labeled with THE DAY and one labeled with the specific NIGHT EVENT ("Girl Party" for example).
• In the DAILY bag pack a shirt, shorts, socks, and underwear.
• In the NIGHT EVENT  bag pack everything you’d need for the costume for that specific night event.
• Check the weather; you most likely don’t need jeans and fleece if you are going in later July/Aug and they just take up valuable space in the trunk.

TOILETRIES: Shower Caddy with holes is super helpful!

• Get a shower caddy that has holes so the water can drain out when they take the caddy in the shower with them. This is easier than trying to carry multiple bottles to/from the shower.
• There are cubbies in the bathroom for each camper to store their stuff.
• I either send full-size shampoo/body soap bottles or multiple travel-size ones so they don’t run out!
• I also send a travel toiletries bag with all of the other necessities listed in the packing list and any other items I think my kids might need (bug bite cream, bandaids, hair bands, etc).
• Bring TWO towels: one for bathing and one for swimming.
• I buy little over-the-door hooks to hang the towels from the bunk beds to dry.
• Send shower shoes. I’ve found some flip-flops on Amazon that have little holes in the bottom for the water to drain through so they don’t slip on the wet ground.

BEDDING: Pack in Laundry Bag

• I pack a twin fitted sheet, a sleeping bag/blanket, and a pillow.  
• It’s just a plastic mattress so you definitely want a fitted sheet to cover it. 
• Pack all of these bulky items (towels too) in their laundry bag when coming to camp. Over the course of the week, they will put all of their dirty clothes in the laundry bag leaving their truck mostly empty and they can put all of their bedding in their trunk to come home.

TRUNK/SUITCASE ORGANIZATION: They're living out of it for the week so make it easy to find what they need!

• I line up all of the clothing/night event ziplock bags in order so the first bag is the night event bag for Sunday night (the first party) and then Monday daily and night event bags would go behind that one and so forth. These usually take up two rows. I use the the other side for toiletries and other misc items.
• If using a trunk, I like to use the inside lid for small storage items like GROCERY SACKS (to bring home wet items), BATTERIES (for travel fans or reading lights), SELF-ADDRESSED STAMPED ENVELOPES/STATIONARY/PENS (for them to write me or grandparents). 

ACCESSORIES/MISC: I bag these things up or put them in a pocket so they aren’t loose in the trunk/suitcase.

• Definitely bring a WATER BOTTLE that your camper can carry around with them and refill as needed. Remember to LABEL it.
• FLASHLIGHT: the older kids have a Mission Impossible night so they definitely want one but even my younger kids like to have it just in case they need to find something at night
• CARE PACKAGES: I usually order one of the fun care packages from Sky Ranch (Sky Packs) and then send little notes on MWF and fun toys/candy in their packages for TU/TH.  
• Be sure to put your camper's name, cabin number and the day you want the letter/package from home delivered.
• At Sunday camper drop-off, I have four larger bags (one for each child) with all of their little packages together so I can hand them over all at once.
• Sky Ranch has a Corner store where kids can buy snacks, toys, clothing, necessities, etc and you can put money in their Ranch Bank for them to use during the week. Sky Ranch recommends $70 for the week. You can add more money online as the week goes on but I think by giving them a limit, it’s a great learning opportunity for budgeting and spending your money wisely! I like that you can check their account during the week and see exactly what they are buying.
• My kids like to buy the stickers and bracelets for their cabins at the Corner store and put them in/on their trunks each year. That might be something fun to start or catch up on if you’ve already gone multiple years.
• Mini lightweight bag/BACKPACK: my kids carry this around EVERYWHERE! Inside they carry a towel, water bottle, mini fan, bible/journal/pen, etc!