Check out the ACA’s packing tips here.
Bedding
Select easily laundered bedding that is appropriate for the climate at your camp. Articles to include are sleeping bags, sheets and pillowcases, blankets, and pillows.
Towels and Toiletries
Towels should not be the family’s best, since they’ll be used for swimming and other waterfront activities as well as for showers. A small bag or plastic bucket will help campers carry and keep track of essentials such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, comb, and brush. At some camps, campers walk to separate facilities to shower.
Clothes and Laundry
The frequency of laundry day at camp affects how much clothing to pack. Generally, sessions under two weeks in length do not include laundry services. Always send along an extra pillowcase or laundry bag for dirty clothing.
Most camps supply lists of recommended clothing and some include required uniforms. In general, camp gear should be comfortable and durable clothing suitable for active days at camp. · Shorts, T-shirts, sweater/jacket and jeans · Long pants for leg protection on hikes and horseback rides · Comfortable, durable shoes and sneakers · A hat · A raincoat or poncho
Equipment
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Camera and film
- Canteen or water bottle
- Insect repellent, sunscreen and lip balm
- Pre-addressed, pre-stamped postcards or envelopes
Medication
Send medication in original bottles, along with dosage instructions, to the camp nurse or health care facility. Your medical release form should list all medications.
Don’t Pack :
- Radios, CD players, stereos
- Televisions or portable video games
- Cellular phones
- Food (candy, snacks)
- Hunting knives
- Fireworks of any kind
- Expensive clothing or jewelry
Clearly mark your child’s name on everything sent to camp with permanent marker or nametapes. Use common sense and think about the activities that will take place and the climate at camp. Don’t hesitate to call the camp if you have questions.
Other Things To Consider:
Insurance
The camp may provide camper health and accident insurance. Sometimes parents are asked to provide information on family health and accident coverage. It’s always a good idea to ask if there are additional charges for insurance.
Spending Money
Many camps have a canteen service and may recommend your child have a certain amount of spending money for that purpose. Because children might lose track of the money, camps sometimes collect it from each child at the beginning of camp and put it in an account. As items are purchased, the costs are deducted from the account. At the end of the session, money remaining in the account is returned to the camper.
Additional Costs
Camp T-shirts, group photos, or special outings may be available. Usually camps include these fees on your bill.
Transportation
Bus transportation, especially at day camps, may be included in the camp fee. At some camps, it is an added expense. Resident camps may offer bus service from centralized locations or provide pick-up service at airports or train stations.
Physical Examinations
All ACA-accredited camps require either a health history or physical examination of campers prior to camp. Schedule this exam appointment in the spring just prior to camp.
For more information about the camp experience, please visit www.ACAcamps.org.
