Getting kids ready for camp + a packing list
Pro Tips + packing faves from a 4th-year camp mom
Another year, another summer where I hug my kids goodbye as they each go off on their own camp adventures—making new friends, developing their independence, trying new things.
There’s nothing like the feeling I get when I see my kids step into something new, both nervous yet sure they can do it. After a few summers of camp between them, my kids say camp is where they feel most like themselves. And I love that. Like it puts a literal lump in my throat to think about how true it is.
It makes sense, because getting outside of my home is when I felt the same way as a kid. Growing up we didn’t have the budget for overnight camps, but I always loved the chance to break away from my normal day-to-day for a while, whether that was spending the night at a friend’s house or reading The Baby-Sitters’ Club and dreaming of who I’d be outside the walls of my home, how I’d show up in the world away from my parents.
I’m glad my kids can have a place to have adventures like that. But, whew, it’s a lot to get these kids ready for three weeks of camp. Especially during the mad dash to get them across the End of School Year finish line. 😵💫
Talk about logistics on logistics. It’s a zoo and a half.
I’ve been a camp mom for about four years . And I’ve picked up a few pro tips I rely on every year and that I’d go back and tell my first-year-camp-mom self.
Because reducing stress around everything, but especially anything to do with summer, is one of my tip-top goals.
So buckle up—we’re going to talk about how to reduce your mental load around packing and getting your kids ready for camp, whether they’re sleeping in a bunk at camp or in their regular bunk at your home.
🏕️ Pro Tips for Overnight Camps
Pack early.
I mean, duh. But truly, you’ll thank yourself later when you’re not having to scramble and label every pair of underwear at 11:30 PM the night before you leave. I typically give myself a few weeks to account for anything we are missing and need to buy. We get the trunks out of the attic and put them in our foyer.
