It’s time to pack for camp! To make this task less daunting, more organized for parents AND easier for campers, check out our tried-and-true trunk packing TIPS!

• Use the camp’s packing list as a guide.
• Designate a trunk-packing room. Make piles for similar articles of clothing and use a different color ribbon to tie each specific pile. The ribbons will prevent clothing from mixing together inside the trunk and will allow for easy unpacking at camp.
• Ask your child to pick a few articles of clothing that he/she would picture themselves wearing in summer, which may not include their most favorite items. Camp laundry can sometimes result in a favorite being ruined or even lost.  It’s best to leave the most special clothing items at home.
• Socks, socks, socks! They disappear more than any other article of clothing. We suggest going with two non-white sock colors. Pick your child’s two favorites, label them and create sock balls. When bunk laundry comes back, they will know exactly which socks are theirs.
• Select a few photos of family, pets and close friends. Younger campers may also want to pack a favorite stuffed animal. Having these important personal items at camp will provide a warm connection to home.
• Write a short and simple letter and tuck it into your child’s trunk or duffle so that it’s the first piece of mail they receive at camp! Make the note positive and empowering while including some unexciting happenings at home.
• Take some time to teach younger kids how to address the outside of an envelope and where the stamp goes. You or your child can pre-address some envelopes at home that can be included and packed with their stationery.

Including your child in organized trunk packing is a great way to begin laying the groundwork for a calm start to an amazing summer at camp!

Happy Packing!