We recommend the following items to give your camper everything that they will need while away at camp. Campers will not be able to do laundry during a camp session except in case of an emergency.

Please label everything that you can with your camper’s first and last names. We suggest using a suitcase, duffel bag, plastic under the bed box, or a trunk. Please keep in mind there is limited storage space in the cabins and bags are often stored under bunk beds.

• Fitted and/or Flat Twin Sheets
• Pillow and Pillowcase
• Sleeping Bag and/or Blanket
• Large Bath Towel(s)
• Wash Cloth and/or Shower Scrubby if desired
• Toiletries (Toothbrush, Tooth Paste, Shampoo/Conditioner, Body Soap or Wash, Deodorant etc.)
• Extra Contacts or Glasses if needed
• Sunscreen and Bug Spray (Camper’s name must be written on packages/bottles)
• Reusable Water Bottles (1 is great, 2 is even better!)
• Sunglasses, Hats, Bandanas
• Sturdy Shoes (Sneakers, Boots, Sandals with Strap around the Heel etc. Please note that Flip Flops will not be allowed outside of the cabins, but can be used as shower shoes)
• Outfits for warm, active days and enough for the number of days in the camp session plus 1 or 2 more
• Warm Clothing (Hoodie, Jacket, Pants etc. for air conditioned cabins and indoor spaces)
• Outfit for the Mud Pit
• Rain Layer or Protection such as Jacket or Poncho
• Lots of socks and underwear
• PJs
• Flashlight & Batteries

Optional List:

• Bible, Book of Common Prayer
• Stuffed Animals
• Backpack or small bag
• Shower Shoes (Flip Flops etc.)
• Paper, Pen, Envelopes, Stamps for Letter Writing
• Non-Smart Phone Camera
• Quiet Activities for Rest Time
• Books
• Hammock
• Age-Appropriate Board Games

Packing Tips

Before packing, sit down with your camper and talk with them about what you all are doing and why. This can mean the difference between a meltdown over a lost toothbrush and no socks (even though they really are there) and a more positive camping experience.

Here’s a short list of ideas to keep in mind!

1. Sort clothes by outfit for younger kids and by type of clothing for older kids, bag and label them if needed.
2. Pack toiletries separately so they’re easily transportable to the bathroom.
3. Pack bedding last so it’s on top or separately in a clean trash bag.
4. Hide notes or a surprise for them to find later (no candy or food please).

Potential things to talk about:

1. Go over the packing list and ask them what they might not need.
2. Discuss why some things are appropriate for camp and why some aren’t
3. Discuss non-clothing items they want to bring (and if they don’t mention them, why they should): stuffed animals, picture of family, journal, or paper to write letters home, etc.)
4. Are there things they want to add to the packing list?

What to pack everything in:

For our summer camps, we recommend duffle bags, trunks, or large plastic bins that fit under bunk beds. The terrain at camp can break wheeled luggage. Trunks with sturdy wheels usually fare okay.

Packing sleeping bags and bedding in a trash bag can also be helpful as it keeps it clean until use. Make sure to include a replacement bag in case the original gets thrown out!

We are an “unplugged” environment. Please help us to create an environment where new friendships can blossom, and each camper has a unique and special outdoor experience. Do not bring portable music players, video games, computers, iPads, tablets, electronics and cell phones to camp. Furthermore, cell phones and apple watches especially interrupt camp in a variety of ways; namely our ability to enhance your camper’s confidence and independence.

If any of the items listed are discovered, the camp staff will collect the items and return them at the end of the session.

We appreciate that most families and households will honor our request and support our reasoning for not allowing cell phones at camp. We also recognize that some may feel that hiding a cell phone in camper luggage is OK. Keep in mind that by doing this, you are teaching your campers that it is OK to break the rules as well as creating a level of distrust between the camper and counselor or CIT. If a camper is unable to come to camp without a cell phone, then you or your camper(s) may not be ready for the camp experience.

What NOT to Pack

• Electronic Devices (mobile phones, smart phones, smart watches that require a phone, tablets, laptops, gaming devices etc.)
• Any item that may be considered a weapon (knives including swiss army knives) Including other items such as firearms, lighters, fireworks, matches etc.
• Food (snacks, candy, gum, drinks, etc.) We will provide plenty of meals and snacks throughout the session that also meet your camper’s dietary needs.
• Tobacco Products
• Alcohol & Controlled Substances
• Pets or other animals
• Valuable or Fragile Items
• Inappropriate Clothing

Please help us ensure that the above listed items are NOT brought to camp by reviewing what your camper has packed before departing for camp. Please understand that if any of these items are found at camp, they will be confiscated immediately, and if necessary, your child may be sent home.