camps
What to Remember When
Packing for Camp
Heather M. Ross | Staff Writer
E very year, the highlights of camp
season are different. A new friend
made, a new hobby discovered or
perhaps a new favorite food. But the
hard part of dropping your kids off is
always the same. The worry, the rush
and, inevitably, the forgotten items.

We spoke to local camp directors
to find out what kids need most at
sleepaway camp. Here’s what you can
expect your child will need for those
longer stays, including a checklist to
make packing a little less worrying.

Liz Heilbronner, director of Camp
Horizons in Virginia’s Shenandoah
Valley; Grant Larsen, director of Camp
Wabanna in Edgewater, Maryland.; and
Lisa Handelman, director of Capital
Camps in Waynesboro, share what
kids forget the most when packing for
camp. Bedding and gear
Bug bites aren’t always the first thing
to come to mind when packing for
summer camp, but with many summer
camps having activities near and on
the water, or surrounded by nature,
maybe it should be. Kids should be
sure to pack bug spray and sunscreen
to keep their skin safe and healthy so
they can focus on having fun.

When it comes to clothing, don’t
bring any outfit that can’t be replaced.

At camp, kids are active, kids get dirty
and, sometimes, clothing items can get
torn or misplaced.

Kids should also bring at least two
towels and two bathing suits. This is
because if they swim multiple days in
a row, their towel may not have had
time to dry. Another good reason to
bring a second towel is that kids may
swim in natural bodies of water, includ-
ing sandy or salty water, as well as in
a pool. That said, children with longer
hair might need a bathing cap as well.

Of all things, said Heilbronner,
“pillows are the No. 1 thing kids forget
to bring.” Ditto for a backpack.

Heilbronner notes that the item she
relied on most back when she was
a camper was a small folding seat
that she could use to keep herself
up off the grass and stay a lot more
comfortable. With all the running around, climb-
ing, jumping and other activities at
camp, it’s also easy to get dehydrated.

Kids should always bring a reusable
water bottle to camp to stay comfort-
able and safe.

Above all, it’s important to remember
that unique camps have unique activi-
ties, and parents should always check
with directors about specific gear their
child may need. According to Larsen,
kids signing up and going to Camp
Wabanna have oftentimes forgotten or
not known to bring fishing gear.

Comfort items
“Know that camp is an adventure, and
it has ups and downs. It’s possible to
be homesick and have a great time,”
Handelman said.

It’s very common for children,
especially younger children, to experi-
ence some homesickness. This doesn’t
mean that they won’t have a great
time, but there are things you can pack
to ease them into this new experience.

Pack a comfortable sweatshirt, a
stuffed animal, a picture from home
and some paper for them to write
letters about their experiences. Even if
they don’t mail them, it can be comfort-
ing to write like they’re talking to their
loved one.

At camp, most of your child’s time will
START HAVING YOUR BEST SUMMER,
EVERY SUMMER!
Reach out to Linz Haft at
Linz@pinemere.com or call 215-487-2267, ext. 4
18 FEBRUARY 16, 2023 | JEWISH EXPONENT