A well-packed bag sets your camper up for success at Camp Jewell YMCA. Having comfortable clothes and the right gear helps them focus on making friends, enjoying outdoor adventures, and soaking up the camp fun. By following these tips, you’ll help your child arrive prepared, excited, and ready to embrace their overnight camp journey.
1. Choose the Right Luggage
- Footlockers or Plastic Bins: A footlocker (or a plastic storage bin) no higher than 14 inches is ideal. It easily slides under a bunk, keeping the cabin organized.
- Label Everything: Attach a contents list to the inside lid and clearly write or sew your child’s name on the outside. This simple step makes it much easier to reunite campers with misplaced belongings.
2. Pack Practical, Comfortable Clothing
- Outdoor-Friendly Attire: Expect your child to run around, get messy, and enjoy nature. Avoid packing items you’d be upset to see come home with stains or extra wear and tear.
- Layering for Weather: Even in summer, weather can be unpredictable. Light jackets, sweatshirts, and long pants are great for cooler evenings or rainy days.
- Shoes: Sneakers for daily activities, water shoes for the lake, and possibly hiking boots if your child plans on hitting the trails.
3. Bedding and Sleep Essentials
- Sheets and Blankets: Camp mattresses at Camp Jewell YMCA are twin-size with a plastic coating, so a fitted sheet is crucial for comfort.
- Sleeping Bag: Whether your camper is sleeping under the stars or going on an overnight excursion, a sleeping bag is essential for warmth and versatility.
- Pillow and Pillowcase: Don’t forget the creature comforts of home. A labeled pillow makes for a cozy bedtime routine.
4. Toiletries and Personal Care
- Keep It Simple: A small bathroom caddy, bar of soap or body wash, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, and toothpaste are the basics.
- Sunscreen and Insect Repellent: Outdoor activities are more enjoyable when your child is protected from sunburn and bug bites.
- Towels: Bring a couple of bath towels and beach towels for swimming and lake activities.
- Label Everything!: We can’t stress this enough. With hundreds of campers on-site, unmarked items are harder to identify in Lost & Found.
5. Don’t Forget the Extras
- Laundry Bag: Essential for keeping dirty clothes separate from clean ones.
- Water Bottles: Staying hydrated is a top priority, so pack at least two labeled water bottles.
- Flashlight + Batteries: Perfect for evening activities and late-night reading.
- Book/Quiet Games: Downtime is great for reading, journaling, or playing cards with new friends.
- Disposable Camera: Encourages campers to capture fun moments, without the need for electronics that aren’t allowed at camp.
6. Ranch Camp Specifics
If your child is attending Ranch Camp at Camp Jewell YMCA:
- Riding Pants: Pack a few pairs of comfortable, durable pants that won’t restrict movement.
- Riding Boots: Closed-toe boots with a small heel are ideal; half-chaps are optional but welcome.
- Helmet: Optional, as we provide helmets if you don’t have your own.
7. What Not to Bring
To maintain a safe and distraction-free environment, certain items are off-limits at Camp Jewell YMCA. These include:
- Electronic Devices: Cell phones, tablets, laptops, e-readers, and gaming systems. (We want campers to unplug and fully engage in the camp experience!)
- Valuables or Expensive Jewelry: Easy to lose in the hustle and bustle of camp.
- Weapons, Knives, or Sharp Objects: Strictly prohibited for safety reasons.
- Food or Snacks: These can attract critters and may pose allergy risks.
- Alcohol, Tobacco, Vapes, E-cigarettes, and Drugs: Any violation of this policy results in dismissal from camp.
8. Labeling and Lost & Found
We can’t emphasize enough how important labeling is. With so many campers joining us each summer, inevitably a few items end up misplaced. Labeling every item (including socks, hats, and towels) helps us reunite lost belongings with their owners. After 30 days, any unclaimed items are donated to charity.
9. No Laundry Service (Unless Needed)
During a two-week session, campers typically won’t have access to laundry facilities. However, we do provide laundry services for:
- Accidents or Illness: In special circumstances, like bedwetting or an unexpected spill.
- Campers Staying Consecutive Sessions: Laundry services are available during hold-over weekends.
Encourage your child to pack enough clothing and bedding to last their entire session.
10. Final Packing Tips
- Include a Checklist: Tape or pin a copy of this checklist to the inside of the trunk so you can use it again at the end of the session to make sure nothing is left behind.
- Involve Your Camper: Let your child participate in packing. When they know where things go, they’re less likely to misplace them and more likely to keep track of their belongings.
- Stay Organized: Use packing cubes or plastic bags to categorize items (e.g., swimwear, socks, underwear). It’s much easier for your camper to manage their belongings this way.
Ready for the Best Summer Ever?
With a little planning and organization, packing for Camp Jewell YMCA becomes a breeze. Your camper will be prepared to explore new activities, build lifelong friendships, and create unforgettable memories—all while staying comfortable and confident. If you have any questions about packing or camp policies, contact us today. We look forward to welcoming your child to an amazing sleepaway camp experience where they’ll unplug, connect with nature, and thrive in our supportive community!
