Summer
youth camp is an exciting time for both teens and parents. But along
with the excitement there may be some anxiety and fear as well. It is
much easier for parents to send a teen off to youth camp that has had
the camp experience before. But it may create a lot of fear and anxiety
for a younger teen that has never been away from home and has never been
apart from his or her parents for so many days. Of course there will
also be other teens who can't wait for the chance to get away from home
for a few days. And most parents can appreciate a little break away from
the teens for a few days. Even so, a little concern and anxiety on the
part of parents is also to be expected. Parents must keep in mind that a
well-planned youth camp has great staff and leaders to take care of
your youth during their stay.
Packing List for Summer Youth Camp
One
of the first things you need to do is time to start making a packing
list for the camp. It is important to know what can be taken and what
must be left behind. Most camps will provide you a list of items that
need to be packed. Some camps require certain clothing and some special
equipment. They also may prohibit certain items. When packing for camp,
these lists are a great place to start. Another good resource to
discover what to pack is to talk to the camp staff. The camp staff will
be familiar with the weather, the terrain or requirements for any
outdoor camp activities, and they can also offer tips that will make the
summer youth camp experience much more enjoyable. If you know parents
who have sent their teen to the camp before, they can also be a great
resource for packing tips. The key is to find out as much information as
you can, then prepare your own packing list.
Summer Youth Camp Recreation Activities
Many
summer youth camps offer a variety of recreational activities in
addition to the standard camp program. Homesickness is a part of the
"first time away from home" camp, but the more activities that suit the
desires of your teen, the better. Look through the recreation options
with your teen and discuss them. Let the youth negotiate which
activities they wish to participate in. Some activities may require
special permission from parents. If, for some reason, any activity is
off-limits to your youth you will need to make that clear to the camp
staff and put it in writing. Some recreational activities may also
require youth to pack special equipment or clothing. Most camp
registration forms will have a section of the form for parents to
complete regarding the recreational activities and permission for the
youth to participate in them.
Health Concerns and Safety
If
your teen has any health concerns such as allergies, asthma, etc. be
sure that the youth camp staff is aware of these. Again, most summer
youth camp registration forms will have a section for you to provide
this information. Also be sure that any medications your youth needs are
sent to the camp along with them. You may be able to pack them in their
bag, but some camps will not allow a teen to keep their medications in
and around the bunk. If possible, place the medications in the original
containers, then pack them all together in a clear plastic bag that is
properly labeled. This would not apply to emergency inhalers, but it is
something to clear up with the camp staff before your teen leaves for
summer youth camp.
Clothing
Don't
wait until the week before the your teen is leaving for summer youth
camp to start planning your packing. It is also vital to include your
teen in the packing process in order for them to be familiar with what
they are taking. Some clothing may need to be bought in advance. It's
also a good idea to label the clothing discretely inside on the tags
with your teen's name or at least their initials. Labeling should extend
to everything the youth is packing. Clothing, bathing suits, towels,
cameras and anything else that is going into that bag, plus the bag
itself. If the summer youth camp has sports activities, field trips or
religious services, you will need to also pack the clothing for these
functions. There may also be special guidelines such as a one-piece
swimsuit for girls, no speedos for the boys, etc. I remember one youth
pastor telling the youth to place their swimsuit on the stove-top burner
and if it doesn't cover it completely, just turn on the burner and go
buy something more modest. If the summer youth camp offers crafting
opportunities, you may want to send along some clothes that are not new.
Painting and crafts can be messy and are not the easiest thing to
remove from clothes. Also, don't forget rain gear. Summer youth camps
don't curtail every activity just because it may be raining.
Packing
A
large duffel bag may be the best way to pack everything inside for the
camp. Many of them now come with wheels and are easier to transport and
to store once they are empty. The age of your teen needs to be taken
into consideration. If your teen is going to summer youth camp on a bus
or public transportation, it will be important to have something they
can handle. Wheels will help. Personal items should be packed in a
separate bag within the larger bag. Toiletries should be in a handy bag
that can be taken to the bathing facilities. Items such as toothbrush,
soap, towels and washcloths, comb, brush, shampoo should be stored in
this bag for packing. Keep the soap in a traveling soap dish as well as
the toothbrush in a toothbrush holder. It may not come home that way,
but at least it is a good start. In fact, you should probably expect the
loss of a few items at the youth camp. Expect it and pack accordingly.
Then you won't be upset if something doesn't return or it is returned in
a less than ideal condition.
Little Extras
Pack
some self-addressed postcards that will help your teen remember to drop
a note home. This will prevent them from using their spending money on
postage and allow them to keep in touch with you during their absence.
You might also add some personal notes of encouragement in their
belongings. Even though it was many years ago that I attended a summer
youth camp as a camper, I still remember the little notes of
encouragement my mom packed in my belongings. They were tucked away in
shirt pockets, pants pockets, and many other unexpected places that
didn't embarrass me as a youth, but reminded me that my family loved me
and missed me. Some other things to consider packing, with the
permission of the camp staff, are cameras, CD/MP3 players, and games.
Books are a great addition for evenings when the campfire is over, as
well.
With
a little advance planning, packing for and attending summer youth camp
can be a great experience for youth and parents alike.
