Dear Marsha,
My parents are making me go to camp, and I am not so keen on the idea of leaving to go with a bunch of strangers for a whole week. Our church is one of many churches from our county that will be sending their youth to this camp that is 2 hours away. My parents think that I will have fun, and get to meet new people. I think that I am just going to be bored out of my mind. You said that you are a mother. Have you ever sent your kids off to camp? What would you pack to leave for a week?
Thanks so much for your reply,
1st Time Camper
Dear 1st Time Camper,
I do not think you should worry so much about camp. I, as a teen, chose to go any time I could. I even loved camp so much that I volunteered at our local camp as a counselor.
If you have never been camping, you will find that there is much to do outdoors. Children today spend far too much time inside, and do not have the same respect for the outdoor nature as we did. Most camps offer a wide variety of activities such as swimming, archery, hiking, fishing, volleyball, baseball, horseback riding, camp fires, singing, crafts, and so much more.
My children are indeed going to camp this year. I have already signed them up. I want them to have the opportunity to enjoy their youth by doing the things I did and loved at their age.
Things to pack would include:
CLOTHES:
8-10 shirts (1 for each day, and a couple extra’s in case you had to change)
4 pairs of shorts
4 pairs of jeans (or 8 pairs of jeans if you do not like wearing shorts)
1-2 swimming trunks/suits
7 pairs of socks
7 under garments (boxers/underwear for boys, bra’s/panties for girls)
Shoes (You can take a pair of hiking boots, tennis shoes, and sandals) I would recommend all 3, but if you prefer just to take 1 pair, then better take the tennis shoes.
PERSONALS:
Sheet set with thin blanket or a sleeping bag
2-3 Towels and a beach towel for swimming
Shampoo and Body wash
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Deodorant and body spray or cologne/perfume
Sunscreen spf30 preferred
Germ X or some kind of Germ hand cleaner
Pouf or washcloths to wash off in the shower with
Brush/Comb
Bug Spray
Lip Balm or Chap stick
Makeup and/or Curling Iron (for females of course)
Bible (since you said you were going to a church camp)
I hope this covers the basics. I am certain there may be more items that you would like to take, but try to keep it basic. The less you have to carry around, the better off you and your back will be.
Just try to make the best of it. Allow yourself to have fun!
Always,
Marsha
