A Checklist for Teens at Camp

A Checklist for Teens at Camp<br /><br />Overnight Camp Clothing List<br /><br />Though you might not think fashion much matters when hiking and practicing archery, your teen probably disagrees especially if shes headed to a co ed camp. When shes headed to overnight camp, help her pack outfits that are practical in addition to stylish. Shell likely need shorts and T shirts for each day, as well as a few extra outfits in case she gets sweaty or dirty. Pack more than enough underwear for her stay, as well as two bathing suits, a few pairs of pants and sweatshirts for chilly nights and a water resistant hooded jacket. Shell need pajamas too, and if her camp has any religious affiliation, she might be expected to bring one dressier outfit for services check the camps packing list to be sure. Make sure she packs at least one pair of worn in sneakers, plastic sandals for showering and socks for each day. Discourage a girl from packing jewelry other than basic items like stud earrings. Its too easy to lose something in the woods.<br /><br />Research laundry options at your teens camp before helping her pack. For a one week trip, she probably wont need to wash clothes; for a longer stay, she might need laundry detergent and a tutorial on washing clothes, too. She might be required to bring her own sheets and towels. Remind her to pack all the toiletries she uses daily to shower, along with toothpaste, a toothbrush, deodorant, contact lens solution if necessary and, for a girl, feminine hygiene products. Send her to camp with a cell phone and camera, along with chargers, only if these devices are permitted by camp leaders. A flashlight and batteries are useful for an outdoor camp. If the camp has a canteen, shell appreciate having some spending money, and a small token of home, like a family photo, might help a teen combat homesickness. At a camp aimed for teens with specific interests, your child might need special equipment. For instance, for a soccer day camp, shell probably need cleats and shin guards; if its a sleepaway camp, shell need these supplies plus workout gear for each day in addition to a few sets of casual outfits. At a music camp, your teen might need to bring an instrument or even extra gear like an audio recorder. A religious camp might request that teens bring their own Bibles or other religious texts. For a week at wilderness camp, shell probably need to leave makeup at home and bring camping supplies instead. The camp should provide guidance to teen campers on what gear they will require.<br /><br />Health and Safety<br /><br />Ideally your camp bound teenager will be concerned with her own safety, but ultimately, this is an area that a parent needs to take over. She should take the same health precautions whether shes going to overnight or day camp. A teen must take sunscreen and insect repellent to camp and should be careful to reapply these substances every few hours. Shell need an adequate supply of any medication she takes regularly. A first aid kit stocked with antihistamines, pain relievers and aloe gel will come in handy too, but not all camps will allow her to bring non prescription medications, so check with the camp director first. She should know who to contact if she feels sick or hurt, how to get around the campus and what the camp rules are. Help her research these topics before she leaves home. She must be especially confident and knowledgeable about camp procedures if shes working as a counselor for younger campers. Your teen should be reminded of your own family rules of conduct and might benefit from a talk about bullying and making new friends. Before she leaves for an overnight camp, tuck stationery and stamps into her bag, even if you dont anticipate receiving any letters, and remind her to smile for any photos camp leaders want to take. According to the American Camp Association, the majority of camps post photos and updates online for parents to see. Knowing you can track her experience at camp might ease some of your own separation anxiety while your teens away.