Thinking Ahead: Packing for Camp
Is it really already time to start thinking about summer camp? If you are like my family — and many others in the current economy — it might be. Not only may it be time to begin putting away funds for that camp experience, it couldn't hurt to start stockpiling those little camp necessities when you find them on a great sale!
Budget-helping blogs like Southern Savers and Money Saving Mom are all over the web, alerting you to great deals when they come along. Keep a list of items you know your child will need for camp (or for that family vacation, birthdays, or even Christmas!) by your computer. When you see those items at amazing prices, go ahead and buy now, thus avoiding a huge payout the day before your child leaves for camp (or vacation, etc, etc).
Here are some items the American Camp Association recommends packing for your child's camp experience:
- Headgear — This includes items like scarves, bandannas, baseball caps, eyeglasses, sunglasses, and swimming goggles.
- Clothing — T-shirts/tank tops, shorts, long pants, a jacket, a swim suit, pajamas and robe, and of course, underwear should be included.
- Footwear — Consider items such as boots, tennis shoes, sandals, dress shoes, and socks.
- Bed and Bath — towels, as well as a blanket, pillow, pillow cases, sheets, sleeping bag, laundry bag, and mattress pad.
- Bathroom Kit — a brush and comb, shampoo, soap and soap container, toothbrush and holder, toothpaste, deodorant, insect repellent, feminine products, sun block, shaving gear, and lip balm with sun block in it.
- Other items — books and magazines, flashlights and batteries, frisbees or other toys, a water bottle, and writing materials. When considering electronics, musical instruments, and other special gear, check with the camp about policies.
Do your kids go to a summer camp? What's the one item they always forget to pack?
Registration is open for all of our summer 2011 CentriKid camps (for kids who have finished 3rd-6th grades). The theme of this year's camps is "Shipwreck Island: Where God Provides."
Photo used with permission of Flickr Creative Commons.
