Packing List & Preparing For Camp
Packing for Camp
You can find the packing list for a one-week session below. For two-week sessions, we recommend roughly doubling the amount of items on the list. Additionally, closed-toed shoes are worn at camp at all times, except while at the beach and the shower, so please be sure to bring comfortable shoes!
In terms of what to pack in, suitcases, duffle bags, and trunks are all great! Campers will be “living” out of their suitcase and storing their items under their bunk, so it is important to pack in something that campers are familiar with. It’s also important that you involve your child in the packing process. Consider printing out the packing list and having your camper cross off items as they pack them, helping them to know where items are in their bag and that they have everything they need. This is especially important if you have a younger child who may just wear the clothing packed on top! You can also make it easier for your child to choose what to wear each day by helping your child pick out outfits ahead of time and putting each separate outfit in its own Ziploc bag.
Additionally, please make sure that items are labeled! This helps us reunite any lost items with their owners and helps your camper to stay organized while they are at camp.
Lost and Found
Lost and found items will be stored for at least one session throughout the summer. Please check with the Camp Directors if you believe an item of yours was left behind at camp. We are unable to store lost and found items for a significant amount of time and we will donate any unclaimed items mid-way through the summer and at the end of the summer.
What NOT to bring to camp
Campers are living in shared living environments in a rugged environment. For this reason, we do not recommend bringing items that are highly valuable or fragile, and Mountain Camp is not responsible for any items that are lost or damaged. We also recommend bringing clothes that are okay to get dirty and avoiding any name-brand items.
We do not allow weapons, drugs, alcohol, tobacco or other banned substances at camp and any camper found to have these items will be sent home immediately.
Cell Phones and Electronics Policy
Campers may not bring electronic devices to camp. We believe camp is a great opportunity for children to be independent of their parents, in a safe and supportive environment, for a short period of time. This includes Music Players (iPods, MP3s, etc.), Hand Held Games (DS, PSP, etc.), Cell Phones, Electronic Readers (Kindles, iPads, etc.), Laptops and Radios. As electronic devices have grown increasingly more complex (with features like video, internet access, etc.), we believe they disrupt the camp environment and have the potential to negatively impact the camper’s experience. Phones and electronic devices are also not permitted on the bus to or from camp. Cameras are allowed and we recommend a disposable camera. Please reach out to us at [email protected] to discuss any accomodations.
Advice For Parents and Families
Sometimes campers and families alike can feel a little nervous about heading to camp. You can find resources for first-time campers here and also attend a camper webinar to ask any questions you may have about camp.
The camp experience is an excellent time for children to grow, gain independence and confidence, and make new friends. Sometimes, the separation from family, friends, and familiar surroundings can be difficult, and some campers are apprehensive about coming to camp or experience mild homesickness when they arrive. Mountain Camp takes pride in training our counselors to work with campers to overcome these common challenges in ways that develop lifelong skills of independence and adaptability. This year is especially challenging for campers and families alike, here is a great resource for how to help with the transition to camp.
Please keep the camp office informed on any recent changes in your family. Divorce, death, serious illness, or a recent move may be unsettling for a child. Also, let us know if your camper has a lot of anxiety about going away to camp for the first time. Any information that will help make the camp experience the best it can be is welcomed and strictly confidential.
We suggest writing letters that are newsy and dwell on the things your camper is doing at camp. Lonesome letters about how much the dog misses your child or how the house just is not the same usually contribute to feeling homesick. Include in your letters wishes of fun, good times, and support. It is helpful if bad news can be withheld until your child returns from camp. If this is not possible, please call us and we will assist you.
When actually packing for camp, be excited and encouraging. We strongly suggest you include your camper in the packing process so that they are familiar with the items you are sending and can have a role in getting ready for camp. It is important that campers have chosen to come to camp, and that they don’t feel forced to go. Although it is common for kids to be somewhat apprehensive about their time away from home, please avoid making deals with your camper concerning shortened stays at camp. Campers who think they will be picked up early if they are unhappy at camp often have difficulty committing to the experience, which makes it more difficult for them to overcome homesickness.
If your camper is apprehensive about camp, tell them that it’s normal and common to feel that way. Provide empathy, encouragement, and talk to them about how the counselors at camp are dedicated to helping your camper make friends and have fun. We understand that parents also get homesick for their child. Just remember how valuable the experience is for them and how much they will have to share with you when camp is over.
Please click here for a link to our 2025 First-Time Camper Webinar.
You can view our Family Packet below for more helpful information!
2026 family packet by Mountain Camp
