Sarah Luft Brand Associate, Marketing and Communications
Preparation Made Easy
Sleepaway camp season is here and we couldn't be more excited. But we know preparing for camp can mean a whole range of emotions—from jumping-up-and-down-excited to pacing-back-and-forth-anxious (for both child and parent!). And for good reason. There's a lot to consider as you prepare to send your little one off to camp. No matter if it's your child's fifth time away from home or their very first, we're here to make packing a stress-free part of the process.
We hear rumors that some kiddos pack their duffels five months out (and can't blame them for that kind of giddy anticipation), while others are apt to gather a few necessities the morning of. Whatever your preference, be sure to tune in to your camp's specific guidelines—they know what they're talking about. In the meantime, here's a guide to jump-start any camper's packing project!*
*Whether you plan to attend a SeriousFun camp or other, please note that this list is not extensive. Rather, it is meant to serve as a fun guide to get you started. Please contact staff at your specific camp for exact details on how to prepare.
Your Packing List
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<span>What to Bring to Camp - June 2017</span><span>The Bag</span><span>First things first, you'll need some sort of bag! And you have quite the variety to choose from: backpack, duffel, suitcase, you name it... </span><span>focallength</span><span> 24</span><span>flash</span><span> 15</span><span>cameramake</span><span> NIKON CORPORATION</span><span>height</span><span> 2832</span><span>fnumber</span><span> 3.5</span><span>exposuretime</span><span> 0.0125</span><span>orientation</span><span> 1</span><span>camerasoftware</span><span> Adobe Photoshop CC 2</span><span>originaldate</span><span> 7/31/2016 8:45:22 PM</span><span>width</span><span> 4256</span><span>cameramodel</span><span> NIKON D700</span><span>Personal Hygiene Items</span><span>Start with a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, hair brush, shower items, and glasses (if applicable). Then consider your daily routine so you don't leave any stragglers behind!</span><span>cameramake</span><span> NIKON CORPORATION</span><span>focallength</span><span> 125</span><span>height</span><span> 2832</span><span>fnumber</span><span> 4</span><span>exposuretime</span><span> 0.0125</span><span>orientation</span><span> 1</span><span>camerasoftware</span><span> Adobe Photoshop CC 2</span><span>originaldate</span><span> 7/18/2016 12:46:37 PM</span><span>width</span><span> 3921</span><span>cameramodel</span><span> NIKON D3S</span><span>Pajamas</span><span>Of course, don't forget the best clothing of all: your favorite, camp-appropriate pj's. You may very well end up having a pajama dance party of your own... </span><span>focallength</span><span> 40</span><span>flash</span><span> 16</span><span>cameramake</span><span> NIKON CORPORATION</span><span>height</span><span> 4000</span><span>fnumber</span><span> 5</span><span>exposuretime</span><span> 0.01</span><span>orientation</span><span> 1</span><span>camerasoftware</span><span> Photos 1.0.1</span><span>originaldate</span><span> 8/4/2016 12:49:21 AM</span><span>width</span><span> 6000</span><span>cameramodel</span><span> NIKON D5300</span><span>Clothing</span><span>Gather enough tee shirts, shorts, undergarments, and socks to get you through each day of the session. You'll find your name tag waiting at camp!</span><span>focallength</span><span> 47</span><span>flash</span><span> 16</span><span>cameramake</span><span> Canon</span><span>height</span><span> 3744</span><span>fnumber</span><span> 4</span><span>exposuretime</span><span> 0.004</span><span>orientation</span><span> 1</span><span>camerasoftware</span><span> Adobe Photoshop CC 2</span><span>originaldate</span><span> 8/20/2012 1:05:15 AM</span><span>width</span><span> 5616</span><span>cameramodel</span><span> Canon EOS 5D Mark II</span><span>Medicine and Medical Equipment</span><span>Communicate with camp staff to determine what you'll need to supply, like prescription drugs. Child-friendly, state-of-the-art medical facilities and a dedicated team of doctors and nurses will be present around the clock!</span><span>originaldate</span><span> 1/1/0001 6:00:00 AM</span><span>width</span><span> 2000</span><span>height</span><span> 1333</span><span>Closed-toed Shoes</span><span>1-2 pairs of these shoes will keep your toes safe and sound all week long, no matter what game is up next!</span><span>focallength</span><span> 24</span><span>flash</span><span> 16</span><span>cameramake</span><span> Canon</span><span>height</span><span> 3744</span><span>fnumber</span><span> 4.5</span><span>exposuretime</span><span> 0.005</span><span>orientation</span><span> 1</span><span>camerasoftware</span><span> Adobe Photoshop CS4 </span><span>originaldate</span><span> 8/13/2012 11:06:27 PM</span><span>width</span><span> 5616</span><span>cameramodel</span><span> Canon EOS 5D Mark II</span><span>Swim Gear</span><span>Be sure to check with camp guidelines for appropriate swimwear, and then pack your suit - goggles and water shoes optional. </span><span>focallength</span><span> 95</span><span>flash</span><span> 16</span><span>cameramake</span><span> Canon</span><span>height</span><span> 667</span><span>fnumber</span><span> 3.2</span><span>exposuretime</span><span> 0.000625</span><span>camerasoftware</span><span> Adobe Photoshop Ligh</span><span>originaldate</span><span> 7/20/2016 9:19:57 PM</span><span>width</span><span> 1000</span><span>cameramodel</span><span> Canon EOS 5D</span><span>Linens</span><span>Grab a beach towel, shower towel, and face cloth and you'll be clean and dry in no time all week long.</span><span>focallength</span><span> 60</span><span>flash</span><span> 24</span><span>cameramake</span><span> NIKON CORPORATION</span><span>height</span><span> 2848</span><span>fnumber</span><span> 6.3</span><span>exposuretime</span><span> 0.000625</span><span>orientation</span><span> 1</span><span>camerasoftware</span><span> Ver.1.00 </span><span>originaldate</span><span> 11/15/2016 1:55:58 PM</span><span>width</span><span> 4288</span><span>cameramodel</span><span> NIKON D5000</span><span>Layers (and Layers!)</span><span>It may be sunny and 75 at noon, but some days and nights are apt to be brisk. Don't forget pants, a sweatshirt, a jacket, and rain gear to stay warm. </span><span>focallength</span><span> 24</span><span>flash</span><span> 16</span><span>cameramake</span><span> Canon</span><span>height</span><span> 3744</span><span>fnumber</span><span> 4.5</span><span>exposuretime</span><span> 0.008</span><span>orientation</span><span> 1</span><span>camerasoftware</span><span> Adobe Photoshop CS4 </span><span>originaldate</span><span> 8/18/2012 2:55:31 AM</span><span>width</span><span> 5616</span><span>cameramodel</span><span> Canon EOS 5D Mark II</span><span>Bedding</span><span>This varies by camp, so double check with any specific recommendations. You'll likely need a sleeping bag or blanket and pillow!</span><span>cameramake</span><span> NIKON CORPORATION</span><span>focallength</span><span> 24</span><span>height</span><span> 2832</span><span>fnumber</span><span> 5</span><span>exposuretime</span><span> 0.005</span><span>orientation</span><span> 1</span><span>camerasoftware</span><span> Adobe Photoshop CC 2</span><span>originaldate</span><span> 7/31/2016 8:03:14 PM</span><span>width</span><span> 3425</span><span>cameramodel</span><span> NIKON D700</span><span>Backpack</span><span> It's not a must, but a day pack or bag can be useful to carry your things to and from different activities.</span><span>cameramake</span><span> Canon</span><span>focallength</span><span> 21</span><span>height</span><span> 3456</span><span>fnumber</span><span> 4</span><span>exposuretime</span><span> 0.00285714283</span><span>orientation</span><span> 1</span><span>flash</span><span> 16</span><span>originaldate</span><span> 5/4/2015 9:02:15 PM</span><span>width</span><span> 5184</span><span>cameramodel</span><span> Canon EOS 600D</span><span>Sense of Adventure</span><span>Camp is the time and place to explore. We can all get a little nervous for adventure, but camp is an inclusive, accessible, “yes, you can!” kind of place.</span><span>focallength</span><span> 42</span><span>flash</span><span> 16</span><span>cameramake</span><span> NIKON CORPORATION</span><span>height</span><span> 4000</span><span>fnumber</span><span> 9</span><span>exposuretime</span><span> 0.003125</span><span>camerasoftware</span><span> Adobe Photoshop Ligh</span><span>originaldate</span><span> 6/28/2016 9:57:06 PM</span><span>width</span><span> 6000</span><span>cameramodel</span><span> NIKON D7100</span><span>A Few Extras</span><span>Consider bringing along your flashlight, latest book, journal, and headphones. You won't see a lot of screen time at camp (that's intentional!), but your favorite stories and tunes might be a comfort during rest periods. </span><span>cameramake</span><span> NIKON CORPORATION</span><span>focallength</span><span> 62</span><span>height</span><span> 2676</span><span>fnumber</span><span> 3.5</span><span>exposuretime</span><span> 0.005</span><span>orientation</span><span> 1</span><span>camerasoftware</span><span> Adobe Photoshop CC 2</span><span>originaldate</span><span> 7/20/2016 9:45:40 PM</span><span>width</span><span> 3825</span><span>cameramodel</span><span> NIKON D3S</span><span>Sun Safety Gear</span><span>Now is the moment to grab the ultimate shields: sunscreen and bug spray! While accessorizing to beat the heat (http://updates.seriousfunnetwork.org/blog/sun-and-safety-in-spring) is optional, it's never a bad idea. Think sunglasses, hats, and bandannas.</span><span>focallength</span><span> 190</span><span>flash</span><span> 16</span><span>cameramake</span><span> Canon</span><span>height</span><span> 2227</span><span>fnumber</span><span> 3.2</span><span>exposuretime</span><span> 0.008</span><span>camerasoftware</span><span> Adobe Photoshop Ligh</span><span>originaldate</span><span> 4/12/2002 1:48:35 AM</span><span>width</span><span> 3340</span><span>cameramodel</span><span> Canon EOS 5D</span><span>Fun Stuff</span><span>Do you want to show off your cabin pride, wacky accessories, or artistic talents? Camp is the place. Many camps encourage kids to bring their unit colors, instruments, and dance shoes, so get ready to rock!</span><span>focallength</span><span> 70</span><span>flash</span><span> 16</span><span>cameramake</span><span> Canon</span><span>height</span><span> 667</span><span>fnumber</span><span> 2.8</span><span>exposuretime</span><span> 0.0125</span><span>camerasoftware</span><span> Adobe Photoshop Ligh</span><span>originaldate</span><span> 4/3/2016 1:05:32 AM</span><span>width</span><span> 1000</span><span>cameramodel</span><span> Canon EOS 5D Mark II</span><span>Good Vibes</span><span>Bring your best you and jump in to whatever makes you THIS happy — whether it's zooming down zip lines, s'mores galore, or making new friends, there's something for everyone at camp.</span><span>focallength</span><span> 18</span><span>flash</span><span> 16</span><span>cameramake</span><span> NIKON CORPORATION</span><span>height</span><span> 4000</span><span>fnumber</span><span> 5.6</span><span>exposuretime</span><span> 0.008</span><span>orientation</span><span> 1</span><span>camerasoftware</span><span> Photos 1.0.1</span><span>originaldate</span><span> 7/10/2016 10:03:02 PM</span><span>width</span><span> 6000</span><span>cameramodel</span><span> NIKON D5300</span><span>Your Whole Self</span><span>And last, and most importantly, know that your dance moves, your belly laughs, and even your off-key signing is welcome at camp. Because we're here to celebrate you for you!</span><span>focallength</span><span> 92</span><span>flash</span><span> 16</span><span>cameramake</span><span> NIKON CORPORATION</span><span>height</span><span> 4000</span><span>fnumber</span><span> 5.6</span><span>exposuretime</span><span> 0.00625</span><span>orientation</span><span> 1</span><span>camerasoftware</span><span> Adobe Photoshop CC 2</span><span>originaldate</span><span> 6/28/2016 12:56:42 AM</span><span>width</span><span> 6000</span><span>cameramodel</span><span> NIKON D7100</span>
Straight From Camp
North Star Reach, the SeriousFun camp in Michigan, has put together a Care Package Series with tips fro m seasoned staff to help you prepare for camp. Check out the rest of their wonderfully wacky, insightful videos to learn the ins and outs of medication prep, health history forms, handling homesickness and more!
Sarah loves all things s'mores (there are a lot of varieties out there) and helps tell the story of SeriousFun through digital marketing. She leads the charge of content creation at the Support Center.
For more information on SeriousFun Children's Network, visit www.seriousfunnetwork.org or contact us at info@seriousfunnetwork.org .