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Parent preparation for sleepover camp Start early to save money. Many camps post a list of required items on their website and it is also included in your registration packet. It can be a shock to see the amount of stuff needed for even a week-long stay. Keep in mind that brand new items aren’t always necessary, especially as some items might not make it home. Last year, my daughter’s new, labelled (and pricey) windbreaker went missing but eventually made it home; her beloved grey sweatshirt, also labelled, did not. So see what clothing, footwear and gear you can borrow from family and friends. Camp employees are a great source of help about what items are worth investing in (like a warm sleeping bag). Clothing, which is likely to get dirty and stained, certainly does not have to be new. Schedule a visit to the doctor (and maybe the dentist). You’ll be asked to fill out a health form for your child and many camps want it to be signed by a doctor. So schedule appointments early to avoid a last-minute rush for an appointment. If your child has had problems with her teeth or wears braces, check with the dentist or orthodontist about any special instructions (this would include what to do if a piece of orthodontic equipment gets lost). Don’t overlook rain gear and warm clothes. Last summer, it rained for nine of the 13 days my daughter was at camp, yet she and her fellow campers had a terrific time anyway. They were prepared with rubber boots and coats. But camp directors say parents sometimes overlook these items, which can spell misery if the weather turns rainy. Ditto for a few items to keep a child warm. Nothing ruins an evening of games faster for a child than having to shiver in the outdoors because temperatures have dropped. Have a plan in case of illness. Last year, camps across North America had to confront the problem of the H1N1 flu. The crisis was also a wake-up call to parents that illness can derail or at least postpone a trip to camp. Check the camp’s policies about sending a child who has been ill in the weeks leading up to camp. Ask about storage space. Depending on the camp’s accommodations, your child may have a very narrow space in which to store her belongings. Don’t assume that a suitcase or duffle will work — ask the staff or check out packing information. I ended up purchasing plastic bins for my daughter’s gear. It made transporting it to the car and eventually to her tent a bit more difficult, but the bins stored neatly under the bed. They also kept everything dry, were easy to label and cheap! Do a head and body check. Lice aren’t only a problem at school — those pesky critters like to travel to camp as well. Check your child’s head before leaving and upon arriving home. As well, make sure your child doesn’t show signs of athlete’s foot or any other skin problem. If they do, check with the camp and your doctor about what to do. Prepare a care package. If your child is going to be away for two weeks or more, she might appreciate receiving a care package, a fun way to say you are thinking about her. Keep in mind that most camps request you NOT send food, as it attracts bugs and animals. Start keeping an eye out for inexpensive items: colourful pens and notepaper, magazines, books, even a pair of funky socks. Tuck them into a box and, when the time comes, all you’ll need to do is send it off. Going away to camp proved to be an enriching and delightful experience for my kids, even though it was quite a bit of work for me. But with a little planning and savvy, you can get them out the door with all the necessary gear and still have some energy left to enjoy the peace and quiet of home.
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