There was a big question on whether summer camp would happen this year or not. While many camps did get canceled or went virtual due to the coronavirus pandemic, there were some that decided to go ahead with it as they were of the belief that kids need this escape from their everyday lives, and rightly so. This pandemic has hit us like a ton of bricks with schools shutting down everywhere. Summer camps are an ideal escape for kids from their boredom. After all if the organizers are taking every necessary precaution to ensure in every way that everybody on the grounds would be healthy, then there is no way for kids to not attend summer camps East Hanover NJ. The first thing on most organizers’ new camp packing list is kids need to show that they’ve tested negative for COVID-19. The turnout was quite good this year as well, as a lot of parents were enthusiastic to send their kids to summer camps that stayed open, albeit with smaller numbers and increased health and safety practicing.
It’s not hidden from anyone that regular attendance in high‐quality afterschool and summer programs is linked to a range of positive academic and social developmental outcomes, including improved literacy skills, self esteem and leadership. So in no way should parents discourage their kids from it. Rather parents must help prepare their kid for the summer camp, especially in regards to what to pack and bring and what not to bring to the camp.
Deciding what to pack is often a tough balance between wanting to ensure children are prepared and that they’re not burdened with a heavy bag and extra stuff to take care of while at camp. You may have packed your child up for a family vacation lot of times, but packing for summer camp is a different ballgame altogether. Parents need to ensure their child has everything they need to make summer camp a fun and enjoyable experience.
Packing List:
Summer camp essentials
1. Treatment for bug bites (get something that doesn't irritate your child's skin)
2. Sleep necessities (pillow, sleeping bag or favorite blanket)
3. Towels (two or more for longer camps)
4. Shoes (sandals for walking in creeks and on slippery surfaces, flip-flops for the shower and the pool, rain boots if it is wet weather, your camp may require closed-toe shoes)
5. Clothing (lots of socks and undergarments, swimsuit, sweatshirt and/or light jacket, old shorts and jeans) (Also the clothing items you should pack varies from camp to camp, for example, sports camp, fishing camp may require specialty equipment that can't always be borrowed. So pack accordingly. Swimming often is a weekly or even daily activity at camp, for that your child will need a bathing suit, goggles, swim shoes or flip-flops, towels.)
6. Snacks (First, check with your camp for snacks arrangement from their end or if children can/should bring their own in a sealed container, accordingly decide. Pack snacks that are both healthy and nutritious, such as fruits like apples, oranges, and grapes, raisins, pretzels, granola bars or cereal bars, veggies and dip like carrots with hummus.)
7. Sun protection (sunscreen, a pair of sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, lip balm with SPF)
8. Toiletries (a first-aid kit comprising antiseptic wipes and ointment, band-aids, blister pads, hand sanitizer, tissues, wet wipes)
9. Plenty of water
What not to bring or things you may want to leave at home:
1. Personal pets or animals
2. Drones and hoverboards
3. Roller-blades, skateboards, or shoes with wheels
4. Electronic devices, such as smartphone, laptop, iPad, or gaming console
It’s true that a child's excitement about summer camp can sometimes be equal to the parent's stress over packing for camp. If you’ve always been antsy about what to pack and what not to, use the aforementioned summer camp packing checklist to lessen your stress and help prepare for the camp. Keep your worries at bay as your kids will almost certainly come home with many happy memories and be begging you to go back next year!