What to Pack (and Expect) for Your Child's First Overnight Camp
Sending your child away to their first overnight summer camp can be a difficult thing for a parent. For some, this will be the longest that your child has ever been apart from you. The best way to make sure that your kid has a great time at camp - and also to set your own mind at ease - is to pack everything your kid will need for his or her overnight camping adventure in rural Minnesota.
Are you considering sending your child to an overnight camp near you in Minnesota? Continue reading for a list of everything you need to pack, and what you and your child should expect from this exciting experience.
The Complete Overnight Summer Camp Packing List
These are essential items that every camper should bring with them for their first overnight summer camp in Minnesota:
Enough shirts, shorts, and pairs of underwear and socks for your kid to make it through the full week. You should probably pack extras, just in case.
- At least one jacket, one long-sleeved shirt, and one long pair of pants. While Minnesota summers can be very hot by day, the weather can still get pretty chilly at night, especially around the lake.
- At least two pairs of shoes for your kid to wear throughout the camp. Make sure that at least one of these pairs can handle getting wet!
- A set of sleeping pajamas, or maybe two depending on how many nights your child will be away at camp.
- A sleeping bag and a pillow for your child to sleep with at night. Include sheets, blankets, and extra pillows as needed.
- A swimsuit (or maybe two of them) so that your kid can have fun swimming and boating without being wet all day.
- A raincoat in case there's a downpour while your child is in the middle of outdoor activities.
- A water bottle to keep your camper hydrated throughout the day, particularly when they're hiking or playing sports.
- A toothbrush and toothpaste to make sure your child keeps up with their oral hygiene at camp.
- Shampoo and body wash or a bar of soap so that your kid can clean themself off after a long day of getting dirty and sweaty outside.
- Sunscreen is a crucial packing item to prevent your child from getting scorched every day and coming back to you with burned skin.
- Mosquito repellent is another necessary item that will keep these biting bugs at bay so your camper can enjoy all the time they spend outside.
- A flashlight so that your kid can stay safe during any nighttime outdoor activities.
Here are a few optional items that you may want to consider packing for your child's first overnight camp:
- A camera so that they can take pictures of their adventures and the new friends they make.
- A book for your child to read during downtime if they don't feel like running around.
- A deck of cards so that your kid can play games with the other campers.
- Stationary if your child would like to write you a letter or two while they're away. Don't be offended if their answer is "no."
What to Expect for Your Kid's First Overnight Summer Camp
Separation anxiety is the biggest thing to prepare for with your child's first time at an overnight summer camp near you in Minnesota. Remember that this goes both ways; you'll be anxious about how your kid is holding up without you there, and your kid might feel weird spending several days away from you. Everyone goes through this and it affects every parent and child differently.
The good news is that, even if they do struggle with an initial period of homesickness, most kids will get over it once they immerse themselves in everything an overnight camp has to offer. It's hard to miss home when you're busy hiking, camping, boating, and learning new skills with your friends and counselors.
On a happier note, an overnight camp is an exciting experience for a child, and yours will have lots to tell you when they get back. During their days at summer camp, kids will learn lots of new things and may even discover a hobby that they love, such as kayaking or archery. Children also make friends at camp, and some of these friendships will continue long after they've gone home.
Above all, remember that a child's first overnight camp is a milestone event in their life - and also in yours. Even if there are some feelings of anxiety in the mix, this is an important opportunity for your child to grow and learn more about who they are without having you around. Don't be surprised if you notice your kid seems more mature, confident or responsible when he or she comes home.
Sign Your Kid Up for Summer Camp Near You at the YMCA
The YMCA of the North operates several summer camps in Minnesota that would be great choices for your child's first overnight camp experience. Get in touch with us today if you'd like to learn more about our overnight camp programs near you or are interested in signing your child up!