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Six
Things from the Toes Up Not to Miss
When Packing for Camp
MARTINSVILLE, IN (May 8, 2007) –Every
parent knows that there is a buzz in the
air before a child heads off to camp! While
a child may be wondering what they will
do at camp and who they will meet, parents
are left to wonder what they will wear
and if they will bathe. As the leading
authority of the camp industry, the American
Camp Association (ACA) has tips and suggestions
for parents about packing light.
ACA recommends that families prepare for
camp together. Decisions about camp — from
where to go to what to pack — should
be a joint venture, keeping in mind the
child's maturity. When children participate
in the decision-making process, their likelihood
of enjoying a positive experience is improved.
Below are six categories, from the toes
up, to consider when packing for camp!
Check out the complete packing list at www.CampParents.org/travellight.php.
Before shopping and packing for camp, check
with the camp director and review the camp
packing lists to see what items are recommended
or required.
- Footwear is important for children
at camp, especially when they are hiking,
spelunking, running, and heading to the
beach! ACA recommends families
consider packing boots, tennis shoes,
sandals, lots of socks—and dress
shoes, if the camp requires them. And
don't forget to break in shoes and boots
before camp begins!
- Headgear is a necessary packing
item for camp in order to protect a camper
from the sun and also bugs. ACA
suggests that parents consider packing
scarves, bandannas, baseball caps or
a sunhat, as well as needed eyeglasses,
sunglasses, and swimming goggles.
- Clothing is a necessary component
of camp, just don't expect any to return
home clean! ACA recommends families
include T-shirts, a swim suit, and shorts
for hot days; a jacket, sweatshirt, jeans
for cool or cold days; and a raincoat
or poncho for rainy days. Also,
long pants will protect a camper from
poison ivy, bugs, and thorns during hikes. Check
with the camp to see if dress clothes
are required.
- Bed and Bath is an aspect of
camp that can't be ignored, as having
fun and getting dirty go together for
most kids! ACA recommends a family
bring towels, as well as a blanket, pillow,
pillow cases, sheets, sleeping bag, laundry
bag, and mattress pad.
- Bathroom Kit's are essential,
even though there is no guarantee they
will always get used as often as parents
would hope. ACA recommends families
provide campers with a brush and comb,
shampoo, soap and soap container, toothbrush
and holder, toothpaste, deodorant, insect
repellent, feminine products, sun block,
shaving gear, and lip balm with sun block
in it.
- Gear can keep a child entertained
during those rainy or slow days. ACA
recommends packing books and magazines,
flashlights and batteries, frisbees or
other toys, a water bottle, and writing
materials. When considering electronics,
musical instruments, and other special
gear, check with the camp about policies.
For advice from camp professional and
child development experts about what to
pack, and how to prepare for camp, visit
ACA's family-dedicated Web site, www.CampParents.org.
As parents and families plan for summer
activities with their children, the American
Camp Association is a resource for all
information about camp—from
the benefits
of camp to what
to pack.
Contact Public Relations at 765.349.3317 or pr@ACAcamps.org for
an interview with an ACA
spokesperson or information and data on camp
trends. Also, for customizable public
service announcements, story
ideas, article
reprints, including articles about camp costs, and other media opportunities,
visit our Media Center.
Check out last week's Tip
of the Week!
MEDIA CONTACT:
Public Relations, American Camp Association
765-349-3317; 765-342-8456, ext. 317
pr@ACAcamps.org
The American Camp Association works to
preserve, promote, and enhance the camp
experience for children and adults. ACA-accredited
camp programs ensure that children are
provided with a diversity of educational
and developmentally challenging learning
opportunities. There are over 2,400 ACA-accredited
camps that meet up to 300 health and safety
standards. For more information, visit www.ACAcamps.org.
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