Pre-Camp Packing Tips

Maine Camp summer is on its way. Let the camp packing begin! Our advice is try to keep it simple. Here are some tips …

I. How to pack:

• Use your camp’s recommended list! Camps know what campers need and what can fit in the cabin.
• Using reusable Ziploc packing cubes inside the trunks helps keep things organized and dry in transit.
• Label everything! Camp outfitters can sew name tags into the apparel you buy from them. You can order extra name tags from places like Label Daddy and Mabel’s Labels. And, Sharpie markers work well, too.
• Send comfortable and appropriate clpthes for active days and nights. Nothing super expensive nor fancy nor skimpy.
• Ask a current camp family if there’s anything else they’d suggest. For example, they may mention a flannel shirt for a hoedown or red/white/blue for July 4th. (And if there’s something your camper doesn’t have for a themed event - camps often give out items like groovy glasses - or campers can trade/borrow.)

II. Where to shop:

• First stop should definitely be your camp’s outfitter. They are great for trunks, camp shirts, and many items beyond, including: shower caddies, socks, swimsuits, swim goggles, flip flops, baseball hats, cozy bunk shorts and pants, pajamas, sleeping bags, egg crate/mattress cover, bedding, and beyond.

Our camps and/or camp families use these outfitters for stylish, durable apparel and beyond:

• Amerasport
• The Camp Spot
• Progressive Graphics
• Tyed with Love

Other shopping will likely include local stores or online for items such as sports equipment and toiletries.

III. Don’t forget the _____

• Spirit gear - always good to toss in some colored bandanas, face paint, and bead necklaces
• Rest hour/downtime items - playing cards and games like UNO, sports trading cards, Mad Libs, stickers, little basketball hoops, beads and string for friendship bracelets
• Crazy Creek chair - campers and staff use them often on the lawn and by the campfire to watch events like talent shows, magic shows, sports games, and fireworks. They’re compact to pack and store, and light to carry. You can buy from camp outfitters or directly from Crazy Creek.
• Fan and batteries
• Flashlight/headlamp
• Refillable water bottles
• Stationery, stamps, and pens (pre-addressed home for younger campers) - great to keep in a colorful clipboard case or accordion file
• String backpack or other little bag for trips out of camp
• A few pics from home - some campers like them in a little photo album and others like them in an envelope with a little Fun-Tak or Scotch Tape to hang them up

IV. How to ship: Many Maine Camps and families work with MCE Partner, Ship Camps to ship campers’ trunks to and from camp. Convenient, responsive, and reliable.

V. When in doubt - refer back to the camp packing list or ask a current camp family. You don’t want to waste time/money on things that don’t fly at your camp. For example, these things are allowed at some camps, but not others: bedside floor mats, bikini bathing suits, towels (some camps provide), and storage drawers and bins.

Maine Camp Experience Resources & Tools: Looking for the perfect Maine camp for your child? Try out our helpful tool where you can select a camp by choosing: type of camp (girls, boys or coed) and session length (1-8 weeks). It helps to narrow down a few camps to a manageable list that includes rates. Then you can research these camps in more depth. Next, be sure to contact our Maine Camp Guide, Laurie to discuss these camps as well as for free, year-round advice and assistance on choosing a great Maine summer camp for your child.