Reach New Heights—Become a Camper or Volunteer

Camper Packing Checklist

• Clothing
• Closed-toed shoes, such as sneakers
• 1 pair of long pants (required for horseback riding)
• 1 outfit you can get dirty (this is for Wacky Olympics and will not be laundered)
• Pajamas
• Rain jacket
• 1 shirt for each day, plus 1 extra
• 1 pair of shorts for each day, plus 1 extra
• Shower shoes, such as flip flops
• Socks, 1 pair for each day, plus 1 extra
• 1 sweatshirt
• Swimsuit
• 1 pair of underwear for each day, plus 1 extra
• Bedding/Linens
• 1 beach towel
• Laundry bag or garbage bag for dirty clothing
• Pillow and pillowcase
• Sleeping bag or a set of twin sheets (top and bottom) with a blanket
• 2 bath towels and 1 wash cloth
• Toiletries
• Shower caddie
• Brush/comb
• Shampoo and Conditioner
• Body soap
• Deodorant
• Toothpaste and toothbrush
• Miscellaneous
• Bug spray
• Sunscreen
• Flashlight
• Water bottle
• Any items your camper would like to have with them (Books, fidget toys, stuffed animals, etc.)
• Anything your camper may need for the talent show (props, costumes, etc.)

Typical Day at Camp

• 7:00 a.m.: Rise and Shine
• 8:00 a.m.: Breakfast
• 8:45 a.m.: Spirit Time
• 9:30 a.m.: Activity Period
• 11:00 a.m.: Activity Period
• 12:15 p.m.: Lunch
• 1:15 p.m.: Rest
• 2:15 p.m.: Activity Period
• 3:30 p.m. Activity Period
• 4:30 p.m.: Snack
• 5:00 p.m.: Activity Period
• 6:30 p.m.: Dinner
• 7:15 p.m.: Spirit Time
• 7:30 p.m.: Evening Program
• 8:30 p.m.: Cabin Discussion
• 9:00 p.m.: Showers
• 10:00 p.m.: Lights Out!

Prepare your child and yourselves;
First-time campers and their parents sometimes spend a good bit of time worrying about homesickness. For the first-time camper, preparation can make all the difference.

Be supportive and sensitive
Any new experience, especially in a new environment, causes nervousness. A positive outlook from both the camper and their parents, along with encouragement, are crucial to a successful camp experience. Talk to our child about camp, the expectations, activities, environment and the fun they will have at camp.

Homesickness is OK
Homesickness is natural and feelings of missing home, parents, pets or friends are expected. Once your camper understands this, your child may feel less anxiety. Try not to say: "I'm going to be so lonely without you." It may make your child feel guilty about going away. In your letters to campers, try not to dwell on how much you miss them, giving too much information about home may cause anxiety. Be encouraging by asking lots of questions about camp, their activities and new friends. With your help, you can help your child overcome his homesickness.

Avoid making a deal
Try not to tell your child, "If you give camp a few days and don't like it, I will come get you." The offer to rescue your child is done with the best of intentions, but a child may focus on this and will never give camp a fair chance. Do not feel guilty about encouraging your child to stay at camp. This opportunity is the first steptoward independence and plays an important role in your child's growth and development.

Summer camp is a special place
Besides being fun, camp is a wonderful growing and learning opportunity for your child, and will provide your child with the skills, lessons, friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. Camp is a great place to unlock a child's potential, develop self-esteem and enhance their social skills while having the time of their lives.

If you should receive a homesick letter from your camper, don't panic. Often the first couple of days are a big adjustment, and it may take some time for your camper to become more involved in the program, cabin and activities and to make new friends.

How we limit and handle homesickness
Our opening day and daily schedules are designed to minimize the feeling of homesickness. We spend extra time and effort with every new camper at the beginning of each session to make sure no one is feeling homesick. We have a strong support system that includes the Camp Director, Staff, Nurses, and Cabin Counselors, all of whom are trained to help deal with homesickness. Do not send a cell phone with your child.