summer camp

Every summer for the past 4 summers my daughter has gone to sleep away camp. It's become a home away from home for her but because she goes for 7 weeks there is a ton of preparation to get her ready. Every summer after she leaves I get a call from her with within hours of her arrival to camp telling me something I left out of her trunk so this year in an effort to avoid any of those frantic phone calls I am really trying to be so organized. I am so proud of myself because I have been really sticking to my deadlines and next week I get to do my favorite activity with Isabella. SHOPPING! In the tri-state area there are many camp outfitters and some have been around since I was Isabella's age going to camp. These campers emporiums have everything one would need to bring to camp under one roof. I am definitely going to do a separate post on the emotional aspects of sleep away camp, homesickness and my feelings about letting kids go home on visiting day, but this post will highlight just the stuff. We usually head over to Sweats Appeal for the basics and personalized camp stuff. I suggest that you make a copy of your camp list which is most definitely provided by your camp. Take this with you camp shopping so you can check off as you go. Here's the one I made based on Camp Pontiac's list.

Camp Pontiac Packing List 

qty. suggested	description	# packed going
4	stationery & extras sets of stationery & stamps
2	one time use or inexpensive camera(s)
	books and non-electronic games
1	set of extra eyeglasses camping gear
1	sleeping bag per family
1	flashlight & extra batteries
1	water bottle or canteen
1	daypack / backpack
1	deet-free insect repellent footwear
2	pairs of athletic sneakers
1	pair of tennis sneakers (optional)
1	pair of athletic field cleats (required)
1	shoe bag (optional) athletics
	all athletic equipment and jerseys are optional unless noted ‘required’. any personal items brought to camp must be clearly marked with the camper’s name
1	athletic supporter w/ cup (required)
1	pair of roller blades (optional)
1	helmet for roller blading (required)
1	roller blade protective pack (required) wrist, elbow and knee pads basketball
1	black basketball shimmer tank top logo’d (optional) soccer
1	pair of shin guards (required)
1	mouthguard tennis
1	tennis racquet w/ cover (required)
1	visor or cap (optional)
	wrist band / head band (optional) roller hockey (optional)
1	red roller hockey jersey
1	helmet w/ face shield (required if participating)
1	knee / shin guard unit (required if participating)
1	set of elbow pads (required if participating)
1	set of hockey gloves
1	mouthguard
1	mesh sport bag w/ name for equipment lacrosse (optional)
1	white lacrosse jersey
1	helmet w/ face shield (can use hockey helmet)
1	lacrosse gloves
1	lacrosse stick baseball / softball
1	baseball softball glove (required)
1	baseball hat gymnastics / dance (optional)
1	leotard (girls only) arts / crafts
1	smock or old shirt

winter address summer address
68 linden lane glen head, ny 11545 phone: 516-626-7668 fax: 516-626-8943		2044 country road # 7 copake, ny 12516 phone: 518-329-6555 fax: 518-329-2302
camp pontiac required uniform
qty. suggested	description		# packed going
100-300	name tapes
2	pontiac sweatshirts (any style in catalog)
1	black or grey sweatpant (any style) logo’d
1	red / white reversible mesh tank top logo’d
8	pontiac tees (any style in catalog)
1	white w/ black pontiac team soccer jersey
4	black shorts (any style) logo’d additional clothing
14	t-shirts - polos
3	sleeveless tanks / shirts
2	long sleeve-tee
2	pair of jeans
8	pair of shorts
2	sweatshirts (any style)
3	sweatpants (any style)
1	old shirt or smock (for arts & crafts) undergear
18	pair of underwear
18	pair of socks
2	sets of warm sleep wear
2	sets of lightweight sleep wear bed & bath
1	blankets or comforter
2	fitted twin sheet sets (top, bottom, pillowcase)
1	egg crate (optional)
1	standard pillow
8	bath / beach towels
3	washcloths
1	shower organizer & filler kit (soap, toothbrush, cup)
	toothbrushes, hair brush, soap, shampoo
1	pair of shower sandals
1	laundry bag w/ name waterfront
6	swimsuits
1	pair of water sandals
	sun screen, lip balm, nose clip, ear plug, swim cap, (optional) uv protection sun shirt outerwear
1	lightweight jacket / pullover - vest
1	heavyweight jacket
1	rain jacket or poncho pack & ship
2	soft trunk / cargo bags w/ name
1	luggage tags (optional)
1	stick bag (if your child brings their hockey stick)
1	set of golf clubs and cover (optional)

american apparel tanks

every color t-sirts

soffe shorts 

made with hugs and kisses pajama bottoms

underwear, socks, bras

bedding

This store is my favorite place to start.  You can make an appointment which I recommend for first time campers and if your child is a seasoned camper then you can walk right in with your list in hand. First make a copy or your camps packing list. They have the best personalized camp accessories, storage containers and stationary

for stationary

for make-up, hair stuff or art stuff

a small trunk for more stuff

for papers

personalized hamper

sheet sets

lock box

laundry bags

stationary

more stuff holders

sweatshirts

drawers

I love the stuff here. Here's a list of my other favorite camp outfitters to get everything you need for your kiddos. 

Dennys

Lester's

Neils

Sweats appeal

Make this time shopping with your kids fun. Let them choose what they like and decide to not get uptight like most first camp shopping excursion with Isabella. I will get into that later. 

Thanks, 

xo Beth