Dear Diane,

With summer fast approaching and school almost out, I need to get my kids ready and excited for summer camp. It’s always a bit stressful for everyone, including me. Any ideas to make this go more smoothly?

- Sarah, London, Ontario

Dear Sarah,

Ah, summer camp. A win for the kids, and a win for mom! (Who probably needs a bit of a breather when summer hits.) I know when my kids went off to camp it was always with mixed emotions. Taking time to thoroughly prep for the trip away can ease the anxiety and chaos that often accompanies this wonderfully formative experience!

Assemble your checklist early

Camps often provide a checklist of recommended clothing and items for the planned activities and anticipated weather conditions. Don’t wait until the last minute to start assembling the items on this list. Down-to-the-wire shopping always ensures something gets left behind and someone ends up in tears.

Pack and unpack, and then pack again

Another classic last-minute misstep is the packing. Don’t put the kids in the car with hastily assembled suitcases and knapsacks. Do a trial packing run a good week or more before your kids depart for camp to ensure everything fits and the knapsack or suitcase is still in workable condition from last year.

Don’t forget the essential extras

Stuff Ziploc® brand bags (various sizes) in empty suitcase and knapsack pockets. They’re the perfect items for wet bathing suits, muddy or smoky clothes, trail mix snacks or stay-dry clothing storage on a canoe day trip. Also drop OFF!® familycare® Towelettes For Use on Kids into an external pocket so your child always has access to insect protection..

Hide a surprise

As cheesy as it sounds, your kids should take a piece of home with them, so they know they’re in your thoughts. If the camp trip is too short for mailing a letter, tuck a handwritten note or goofy family photo into the bag that contains your checklist.

Sincerely,
Diane