June marks the end of another school year and the official beginning of summer. For Forest Lake campers, it also means it’s time to start thinking about packing!
For first time parents, the task can seem somewhat daunting. How much sunscreen and shampoo to pack?  Do they really
need shin guards?  How many t-shirts are enough?  For seasoned Forest Lake parents, packing is a science based on experience.

The art is in packing just enough but not too much or too little…and knowing which items children put in their bags that are not needed at camp and can be left at home for the summer (snacks, ipods, cell phones…).  Camp is an opportunity to take a break from certain things, that is one of the reasons we enjoy it so much!  Packing properly also takes time…and patience.

At Forest Lake we provide a packing list (https://forestlakecamp.com/parents-info/flc-parentcamper-handbook/) to aid you with this daunting task. It is made to help you. It should not be disregarded.  It is also important to keep in mind when packing that your child’s cabin space is somewhat limited, although definitely adequate. Remember, each cabin is occupied by up to 12 other campers and 2-3 counselors.

Remember, 1 locker and 1 drawer per bunk-mate! It is not necessary nor is there enough room for campers to bring trunks, we encourage you pack your clothes in a duffle bag, which will store more easily in their cabin. If you are looking for more space to keep belongings, try bringing an organizer than can hang from your child’s bunk bed. There are many online options.  Also, our lockers do not come with locks, so we strongly encourage all valuables, especially money, to be left at home.

This means that there is not a whole lot of room for “extras” and labeling clothes is important as mix-ups are bound to happen.  We have included some website links to purchase labels for your children’s clothes if you feel this could be helpful.  If nothing else, please do not forget to write your child’s name in all of their belongings BEFORE arriving to camp. If laundry is your primary concern, rest assured that camp laundry is done once per week.  Your children’s counselors and other camp staff will see to it that your child has clean clothes.

Summer camp values often downplay appearances. The emphasis at FLC is on fun, friendship, and safety. Before the end of the summer, your child will likely get wet, slimed, painted, generally messy, and a host of other cool things that tend to make children laugh and leave indelible memories.  So keep the really good stuff at home and send clothes that neither you nor they will miss too much if they have to be “retired” at the end of the summer. If you have an packing questions, please don’t hesitate to email us at [email protected]