I hate to keep bringing up Dos Equis, buuuuut packing for summer camp. That'll do it. BUT. It's not as bad as you think. My pain, your gain. Here's the nine best tips I have. Cheers. 1: Color Code For reals. Color code it all. Since I pack four kids for camp (I know!) the Sharpie is your friend. Or, in my case the green, blue, pink and purple ones are my BFFs. The camp staff is so kind to send us a suggested packing list. As we "check things off the list," I use my color coded Sharpie so we don't miss anything. In addition, most of the kids' packing supplies are also in their family color. Thank you Container Store and Amazon. It just makes life simpler. 2: Ziplock … [Read more...]
Summer Camp: The Best Week Ever
One of the best weeks of the summer? Week long camp in Arkansas. Oh, how I love thee. For the last four summers, we've been sending the kids to summer camp. They adore the time away, with the freedom to do what they want, within reason, we enjoy slightly cleaner bathrooms and less cooking. It's win-win for everyone. A few things I've chatted about before: Packing for summer camp Getting a jump start on packing for next year's summer camp 10 reasons every kid should go to camp Choosing the right camp for your kid (and you) I always like to do a little post-interview with the kids when they arrive home. Those never disappoint. Let's chat all things bug spray, lake … [Read more...]
HDYDI: Pack for {Next Year’s} Summer Camp!
Ah, you're home. The kids are wiped out, the laundry is finally done and the memories and photos are aplenty from summer camp. Time to focus on starting a new school year, right? Maybe. Because I served as a camp counselor and was a camp kid myself, here's a few small things you can do to make packing for summer camp next year a total breeze. Or, slightly less painful. 1. Hit the sales. August is notorious for lots of sales as kids, particularly those of the college variety, head back to campus. Take advantage of that by purchasing linens and bedding (pillows, towels, washcloths and sheets) and shower caddies at a major discount. And, because summer is hitting it's end, … [Read more...]
Summer Camp in Arkansas, Where the Living is Good
This year, the bigs (Will, John Paul and Anna-Laura) enjoyed a week at summer camp in Arkansas. It's always their favorite week of summer. I've blogged about choosing it, making sure all your kids do it and packing for it. I believe passionately in all three. Next Monday, I'll share how you can prepare for next year's summer camp, but until then, enjoy my camper's reflections on the greatest week of summer. And, because I'm a sucker for nostalgia, here's the last three years of camp. Look at how they've grown (and how much younger Scott and I look)! Some folks ask us, why Arkansas? We say, why not? Truthfully, the owners of the camp are dear friends from Texas A&M. That plays a … [Read more...]
HDYDI: Pack Your Kids for Summer Camp
Because VBS kicked my tail, I'm taking a few days off from blogging. In my absence from the interwebs, enjoy this post from a couple of years ago about packing your kids for summer camp, along with my case for why every kid should go and how to choose the best camp for your child. Our kids will be heading to sleepaway camp later this summer and I know I'll be re-reading this post! Happy packing. ----- Raise a flashlight if you've been to summer camp. Raise something alcoholic if you've ever packed your child for one. This summer, I packed both my boys for a one-week, "away from home" sports camp. Talk about an educational experience. I've been a camper, a counselor and now a … [Read more...]
