Packing for camp? Here's What to Bring and Not Bring this Summer!

CAMP IS HERE!

And you may be thinking, what should I pack for summer camp?

We’ve put together The ULTIMATE SUMMER CAMP CHECKLIST so you know what to pack to have the best week away EVER! Days at Moorelands Camp are filled with fun and excitement, here’s what campers will need (and won’t need) during their time away:

BAG SELECTION

No one likes to drag their newly bought luggage through the dirt trails and possibly lose a wheel on the way up. This is probably the most underrated item on the checklist: Choosing the right bag will make packing not only easier but will allow for better functionality!

First, it’s camp! No need to bring the flashiest bag. We recommend bringing a duffle bag and a back pack. Check out these affordable bags at Decathalon, now available in the Greater Toronto Area! Helpful Tip: All campers are encouraged to bring a plastic grocery bag to carry any soiled clothing.

PACKING LIST

Sleeping Bag Campers sleep in their sleeping bags on bunks in their cabins. Older campers will also take part in an overnight sleep-out in a tent!
- If you don’t have a sleeping bag: in a pillow case, pack the pillow and fold one bed sheet and one sheet
Personal Toiletries Campers are encouraged to shower daily, they’ll need shampoo, soap, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant to stay nice fresh throughout the day!
Bathing Suit and Towel Moorelands Camp is located on beautiful Kawagama Lake and your child will enjoy swimming lessons every day in the fresh and sparkling water!
T-Shirts For a week long of camp, Campers will need 4 t-shirts to wear over the week and..
Long Sleeved Shirts 2 long sleeved tops for the cooler days and evenings.
Shorts 3 pairs of shorts for lots of fun activities.
Long Pants It can get chilly in the evening up north, so your child will need 3 pairs of long pants. Jeans and/or sweat pants are perfect.
Socks & Underwear Suggested 5-7 pairs is enough to last the week away, accidents happen and swimming daily may encourage you to bring more.
Pyjamas One set of sleepwear is encouraged for the week of camp.
Jacket or Hoodie 1 thick sweater or thin jacket helps for the cooler days and evening.
Footwear We highly encourage to bring 1 pair of closed toed running shoes and a 1 pair of flip flops to be able to participate in the activities for the week.
Bug Repellent – When you’re out in the Algonquin Highlands like we are, bugs are a reality, but bug spray or lotion will help keep those critters at bay.

FOR SUNNY DAYS

Sun safety is important! Your child will need to be covered up in the sun to stay safe from harmful rays. Be sure to pack a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen!

FOR RAINY DAYS

At Moorelands, we Decide and Plan! Camp is fun rain or shine, on rainy days we want to stay prepared. Campers are encouraged to bring a water resistant cover. Whether it’s a rain coat, rain poncho or umbrellas. Take a look at this week’s forecast to be extra prepared for your child’s week at camp.

OPTIONAL ITEMS

You are welcome to pack your child a book, flashlight and pillow to make them feel more comfortable!

HERE’S WHAT TO LEAVE AT HOME!

Cellphones We understand that parents worry about their kids, please rest assured, our camp staff team are highly trained and will contact you should any issues arise. Contact us if you have any concerns. Camp is that perfect and much-needed break from phones that kids today can really benefit from! A week offline gives campers an opportunity to:
- connect with each other and form real, enduring friendships.
- connect with nature and enjoy active outdoor pursuits
- connect with themselves and learn about their amazing strengths and leadership skills
Other Electronics What’s written above goes for handheld video games, laptops, tablets, and mp3 players etc. We want your kids to engage with the activities around them and each other.
Favourite and Fancy Clothing and Jewelry Since we’re out in nature, clothing and jewelry can easily get ruined, best to leave “best” things safe at home.
Snacks Don’t worry, your child will be really well fed at camp (we get LOTS of praise for the food!). Campers are not allowed to keep snacks in their cabins as we don’t want to attract unwanted animal visitors… so leave the candy and other snacks at home.
Make-up and Perfume Wearing these at camp is a bad idea since they attract BUGS so don’t waste the space in your pack!
Camping Gear Any camp gear needed will be provided as is appropriate or used by staff. Your child will not need camp supplies like matches etc.