Tips for first-time campers
1. Bring sunscreen and use it!
There’s nothing worse than getting a sunburn at Camp, so be sure to pack your sunscreen and reapply throughout the day. Your counselors will be sure to help remind you!
2. Try new things
Camp is about trying new things and keeping an open mind! There will be many opportunities to challenge yourself whether it’s learning to canoe, trying sailing for the first time or strengthening your soccer skills. Don’t be scared to jump in and learn something new, you never know what you might enjoy!
3. Be yourself
At Camp, we want everyone to feel welcomed and encourage every person to be the best version of themselves. The best way to fit in at Camp is to be true to yourself!
4. Here are a few must-have Camp items
We got some great suggestions on things to pack for Camp that you may not think of. Not all of them are necessary, but we wanted to share some great ideas that our Camp family shared with us. Here are a few of them:
- A bag for your stuff during the day, something to hold a bathing suit/towel/extra shoes
- Shower shoes
- Flashlight
- Inexpensive sunglasses
- Water bottle
- Fan for the cabin that can clip to your bunk
- Waterproof watch
- Bathmat next to the bunk to wipe feet of sand and dirt before bed
Additionally, check out our packing list so you can see what's needed for the session you'll be at Camp.
We also have required items at both Camp Sea Gull and Camp Seafarer. Take a look here to see what you need to order prior to Camp.
5. Parent tip: label everything
It’s a good idea to label everything so campers are able to keep track of their stuff. But, it’s probably best not to label socks or underwear, if they lose it around Camp it's likely better lost than found. As one Camp parent put it, “only put your kids’ names on items you actually want back”.
6. It’s okay to be nervous
Whether you’re a first-time camper or you’ve been coming for multiple summers, it’s normal to get nervous being away from home. Our counselors are trained to help campers get adjusted to Camp and feel comfortable. Usually, after a day or two campers are having so much fun they wish they could stay for the whole summer.
Parents, check out a new page on our website about what you can do to help ensure your child will thrive this summer.
7. Tips on what to bring for rest period
Each afternoon we have rest period. Campers are encouraged to relax from the busy day and take time to nap/journal/read or do anything to help recharge for the rest of the day. Some items that are good to bring are:
- MP3 player (with no internet/camera access)
- Books
- Coloring books
- Card games
- Paper/stamps/envelopes/pens for letter writing
8.Don’t worry if you don’t know anyone
It’s okay if you don’t know anyone before coming to Camp. When creating cabin assignments, we try to ensure that each cabin has more than one camper that is brand new or coming without a friend. Camp is a great place to make new friends, so don’t worry!
9. Come ready to embrace Camp culture
At Camp, there are a lot of songs, cheers, skits and dances. Don’t be nervous if you don’t know the words or aren’t familiar with a certain Camp tradition. Your counselors and friends will be sure to explain everything, and after a few days, it will feel like second nature.
10. HAVE FUN!
At the end of the day, remember that Camp is about having fun and making lifelong memories. Come ready to learn new things, make new friends and have fun, and it will be sure to be the best summer yet!