What to Pack

WHAT SHOULD I PACK FOR CAMP?

Our “Handy Packing List” can be found here.  But here are a few tips when packing for camp:

• Include campers in the packing process: Even our youngest campers can pack quite well for themselves! Assisting campers to fold and pack their own clothes not only develops their understanding of what they have brought to camp, but also assists in developing the skill of packing! We have found that this helps campers’ sense of independence and feelings of “readiness” for the camp experience.
• Include parents in the packing process: Even our oldest campers can benefit from the wisdom of experienced travellers! Please assist your campers in packing appropriate clothing. The packing of a cut-off shirt, tank top, or bikini can often serve as a useful springboard into a valuable discussion about fashion, body image and self-esteem.
• On a typical warm summer day, campers should be dressed in simple, practical, washable, light, inexpensive, and durable clothing. Please consider the words, “It’s Camp!” throughout the packing process.
• We urge families to consider sun and insect protection when packing with their campers and to pack ample amounts of sunscreen, insect repellent, and protective layers of clothing.
• No matter what the weather, camp facilities are more than adequate to carry on with full programs. When it is safe and appropriate, campers do move around camp even in imperfect weather situations and so campers should be well prepared for different kinds of weather.
• LABEL EVERYTHING: Please ensure that each and every article that comes to camp (yes, even the right and left sock) is marked with your child’s name in full so that we are able to return labelled items in a timely fashion. Care should be taken to see that labelling is wash proof and very securely attached. Adhesive tape is recommended on such items as shoes, toiletries, and sports equipment. Our website offers information about our label programs.
• Your campers’ entire belongings (including their sleeping bag) should be packed inside one or two large duffle bags (typically about 16” X 40”). Please do not send trunks, suitcases, or baggage of any other kind.
• Walden has a terrific laundry system with a dedicated laundry staff. Soiled clothing is collected weekly and returned the following day – please do not pack more than is specified in our Packing List.

***COMMON QUESTION ALERT: Do I have to pack a dry bag even if my camper doesn’t have a scheduled canoe trip or if they are just a small colour camper?

ANSWER: Yes!  The purchase of a dry bag now is simply a purchase made for the many years to come.  Campers who do not have a mandatory canoe trip during their session may want to participate in the canoe trip (yes, sometimes those campers who we least expect it from volunteer for the optional canoe trip!)  And colours do go on a one-night overnight where the dry bag is helpful.  If a colour camper forgets one or does not bring one, we can use a garbage bag in its place.

MEDICATIONS BEING SENT TO CAMP – USE BUS MAIL! Our MASH Staff remind you that all medications sent to camp should be sent in their original containers with their original labels and sent to camp with the bus counsellor on the first day of camp. Please pack all medications in a sealed container with appropriate instructions and hand it to the counsellor on your child’s bus at departure. Please make sure to include an ample supply. We are pleased to expend all efforts caring for your children when they are away from home – please keep us well informed by using this process for even the most simple of medications. Families of campers who wear eye-glasses or contact lenses are encouraged to send an extra pair of eye-glasses via Bus Mail to ensure that there is always a spare pair kept safe and clean.

MONEY AT CAMP - Camp Walden is one of the few camps that includes the cost of all aspects of the program in its initial fees. Your payment of our fees is what allows us to provide programs to all our campers. Help us preserve this “money-free” environment and protect your campers’ savings by sending your camper with no more than $40 for the one or two trips that your camper may take out of camp.

FOOD - Although encouraged to bring no food to camp, campers are permitted to bring a maximum of one plastic grocery type bag of food at the beginning of their camp stay, and another on Visitors’ Day. For more information on our Food and Package Policy, click here.