Southwoods 101 - Packing For Camp
Packing for camp can be an undertaking! Our packing list provides the outline for what to bring to camp this summer to all campers, and along with a few notes here, your camper will be ready to go for all the fun!
The biggest thing to think about is what kind of kid your camper is: Do they forget a sock exists once it hits the floor, swearing they’ve never even seen that sock in their lives? Will they hang up their towel after swimming in the lake? Do they prepare their outfits folded nicely for each day?
Our packing list is tailored for the average camper, who ultimately will forget a few items in the midst of the fun, but generally knows what their stuff is and to grab it from the lost & found. Our younger campers do have general counselors to help them along the way with these kinds of things, but ultimately, reasonable expectations of what camp is like is best when packing.
Do I really need a crazy creek chair?
Lovingly called a “butt cup” by many, the crazy creek chair, or legless camping chair is a beloved sidekick regardless of its name. These portable chairs join campers at activities like campfire or rest hour in the cabin where campers are either sitting on benches or on the ground.
You’ll see campers all holding their crazy creeks coming down the bunkline when we watch lip sync in the play house, or when it’s time for color war songs at the upper basketball course.
At the end of the day, it’s not 100% a necessity, but it’s a great thing to add to your bag - plus, they’re great during the year for the bleachers at games, camping trips, or just to sit outside!
What is prom? What should my kid wear to prom?
Prom is the last weekly socials during your camper’s session. It’s accompanied by campfire, a video recap of the session and lots of festivities for one last night. We go all out on decorations, promposals, favorite songs, and a photo wall!
Prom outfits vary widely from camper to camper. At the end of the day, anything your kid will feel extra special and good in is perfect for prom. We see everything from faux bowtie t-shirts and a nicer top to full on tuxes or a party dress and heels.
In our girls cabins, we see lots of skirts or dresses with sandals and in our boys cabins, we see many khaki shorts with polos.
See below for examples from last summer!
Do I really need to pack that many socks & underwear?
Camper’s clothing will be washed once a week on an assigned day and returned to her within 36 hours of drop off. While packing, take into consideration that kids change throughout the day at camp much more often than at home since they may go from soccer to the waterfront to climbing, for example.
For quantities in general, think about if your camper is the kind of kid to put on a shirt from earlier in the day after swimming, or if they’d get put that shirt into the laundry and get a new one.
The socks & underwear are so high for a similar reason to above. Kids will often take off their socks and lose, forget or mix them up with someone else’s, especially when switching between sneakers and crocs or being barefoot.
I recommend you buy a bulk pack that you aren’t too fussed about returning home.
Should I buy Southwoods Apparel?
Campers love to wear Southwoods merch all day and flannel pants are a favorite in the evening. My favorite is the “This Must Be The Place” ringer tee!
We do not require any apparel, and campers will recieve 1 t-shirt upon arrival to camp.
Plan to buy your merch no later than May due to the custom nature of our items. Families are welcome (and encouraged after May!) to ship apparel to camp and let the office know.
The Camp SpotDo you have a dress code?
Camp Southwoods has no official dress code.
Southwoods encourages campers to wear clothing appropriate for each activity (ex. closed toed shoes to athletics, sneakers or hiking boots for hikes, etc.) and parents should follow the packing list as closely as possible, as some items are listed for certain activities (ex. Leggings or tank/more fitted top for trapeze).
When parents take into account who their child is and what their habits are when looking at our packing list, it works to be “just right.” Whether your camper will lose a pair of socks a day, or nothing for the entire summer, we can’t wait for all the fun to begin!
Refer to the packing list for mandatory items and general guidance.
Have a packing list question not mentioned here? Reach out to office@campsouthwoods.com