One of the hardest things to go to the field is not always to make friends, or avoid making a fool of myself in the climbing rope. It is often about what to pack.
Sure whether you have enough clean clothes for a week in the woods, or whether or not having your Nintendo DS, C boys need to give some or think you are going to take with them before arriving at camp.
"Most importantly we try to emphasize is to bring rain gear," says Jana Reed, assistant director of field Chief Hector YMCA Calgary. "We endorse the activities rain or shine. And our children live in tipis, so having a good sleeping bag is also important."
Since camping trips involve some walking at night, Reed recommends the use of sleeping bags made of synthetic material rather than cotton, because those tend to be bulky and to travel overnight must bring their own sleeping bag. "
Sunscreen and insect repellent are a must, says Becca La Chance, assistant director of the program at Camp Evergreen.
"Those are things that are always forgotten," he says.
"Also, bring twice the amount of socks you expect to need for a week. In general, campers do not pack enough rain gear. Suggest rain boots, a raincoat and sweaters."
Some camps have their children sleeping in tents, while others use the cabins, but there are two golden rules to share: do not bring anything to the field you do not want to get dirty or muddy.
And let your smartphone in the country.
"One of the great things that will focus on giving all involved the chance to unwind for a while," says Jon Olfert, director of Camp Valaqua. "With children spending hours 11plus use of technology in an average day, we're giving them the opportunity to leave the iPod at home and create things by hand for a while, and take the technology out of the equation for a few days."
Reed said that the additional food packaging is also discouraged, as fields to provide all the necessary nutrients.
La Chance says bringing an extra pair of indoor shoes is a good idea for camps like hers that have dining halls and other indoor activities.
This does not mean that children need only pack the essentials. "Each one brings a thing or two from home, like a stuffed animal or a magazine," or even a musical instrument, said Reed.
An article of a child should never forget is a bottle of water, says Olfert. "They will spend much of the day's activity, so having a bottle of water is key," he says.
As for cameras, Olfert says it is not necessary to bring a "super high-end digital SLR camp from cheaper digital available.
Other children do not forget to include hats, basic toiletries such as toothbrushes, combs and razors, non-electric equipment, a flashlight and a notebook. Moreover, not all camps have laundry facilities, so keep this in mind when packing things like underwear.