This or That: New Camper Edition - New Camper Blog Series

Welcome back, new camper families! Today’s post is a fun one, because we are guessing that at this point in the spring, you’ve probably discovered that prepping for camp comes with about 1,000 tiny decisions. We are going to try to help you make a few of those decisions by comparing some common camp options.

Here’s the good news: for most of these, there isn’t a wrong answer. The best choice is usually the one that fits your daughter (and your sanity) the best. Let’s dive in, and let us know below what other questions you have.

Luggage: Trunk or Duffel?

Packing for camp is a lot of fun, but what to pack in? Duffel is our typical suggestion for first-timers; it is easier to pack in, easier to haul, and easy to reuse outside of camp. Using a trunk is great (and many new campers will use one), but since it is your first time, sticking with a duffel is a great choice.

Drawers: Use Organizers or Free-for-all?

Girls will unpack all of their clothes into big drawers under their beds. The question is: do you send organizers for the clothes, or let it be a free-for all. Organizers are great for campers who like a clear system (and who will actually use it); parents typically use tubs or Ziplocs for this organization. Free-for-all is also a great method for campers who prefer “creative chaos” and won’t be stressed by it.

One thing to consider: if your daughter’s clothes will be washed in the laundry while she is at camp (all sessions except Junior), your daughter will need to re-sort her clean clothes back into your organizational system, whichever you use. If that sounds unlikely (knowing your own daughter) you might skip organizers or just use them for the easy stuff (like socks or underwear).

Odds/Evens team clothes: Pack both or keep a bag in the car for Opening Day?

Because you won’t find out your team color (green for Odd-numbered cabins, and yellow/gold for Even-numbered cabins) until you arrive on Opening Day, and girls like having something to wear for our team events at camp, families manage team clothes in this two ways:

• Pack both in her camp luggage; she will be ready no matter which team she is on.
• Keep team clothes in the car; grab the right bag once you know her team.

Our take: Either works, just have a “don’t-forget system” if you’re going to grab the bag in the car. We’ve heard of team clothes accidentally going home with mom or dad because Opening Day excitement is REAL.

Communication: Send Letters or Emails?

Both! We’re big fans of parents sending letters to their girls, as they are a quintessential camp tradition. Your daughter will write you letters (no outgoing emails from campers), and having real mail waiting for her can be such an encouragement, especially early in the session. However, emails are hard to pass up as they are just so easy!

We recommend you plan for both: send letters, and feel free to add emails too. Bonus tip: write a few letters ahead of time and go ahead and pop them in the mail so she gets mail quickly once camp starts.

Facial recognition for photos: Campanion or Waldo?

This one comes up a LOT, and the best place to read our recommendation is in one of our old New Camper blogs. The overall take is that many families pick Campanion, while many also sign up for both Campanion and Waldo to make sure they don’t miss a picture. Parents often feel that Waldo tags slightly more photos (sometimes those extra ones are only “she’s in the background” photos, which can still be pretty fun!). Details for signing up for either can be found on our Photos page.

Labeling: Name labels or Sharpie?

You’ll want to label all of your daughter’s items that she brings to camp! Sharpie is fast, easy, and cheap…and can be especially helpful when clothes don’t have tags. Labels (stick-on or iron-on) end up being durable, but prepare yourself for a labor of love.

Our take: Sharpie is a MVP of the labeling game. Name labels are great when you’ve got tags to stick them on. Iron-on labels prove you have the patience of a saint.

Bunk photos: Hang individually or Posterboard collage?

Campers can bring photos to decorate their bunks and girls do many different things. Individual photos are easy to just tape up one by one, making for a fun Opening Day activity. A posterboard collage requires some prep ahead of time, but is quick to hang and looks great. Either works; ask your daughter what sounds fun!

Cabin request: Request someone or no request?

Coming to camp without a cabinmate request is normal. Many new campers attend without a friend and make new friends quickly. Having a request is also great, if your daughter already knows someone (including her Penpal!) that she would like to live with. Read up on how to make Cabinmate requests (due May 1!). Either way, don’t stress. Campers make new cabin friends quickly at camp.

Medications: Whitley’s or Your pharmacy at home?

All medications must arrive at camp according to our Medication policy, so make sure to plan ahead. Whitley’s (our local pharmacy) is the easiest option. Your medications will be prepared and ready when you arrive. Using your home pharmacy is also doable, but requires more work from you ahead of time.

Our suggestion: Whitley’s, all the way. One less thing to worry about on Opening Day.

Your turn! What other This or That questions do you have before the summer? Drop them in the comments, and we’ll answer them! See you back next week for another round of our New Camper Blog series!