Sunscreen, and Lunches, and Towels.....oh my!  Packing for a successful day at summer day camp can be a huge challenge for any Mississauga parent.  If you happen to be sending your child to the same day camp all summer - rest assured - the daily packing will get easier as the summer goes on.  If you are adding some variety and trying a number of different programs throughout the summer the challenge can be daunting.  With some creative pre-summer planning on your part you can make the whole summer day camp daily packing experience much more pleasant for yourself and your campers.

 
Tip #1 - Create a Summer Camp Calendar
No matter how many Mississauga camp programs you will be registering for it is helpful to see it in black and white (or let your campers decorate it and see it in multi colour and sparkles!).  A simple piece of  bristol board can help you to have your schedule of camps planned out for all to see.  You can add simple facts for each week that will tell you all of the special items that you will need.  For example - Name of Camp - enter camp name here, Special Items Needed - bathing suit, packed lunch and snacks, running shoes, pie plate for special craft on Tuesday.
 
Tip #2 - Read the Camp Documentation
Most Mississauga camps will have a list of "What to Bring to Camp" on their web site. Please read all documentation that is available for camp parents and you will have the best chance at packing successfully for each particular camp program!  For example - Kids Inc Camp is an outdoor camp so our list of what to bring to camp may be very different from a camp program that is indoors.  Each unique factor of a camp program will change your child's packing requirements so stay informed for the best results.     
 
Tip #3 - Read the Camp Policies
Some items may be prohibited at some camp programs so you will want to be informed about the do and don't pack items based upon the camp policies.  Here are some examples of items that each camp may have policies with regards to - peanut products, nut products, personal video game devices, cell phones, I-pods, valuable items, medications, and of course there may be other items as well.  You will want to be sure that you are informed about all policies that may impact how and what you pack each day.
 
Tip #4 - Label Everything
Please take the time to label all of your Mississauga Kids' belongings.  You may choose to do iron on labels or you may simply choose to write on the tag of their clothing in permanent marker.  Either option works well and will help you to find lost items.  Make sure that you read "Lost and Found" policies for each camp program so that you understand the time frame that you are working with to get lost items back.
 
Tip #5 - Unpacking is just as Important as Packing!
Please do not forget about the process of unpacking each day. This end of day ritual can tell you a lot about what happened at camp that day.  Check their lunch box and water bottle to see how much food and water went in.  Check their sunscreen to see if they closed it tightly after re-applying or you may end up with a bag full of lotion, Check to be sure that everything that went to camp came home.  You may also find camp treasures in their bag like pinecones, works of art, stones, twigs, or other campy items that can lead to great family conversations about what happened at camp today.
 
Please remember that what you pack can help to make your campers day at day camp all that it can be!  Send them ready for the camp they are registered for by following all of these tips that have been provided.  Remember that you can always call or e-mail the camp office to discuss any questions or concerns that you may have about what you are considering sending to camp with your child.  When unpacking if you have come upon any item that leaves you with questions or concerns about your campers day at camp this can be a great time for follow up with the camp office too!  Communication is the key so do not hesitate to reach out if and when you need to do so.   
 
Happy Packing and Happy Camping!

Mary-Kay Smola director of Kids Inc Camp

Kids Inc Camp is a recreational summer day camp program for children between the ages of 4 and 14. Our program is located in a 55 acre outdoor park just north of the 401 on Winston Churchill Blvd. We have daily swimming, sports, crafts, talent show, camp fire, canoe trips, and more! Kids Inc is super fun for any child who loves the outdoors. Join us this summer!