Packing

Packing

Packing for camp is so much fun and adds to the excitement and anticipation of the summer, but sometimes it can be overwhelming. We have compiled a complete packing list of all your child’s needs for their time at camp, and remember if they forget ANYTHING we will do all that we can to get them what they need. We are committed to treating your child like our family.

What do I pack? Here, we wanted to give you some tips and ideas so you can start thinking about how to organize your camper’s items:

Packing List

  • Remember to pack white shirts and khaki or white bottoms for special ceremonies.
  • LABEL EVERYTHING – Permanently write, or better yet, use sewn or ironed-on labels that include the first and last name.
  • DON’T pack anything of value – things do get lost, damaged, and/or borrowed. Old t-shirts, sweatshirts and shorts are quite the style at camp!
  • Think LAYERS. Even in the peak summer months, mornings and evenings can be chilly. It’s common for the day to start out in the 50’s – 60’s and then heat up to the 80’s during the afternoon.
  • West Michigan has a temperate climate. It’s normal for it to shower during the early afternoon, and usually coincides with rest hour. Still, a rain jacket is a must!
  • TRUNKS or suitcases work best for clothing, and duffel bags for linens. Girls live out of their trunks and most prefer the traditional hard trunk. However soft trunks and plastic bins ones work just fine. Duffel bags can be stored under their beds.
  • Flip Flops can only be worn in the showers or on the beach at the waterfront, never to/from activities. Camp appropriate footwear needs to strap all the way around your feet. Tennis shoes and Crocs will meet this standard. Many counselors/campers prefer to wear Chacos or Tevas (open toe shoes that strap all the way around) while at camp.

Is There a Laundry Service?
Laundry is only available for our campers staying for Holdovers between sessions 1 and 2, 2and 3, 3 and 4 and between sessions 4 and 5. We provide this service free for our campers for Holdover between those sessions.

For our one or two week campers, there is no laundry service available. Please plan enough clothing to prepare your daughter for her full stay at camp.

We allow each camper to bring one trunk and one duffle or two duffle bags to camp. If you are looking for a trunk, we recommend Everything Summer Camp

Are electronics, games and iPods allowed at camp?
It is our goal to get girls outdoors, playing and enjoying this beautiful world around them. We want them making friends, talking, laughing and enjoying their time as a child without the distractions of technology. We ask that you partner with us in this effort to keep our camp as tech-free as possible.

Please do not bring cell phones, digital cameras, video cameras, Laptops, iPods, TVs, DVD players, Nintendo’s, PlayStations, XBOX, PSPs or other gaming equipment. If you insist that your child travel with one of these items, we will ask to collect it when she arrives at camp and lock it in the camp safe. Camp Newaygo cannot be responsible for these items being left in the cabin or lost.

Cell Phone Policy
At Camp Newaygo we have a “no-cell phone” policy at camp. Aside from the fact that cell phones are expensive and can get lost, stolen or damaged, there is a fundamental problem with campers having cell phones that is TRUST. When children come to camp, they and you are making a leap of faith. As children learn to trust other caring adults, they grow and learn to solve some of their own challenges. This is a one of the greatest benefits to camp. However, contacting you by phone essentially means they have not made this transition. It prevents us from getting to problems that may arise and addressing them. Please partner with us on the “no cell phone” policy. Let your camper know you trust camp, and you trust them to follow the rules at camp.

No Digital Cameras
Many newer digital cameras have internet capabilities and to protect the innocence of your child, only disposable cameras will be allowed on camp.

  • Photos will be uploaded to our password protected gallery on: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays by 6PM.
  • You can view the photos HERE, using the password provided by camp with your registration.
  • Our media specialist will do their best to capture photos of every child. Please be aware that our primary goal as a program is to provide a safe, fun experience for your camper (and NOT to capture every moment of their camp experience in photos).
  • Find out more about our approach to posting photos HERE