Summer Camp Packing List

What to Bring to Camp

Please, please, please mark all articles, including shoes, socks, hats, clothing, and athletic equipment with your camper’s name. Campers are urged to keep track of their belongings and are given the opportunity to claim lost articles each week. Below is a comprehensive list of what (and what not) to bring to camp. Two-week campers should bring enough clothes to last the entire stay. Month campers also need to bring at least two weeks of clean clothes, as they will have their laundry done twice, the first and second weeks of camp. We also recommend making duplicate lists of items brought to camp, one list to accompany the camper so they can check inventory when packing to return home, and one list to remain at home.

Check Out Our Packing List

  • Bed linens and washable sleeping bag
  • Pillow/2 pillow cases
  • Waterproof rain gear (see note below)
  • Footwear (see note below)
  • Pajamas
  • Nice outfit for end-of-month banquet: a simple dress or skirt for girls and a polo shirt for boys
  • Shorts (8)
  • Jeans or rugged pants (2)
  • Underwear (for 2 weeks)
  • T-shirts (10)
  • Athletic socks (8 pair)/2-pair warm or wool socks
  • Sweatshirt and sweatpants
  • Wool sweater or warm fleece pullover
  • Light windbreaker-type jacket
  • Sneakers (2 pairs in case one gets wet)
  • Swimsuit (2): one-piece for girls and trunk-style for boys
  • Beach towels (2)
  • Face towel/bath towel
  • Pencils/pens
  • Camera
  • Flashlight (extra batteries)
  • Stamps and stationary (to write home!)
  • Sunscreen/lip balm/sunglasses
  • Bible (NIV version suggested)
  • 1 laundry bag (labeled with name!)
  • Insect repellent/after-bite stick
  • Personal hygiene items (in labeled bag)
  • Comb/brush
  • Soap and shampoo
  • Toothpaste/toothbrush
  • 1 water bottle
  • Backpack or daypack for hikes
  • Teddy bear

Camp Dress Code

Clothing worn daily should be modest and appropriate. We reserve the right to ask your child to change clothes if deemed inappropriate. Please don’t put camp in an uncomfortable position and please help your child pack appropriately.

On Sunday mornings, we require campers to wear their Brookwoods uniform shirt and khaki or navy shorts. T-shirts are available online or at the Camp Store.

Luggage

We strongly recommend duffel bags instead of footlockers or traditional luggage for transporting your child’s gear to camp. They are easier to pack, travel, and store under bunks.

Rain Gear

We’re pretty good at “rainy day programs” and having a waterproof raincoat makes a big difference to a camper when they have to run up to Deer Run Lodge from the Swim Beach. When purchasing rain gear, look for coated nylon or PVC-coated waterproof (not repellent) material. Vinyl rainwear and ponchos are not recommended.

Optional Gear

Fishing gear, baseball glove, tennis racquet, lacrosse stick, non-electric musical instrument. Please don’t forget to put your camper’s name on these too!

Recently we have noticed that many foot injuries at camp are related to the lack of proper footwear. Camp is a tough environment for feet with dirt roads, paths through the woods, and an abundance of sticks and rocks. The best footwear you can provide your kids at camp are closed-toed shoes that also have straps to stay on their feet while running. Sneakers and closed-toe sport sandals work for just about everything. Campers interested in basketball or tennis will need appropriate court sneakers. Campers will not be permitted to engage in activities if they are wearing any type of footwear that does not have a strap. The exception to this will be at the waterfront or walking to the boy’s shower house where flip flops are permitted.

There are a variety of ways to set up your bunk, but washable sleeping bags are a must. Some campers like to sleep in their sleeping bag all summer and we definitely recommend a fitted sheet under your sleeping bag. Some like to sleep with a sleeping bag liner, often fleece and washable. We strongly suggest a light weight blanket on top of your sleeping bag for cool evenings. And some like to make their bunk with sheets and a blanket and then use their sleeping bag as a blanket for cool nights. There are lots of ways to do it and just like packing for camp, it’s all about layers. Please don’t forget your pillow. There’s always room for a stuffed animal.

Bed Wetting

Please note that if your child experiences occasional or frequent bed-wetting, you will need to make some special preparations. Sleeping bags should not be used for daily sleeping in this circumstance; please bring sheets and a washable blanket for your child. Please give us a call at the Main Office if you expect this might be an issue—this will help us be better prepared.

In addition to the items listed above, some programs and trips (such as rafting, hiking, and horseback riding) require specialized clothing. The following list includes additional items based on specific trips and special programs your child may participate in.

  • Campers age 11 and older: Hiking boots for an overnight backpacking trip. Boots should cover the ankle, have an aggressive tread, allow for a heavy sock, and be made of leather, synthetic corduroy, or combination of both. Durable boots usually cost between $50-$100.
  • Campers age 14 and older: Rain jacket and rain hat for hiking.
  • Campers age 15 and older: Polypropylene long-underwear for 3-day hike/canoe trips.
  • Highland/Wildcat Kennebec River whitewater rafting trip: Teva-type sandals with ankle straps, water shoes or sneakers (must be worn at all times), wool or polypropylene (No cotton!) socks, shorts and outer layer for off-river wear, quick-drying nylon top to protect against bugs/sun, wool sweater or fleece.
  • Horsemanship program: Riding boots or approved shoes (those with a smooth sole and 1⁄2” heel) and long pants. Camp provides helmets.

What Not to Bring to Camp

In keeping with camp’s philosophy, electronic equipment is not allowed—please keep these items at home. This includes: radios, televisions, iPods, hand-held electronic games, iPads, Kindles, and cell phones. If your camper brings these items, they will be placed in the Main Office for the duration of their stay. Digital cameras are permitted if used appropriately.

Lost & Found

Camp will not accept responsibility for lost or stolen articles. Marked items left at Camp may be mailed home when a parent calls or emails the office to identify the missing item. We will ask you to please reimburse us for shipping and handling. Please understand that hundreds of items are left at camp every summer. Since we cannot hold the items indefinitely, unclaimed items will be donated to a charitable organization by mid-September.

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