Summer Sleep-Away Camp Essentials

Yes, of course you will get a list from your summer sleep-away camp telling you that you should pack sheets, sunscreen and bug spray. Plus lots more I’m sure. But on this list are the extras that can make your child’s experience just a little sweeter while away from home.

Stationery
Self-address some stamped stationery. But not just any stationery, go all out. It doesn’t have to be super expensive either. For example, if you peruse the stationery vendors on Etsy you can find some wonderful artists who can make you limited runs at affordable prices. My favorite is Adnagam which makes one of a kind, handmade stationery and envelopes from children’s books (like Curious George & Dr. Seuss), vintage sports page clippings, and sheet music. Look at how awesome.

Flashlight
Of course your child will need a flashlight at sleep-away camp. Even if it’s just to read your letters under the covers after dark when he’s feeling a little homesick. Or, if you’re a really cool mom, you’ll pack night vision goggles instead.

Digital Camera
For our generation, I think one of the best parts of Facebook continues to be reconnecting with folks from our past, like summer camp buddies and watching (or recoiling) as we get tagged in old camp photos. It’s only a right of passage that our kids should go through the same, no? Personally, I love the new cameras by Samsung with the front/back LCD screen and the Kodak ones with the “Share” button.

Labels
If there is one thing you buy from this list, it should be labels. Label Everything is my mommy mantra. For years, I have used Mabel’s Labels. I fell in love with the company years ago when when I loaded up on labels to stick on my son’s school uniforms (the labels don’t come off in the wash) and tags to put on his backpack. Since then, Mabel’s Labels has introduced a line of stickers for personal items and electronics (which they have sent to me for free to use for possible editorial consideration). This is a company that I will use and recommend until I am an old grandmother.

Journal
At coffee houses around NYC, a Moleskine journal is a total status symbol. Which comes as no surprise given that it’s a legendary notebook used by artists and authors such as Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and Ernest Hemingway. If you think your kid would appreciate and write in his journal, I couldn’t think of a better place for him to record perhaps some of the most formative summers of his life. Moleskines are easy to find in bookstores like Barnes & Noble and Borders. And, Amazon carries them too.

Personalized Pencils & Pens
Don’t expect any letters or journal writing if there aren’t any pencils or pens around.  And, if you order in large quantities, you can parcel out the stash into care packages throughout your son’s time away. Any leftovers can be used as back-to-school supplies.  We think these personalized pencils are really nice and though I have never ordered these personalized pens, the price seems decent enough.

Personalized Water Bottle
We’re really liking the Klean Kanteen styles that Pottery Barn has for offer. But really, the point is that you want your kid hydrated and not to lose his bottle. That’s all.

Personal Media Travel Pouch
Not long ago, I gifted my husband– the airport jockey– something similar from KangaRoom and now the man that has everything won’t stop singing its praises. This clever case organizes up to three personal electronic devices and all of their chargers. Each item is nestled in its own separate compartment with its charger stored neatly below it. Of course, don’t forget to– wait for it–  label everything.