Preparing Your Child for Summer Camp: Tips for a Successful Summer
By: Dr. Kristin Johnson
As summer quickly approaches, we are getting excited to welcome campers back to Genesee Valley for another season filled with adventure, friendship, growth, and memories that last a lifetime. A little preparation before the first day of camp can help set your child up for a successful and comfortable experience.
Here are a few helpful tips for families as you prepare for camp this summer!
1. Packing Lunches for Camp
Camp days are busy, active, and outdoors all day long. Packing a lunch that is easy for your child to manage independently can make a huge difference.
Please do not send refrigerated meals, as campers will not have access to refrigeration.
Bentgo-style lunch boxes work wonderfully for camp because they keep food organized and easy to access.
We are a “pack in, pack out” camp. Any trash your camper creates should return home with them.
For our youngest campers especially, it is helpful if food items are already unwrapped or easy to open independently.
Simple lunches help campers spend less time struggling with packaging and more time enjoying their day.
2. Bring a Large Water Bottle
Campers are moving, climbing, hiking, paddling, and playing throughout the day, so hydration is extremely important.
Please send a reusable water bottle (recommended size: 24–32 oz) that is large enough to last between activities.
We have water refill stations around camp, and campers will have opportunities to refill throughout the day.
A sturdy, reusable water bottle is one of the most important items your child can bring to camp.
3. Bright Swimsuits Are Best
Safety is always a top priority at Genesee Valley, especially during waterfront activities.
We strongly recommend sending campers in bright-colored swimsuits when swimming in the lake.
Bright colors are much easier for staff to see in the water compared to blues, grays, or dark colors.
Neon oranges, yellows, pinks, and greens are all great choices for lake swimming.
4. Wear Appropriate Shoes
Camp involves uneven terrain, hiking trails, climbing areas, and lots of movement.
Shoes must have a heel strap for safety and active participation.
While Crocs are popular, they are not recommended for camp activities because they can easily slip off and do not provide enough support.
Sneakers or sturdy sandals with a secure back strap are the best option for a full camp day.
5. Sunscreen Matters
We spend the majority of our day outdoors, rain or shine.
Please apply sunscreen to your child before arriving at camp each morning.
Send a kid-friendly sunscreen with your camper so they can reapply throughout the day as needed.
Helping campers start the day protected makes a big difference during long summer days outside.
6. Extra Clothes for Comfort
Camp days are full of activity—water play, mud, hikes, and plenty of movement—so having a change of clothes on hand makes a big difference.
Please send an extra set of clothes in your child’s bag, including a T-shirt and shorts.
We also recommend packing a light sweatshirt or hoodie, as mornings and shaded areas can feel cooler even in summer.
A simple backup outfit goes a long way in keeping campers happy, confident, and ready for whatever the day brings.
7. Put Your Child’s Name on Everything
And we mean everything!
Water bottles, towels, lunch boxes, sweatshirts, swimsuits, sunscreen, backpacks — labeling items helps us return lost belongings quickly and keeps the lost-and-found pile much smaller.
A permanent marker can save everyone time and make it much easier to reunite campers with their belongings.
We cannot wait for another incredible summer at Genesee Valley. A little preparation goes a long way in helping your child feel confident, comfortable, and ready to experience the magic that makes camp at GV so special from the very first day!
