The school bell has rung and summer has officially begun – which also may mean your child may be headed off to a summer overnight camp for the very first time.
I personally was a camp-aholic and loved going to summer camp; if given an option I would have been a happy camper spending my entire summer away at camp. Over the years I have had the experience of sending off each of my five children to their very first overnight camp. This was both a an exciting opportunity for my children, but also a “mommy letting go” experience for me, especially knowing my kids would be very active and there was the potential for them to get hurt without me being there to take care of them.
To help others that may be facing “letting go” experiences this summer, I have joined together with Nexcare Waterproof Bandages for their “Will It or Won’t It” campaign to share with you my experiences and a few “Mom Must Knows” I’ve learned along the way when it comes to our kids going off to overnight camp.
I came up with a simple list to help your kid’s overnight camping experience be a successful one.
Start EARLY – Get prepared for packing by reading over the camp’s clothing and equipment needed list. Be sure to talk with your kids about what they will need to pack as well as be sure you both know what is on the list.
Inventory – Look through your kid’s closet and dresser to see what items you can check off the list, and then make a list of items you will need to purchase. I suggest only sending clothing and shoes that you are not concerned about getting damaged, stained or lost.
Label – Order personalized adhesive labels or get out the sharpie and begin labeling every item your child is taking to camp. Use their full name and phone number (your cell phone is best).
Care Package – Kids love mail, especially when they are at camp. Take time the week prior to your child leaving for camp to prepare a care package as well as letters or cards to mail to your camper while they are away from home. Depending on the location, be sure to ship these items off in time that your kids will receive them at about the half-way point of camp. Be sure to know the camp rules as to what your kids are allowed to have such as candy and edible items. Try to include extras for their cabin mates.
The Must Packs :
Nexcare Waterproof Bandages
Suncreen / Bug Spray
Water Bottle
Camera
Garbage bags (for dirty and wet clothing)
Identification on sides and/or inside suitcase
Zip loc bags in various sizes – to store keepsakes, small items, etc.
Bathroom kit: toothbrush, paste, floss, comb, soap, shampoo, deodorant, ( place in bag)
Flip flops or other shoes for the shower
Flashlight and extra batteries
Small first aid kit
Book to read
Game to play with cabin mates
Pre-stamped and addressed letters so your child can write home
Family photo
A favorite toy or blanket (comfort toy)
Weather appropriate gear
Spending money
Medications – call camp nurse ahead of time and go over your child’s medications and health concerns.
With all the fun activities my children will have at summer camp, I will be sure to pack a supply of Nexcare Waterproof Bandages that offer superior protection against water, dirt and germs to be prepared for potential cuts, blisters and other wounds that happen. What’s great about Nexcare Waterproof Bandages is that children can still enjoy water fun because they have waterproof protection that utilizes innovation and technology to create a barrier between wounds and everyday activities. Check it out for yourself with Nexcare Nana and her video adventures where she goes to extreme lengths to prove that Nexcare Waterproof Bandages have staying power. Nana conducts product tests that put her, and Nexcare Waterproof Bandages, up against their biggest opponents – water, dirt and germs.
Nana’s strength and toughness shine through in each video, symbolizing the staying power of Nexcare Waterproof Bandages. Nexcare Bandages stay on because the 360-degree seal provides a protective barrier to keep out water, dirt and germs, making them everyday-life proof.
Head to nexcare.com/nana to view the Nexcare Nana videos, explore Nana’s World and nominate someone special in your life that is as daring and tough as Nexcare Nana in the Tough-as-Nana Sweepstakes. They could win one of three trips including swimming with sharks, skydiving or a race car driving experience. In the first encounter Nana goes head-to-head with a high-pressure fire hose. The second features Nana taking a dumpster dive, while her third obstacle consists of a showdown with a dirt-filled dump truck.
The dramatizations in the videos show how the bandages can be used in everyday-life.