There’s a lot to consider when packing for an extended stay at camp. Years of experience have allowed us to put together the following essential set of packing instructions. Including campers in the packing process is a great way help them feel ready for camp and prepared for any challenge.
Our Packing List covers everything the campers should bring. We do laundry weekly and recommend this packing list for anyone staying longer than one (1) week.
Help us make camp a safe and happy environment by not packing any of the items in the “Do not pack” list. Many seemingly harmless things — particularly electrical appliances — can pose a risk to the safety of campers.
Walden Long Weekend families, please reference the packing list on the Long Weekend event page.
** If you think there is a chance your camper may wet the bed, please pack a 3rd set of sheets.
These are things that aren’t necessary, but could come in handy.
You will also need the following item if you have a canoe trip or overnight scheduled.
Campers in the Colour unit who have just completed grade 3 will be going on an overnight! Grade 2 campers, and Walden Long Weekend Campers do not go on an overnight. Comics and Zodiacs have their Canoe Trip in July. Seekers trip in August and CITs over changeover. Learn more about our canoe tripping programs here.
We have 4” new comfortable foam mattresses. Guess what!? Last year (like every other year), 99% of the Colour campers sent foam mattresses in their duffel bags. The counsellors did not unpack them or use them. They stayed in the duffels. And then they were sent home at the end of the summer. No campers asked for them or complained about having too firm a mattress. They are completely unnecessary… take up a lot of space… and are terrible for the environment (since they are made of petroleum products). Not only harmful to the environment, foam pads cannot be returned, create inequity, and are not accepted as waste at our local landfill. PLEASE DO NOT SEND THESE TO CAMP.
Be sure to consult the related policy.
Compact foldable lawn chairs will not be confiscated if used exclusively on the porches of cabins or as permitted by the Unit Head. Personal storage boxes are allowed if left unlocked or if the lock used is a combination one and the combination confidentially shared with camp staff. Although the Walden community is one where ample seating is provided and locks are unnecessary, we know these items can provide comfort to our campers.
“Pack a dry bag even if your camper doesn’t have a scheduled canoe trip. Campers may still want to participate in the canoe trip, and Colours do go on a one-night overnight where the dry bag is helpful.”
Remind yourself that “it’s camp” as you’re deciding what to pack. Go slow and steady, category by category, and start piles early.
Label everything: Please ensure that every article that comes to camp (yes, even each sock) is marked with your child’s name in full. Labelling should be wash proof and securely attached. Adhesive tape is recommended on such items as shoes, toiletries, and sports equipment. If it’s too precious to be labeled, or written on in Sharpie, it’s too precious for camp.
Show your camper what is being packed. Talk it through, explain how it’s been organized, show them what’s inside the cosmetic bags etc.
Your camper’s entire belongings (including sleeping bag) should be packed inside one or two large duffle bags (typically about 16” X 40”). Please do not send trunks, suitcases, or baggage of any other kind.
Campers should be prepared for changing weather. When it’s safe and appropriate, campers move around camp in all sorts of weather situations.
On a typical warm summer day, campers should be dressed in washable, lightweight, inexpensive, and durable clothing. Focus on how your camper lives… how do they dress on vacation? Does your camper change their socks 6 times a day? You know your camper best. Pack what works for them.
Clean out those drawers! Sweatpants too short? Cut them and send them as shorts! Junk drawer getting too full? Pack that random deck of cards and stickers!
Assist your campers in choosing clothes that are appropriate and practical. The packing of a cut-off shirt, expensive sneakers, or bikini can often serve as a springboard into a discussion about fashion, body image and self-esteem.
Teach your camper how to write letters and send mail. Walk them through the email sheet process, remind them and show them the black pen you’ve packed that they can use on the email sheets. Show them how to lick an envelope shut!
Practice rolling up and stuffing a sleeping bag.
Please do not pack more than is specified in the Packing List.
It is essential to label everything that gets sent to camp! (Yes, we mean families should attempt to label each individual sock!). Please be sure that all labels are wash-proof and securely ironed, stuck, or sewn on.
“Celebrating a birthday at camp? You get to call home that day!… receive a birthday package!… and your whole cabin gets a delicious cookie cake after lunch or dinner!”
For some of our larger transportation days, there is a MASH table set up where medications are collected. For other days please hand the medication to a Walden Staff Member.
All daily medications in pill form must be packaged in “blister packs”. Most pharmacies will provide this service upon request but require lead time. All medications sent to camp should be sent in their original containers with original labels. Pack all medications in a sealed container with this online form or this paper form completed and hand it to the counsellor on your child’s bus at departure on the first day of camp. Make sure to include an ample supply.
Your child’s health is of the utmost importance to us – please keep us well informed by using this procedure for even the most simple of medications.
Campers who wear eye-glasses or contact lenses are encouraged to send an extra pair of eye-glasses via Bus Mail to ensure that they will have a spare pair available.
Camp Walden includes the cost of all aspects of the program in its initial fees. Help us preserve a money-free environment. Only CITs and older Seekers (Keepers) need, no more than, $40 for a gift shop at the one or two trips that they may take out of camp.
Although encouraged to bring no food to camp, campers are allowed a maximum of one plastic grocery bag’s amount of food at the beginning of their camp stay, and another on Visitors’ Day. For more information on our Food & Package Policy
Sending letters is a great way for campers to share their camp stories with back home. We always encourage campers to pack Stationary: prepared Walden email sheets and a black pen so ensure it scans well. Campers can also bring paper and pre-addressed and stamped envelopes. To learn more about Emailed letters, please click here.
So exciting for your first-time camper to be joining us for the weekend! Starting camp is not only new for campers but for parents too; we’ve developed a really great information resource on our Walden Long Weekend Page, specifically packing. We encourage you to read everything about the WLW here.
New to Walden? Find out about our Discovery Programs.
Already registered? Make sure to fill out our Spring Registration Form so we have all of your up-to-date information.
