Whether you are traveling on a summer vacation or your child is planning to attend a summer camp, here are a few friendly reminders and tips for packing.

SUMMER 2014

1. Pack light. Make sure that the overnight bag is something that your child could carry his or herself.

2. Remember the essentials: shirts, shorts, shoes, socks and undies. 3. If your child will be swimming, don’t forget to pack a swimsuit or two. If the camp does not provide their own sunscreen or aloe, it might be a good idea to send some in your child’s bag. Remind your child that sunscreen should be reapplied often.

4. A bag of toiletries might help your child stay organized while away. A plastic bag containing shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant and a hairbrush can be packed inside of the overnight bag to protect clothes from spills or leaks.

5. Label clothes and items to help your child keep track of his/her belongings. 6. Pack an index card with emergency contact information inside of your child’s belongings. You can never be too prepared.

7. If you can fit a laundry bag or a large plastic bag inside of your child’s suitcase, it can be used to store dirty clothes separately from the clean packed clothes and belongings.

8. If your child takes medicine, please be sure to notify the camp directors or adults and make arrangements for your child to receive their medication. Camp directors will probably want to be in charge of medication so that it can be recorded when administered for safety purposes.

9. A bag of change or $1 bills for vending machines, concessions, or phone calls would not be a bad idea.

10. If your child has a cell phone, do not forget to pack the charger.