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Kids safe at camp: good preparation is everything

For many children, summer vacation is synonymous with going to camp – with the sports club, with the youth movement or at theme camp with a group of unknown (but like-minded) souls. As a parent, the prospects of such a camp may secretly cause you some stress. “Will my child eat well?” or “What if homesickness strikes?”: the questions may sound all too familiar to you. Fortunately, proper preparation makes a world of difference. Here’s what you need to do to get your child off to camp with peace of mind!
kinderen op kamp

What must not be missing in your offspring’s travel bag

What on earth should your child take with them to camp? Most likely, you already received a checklist from the organization. Furthermore, the golden rule is “the less, the better”. Of course, you want your son or daughter to be prepared for all weather conditions, so long and short trousers, socks, underwear, sweaters, T-shirts, and a (rain) jacket are a must. However, this doesn’t mean you need to pack everything in tenfold, and certainly not that you should opt for new clothing. To ensure your offspring doesn’t leave sweaters behind at camp, you can sew labels into all the clothing items. This way, the counselors can also keep an eye on things.

Spare shoes also deserve a spot in the travel bag, just like toiletries, sunscreen, and shower slippers. If there will be swimming, swimwear and bath towels should not be missing either. Depending on the type of overnight stay, give a sleeping bag and a mat. Finally, disposable washcloths are always handy.

Children at camp: packing together helps

There’s a good chance that children find going to camp – just like going back to school for the first time – as exciting as you do. Therefore, familiarize your child with the contents of their backpack or travel bag by packing together. Moreover, you can make separate plastic bags for each item: one bag with all the T-shirts, another with the underwear, … This way your child can easily find everything.

Is your son or daughter still small? Then it’s a good idea to provide a list of everything you packed. If they can’t find something, the staff can help look. The finishing touch: their favorite cuddly toy gets a special place right at the top of the bag!

Don’t forget the travel pharmacy

Even though the organization surely has a travel pharmacy, it’s always useful to bring some additional supplies. If your child has allergies or needs to take medication, it goes without saying that you should inform the staff, but other items can also be useful. Have you considered an insect repellent, preferably based on natural citriodiol?

You might not immediately think of lice shampoo. Yet, it’s better not to overlook this. Considering that camps often are hotbeds for lice, it’s reassuring to know that the shampoo and lotion from Elimax work preventatively for up to three days. So with the correct application, you don’t have to worry about those annoying pests visiting your child.

Finally, a few important extras …

Pocket money is often not absolutely necessary, but in emergencies, a small sum can come in handy. Also, make sure to pack the identity card, contact details, and a copy of the registration certificate.

Done with the preparations? Then you can slowly start thinking about the fun things with which you will fill your free moments!

CONSEILS DE LECTURE