It’s almost summer camp season, and parents are already making plans, lists, and preparations. One of the biggest concerns parents have this time of year is what and how to pack for summer camp. Does your child need one of the camp trunks you’ve always heard about, or should they bring something like a suitcase, duffel bag, or backpack? Camp trunks are an essential part of the camp experience, both in sentimental value and in practicality. We’re here to tell you why.
Since the 1800s, summer camp has been an important part of American tradition for kids, teens, and families. Often an escape from the fast pace of modern life, summer camp today is a chance for children and teens to take a break from screens and experience the larger world around them. Summer camps have changed over the years—from various themes and activities offered, to gear and supplies that better suit the modern camper. But there’s one iconic piece of the summer camp tradition that’s still going strong. And that’s the camp trunk. It’s a familiar image that’s lasted through the decades: campgrounds teeming with excited campers as they eagerly unload their trunks and roll them to their very own home away from home. Not only is a camp trunk the most practical luggage option in terms of safe storage, durability, and organization, it is a physical memory keeper—a lasting piece that can go with your child through their life.
Quality: So you’ve decided to invest in a camp trunk for your child. Great! But what should you be looking for? Where do you even start? One of the first things to be aware of is the quality of the trunks you’re shopping for. Cheap trunks cost less for a reason—many of them are made of particle board that doesn’t last long and will most likely need to be replaced season after season. Your child should be able to stand on his/her trunk without feeling any give beneath them. And your trunk should be able to withstand whatever summer camp throws at it (which can be a lot!). Choose a trunk that is made with quality materials—like real, solid plywood and durable steel hardware.
Size: You also want to make sure you choose the right size. Trunks come in a wide variety of sizes, but for summer camp, you need to make sure it meets both your child’s space needs and the camp’s specific requirements. Contact your camp office to see if they have height restrictions on trunks, and if they require that trunks can slide under the bed, or if they can stay at the foot of the bed. They will be able to give you the best advice based on the available living space on site.
Features: Before you buy a camp trunk, be sure it’s designed and constructed with features that help you get the most out of your investment. Features like wheels, locks, packing accessories, and customization options not only make a camp trunk more functional, convenient, and secure, but also more suited to your individual child. After all, it will be their trusted travel companion for many years to come—make sure it’s something they love and you’re proud of.
Summer is just around the corner, and for many families, that means summer camp. Going to summer camp is a warm and happy memory for many, and a learning experience that can greatly impact a child’s development and self-confidence, as they grow more independent. It’s a time when kids are free to explore new parts of their world, try new activities, make new friends, and fully enjoy the unique adventure of childhood itself. But many campers (and their parents) often experience some pre-camp anxiety before leaving home for the first time. Here are five ways you can help prepare your child emotionally for summer camp by involving them in every step of the physical preparation process.
What excites your child? Where do you see them having the most fun? There are a wide variety of summer camps out there—from the traditional cabin-in-the-woods camp with kayaking, swimming, and fishing, to special interest or themed camps, which can focus on specific sports, hobbies, or skills. Whatever your child’s unique interests, personality type, or skills set, you can bet there is a summer camp for them. Observe and listen closely to their play, talk, and hobbies as you consider what kind of camp might make the most memorable experience for them.
Once you’ve come up with several different camp options that would work for you and your family, ask your child to help you make the final decision. Go over the list of options with them and talk about the differences between each, such as various activities or themes offered, distance from home, or length of time away. Ask them what sounds the most fun to them, and listen to what they have to say. There’s something very exciting and empowering for a child about feeling involved in a big decision like this—and by giving them a say, you’re helping to build their confidence before they even walk out the door.
Resist the urge to take over the shopping and packing checklists yourself. It’s completely understandable that you might want to feel in control of making sure your child has everything they need, but sharing these important tasks with your child will ultimately make them feel more secure and in control of their own experience. Many camps will provide a packing list for you. Make sure your child is familiar with this list and ask them write down anything else they might need, as well as what they already own and what they still need to buy. Challenge them to think of certain scenarios they might encounter while away from home, and what they would need in those situations. You can go over the final lists together and make changes where needed, but by encouraging them to think ahead about how to care for themselves, you’re equipping them to do that with confidence and assurance when they are away from home. They’ll be able to rest easier knowing they have everything they need. And so will you.
Part of the fun of summer camp is the chance for a child to express themselves as individuals, and to learn more about who they are as they grow. Use this opportunity to let them customize their experience while shopping for supplies—such as the styles, colors, and designs they like. No summer camp adventure is complete without a traditional camp trunk, and thanks to partnerships with retailers trunkoutlet.com and trunkoutletkanakuk.com, we can create a Rhino camp trunk that perfectly fits your child’s unique taste and individuality. With a wide range of colors—and even custom interior designs—to choose from, as well as additional features like engraved name plates, you can create the perfect iconic camp trunk for your child. One they’ll be sure to fill with years of lifelong summer camp memories.
Don’t let the act of packing cause anxiety and homesickness before your child has even left. Put on some music, get some snacks, and make it a special time you can share together. Keep the mood positive and encouraging, and help build the excitement by asking them what they’re most excited to do while away. This is also an opportunity to teach your child how to pack their trunk efficiently, since they’ll need to stay neat and organized while away from home.
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