Packing is a fundamental part of the camp experience. The excitement that occurs in the build up to camp for your kid(s) can be intoxicating so why channel that into (helpful?) packing arrangements. Whether attending day or overnight camp, including your camper in the packing process is helpful and sets them up for success when they are living in the cabin.
THE ZIPLOC METHOD IS THE BEST METHOD.
For efficiency (and peace of mind!) we recommend packing one outfit (including underwear and socks) into a gallon-size Ziploc bag for each day of camp. It will set your camper up for success, save A LOT of time in a busy camp schedule, AND, our counselors will love you for it! ❤️
We ask that you personally check your child’s luggage and backpack prior to them leaving for camp to ensure that only camp appropriate items are included. No phones, electronic games, trading cards, valuables or pets are allowed in camp. We provide all the necessary equipment for camp activities. The possession of alcohol, drugs and weapons are prohibited on the camp property.
FOR OVERNIGHT CAMP
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Camp appropriate footwear is essential to the wellbeing of our campers. Sneakers are great all-round shoes allowing for athletic and traditional camp activities like rock climbing and archery. Please pack two sets just in case. Crocs, flip flops or sliders are great for the waterfront or cabin use only.
Do not pack expensive or precious footwear.
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Bedwetting can be embarrassing and frustrating for children, and can lead to emotional stress and social anxiety. Rest assured that we work to minimize this and support campers so that they feel comfortable approaching our staff.
If your camper has night-time incontinence, you should specify this during registration, specifically the Under ‘Understanding Your Camper Form’.
Your child’s counselor will check in with them to create a night-time routine they feel comfortable with. We will attempt to wash soiled bedding and pajamas discreetly.
If possible, please pack an identical bedding set and pajamas.
Note: We are unable to wash bedding on Check-out days and will double bag any soiled items before packing them away.
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2x one-piece bathing suits,
1x beach towel (and 1x towel for the shower)
1x sun lotion (please label it!)
Sunglasses, goggles, sunhat/cap, flip flops/slides.
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Thursday Night is Dance Night!
Pack a fun outfit or costume for our last night of camp. We have a different theme each week to keep it fun for returning campers.
Session One: Quest Camp on July 13 - 18, 2025 - Fairy Tale Fantasy 🧚🏽♀️🐉
Session Two: Create Camp on July 27 - Aug 1, 2025 - Mexican Fiesta 🇲🇽🪅
Session Three: Adventure Camp on August 3 -8, 2025 - African Safari 🦏🦁
Session Four: Waddaweek! Trips Camp on Aug 10 - 15, 2025 - Wild Wild West 🐎🤠
Session Five: Quest Camp on Aug 17 -22, 2025 - Ancient Egyptians 🇪🇬 📜
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We often have rain-days at camp. We will plan activities around this but your camper may still get wet walking around camp to their activities. Please pack accordingly so that they can be comfortable on wet or cooler days.
2x Rainy-Day outfits (pack a minimum of 2 separate sets)
1x rain jacket or poncho
2x Sweatshirts
1x cozy socks
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What to pack for bed-time:
2x pajamas sets
Ear plugs + eye mask for sensitive sleepers
Satin pillow case and bonnet for kids who need to protect their curls (or wear a protective style).
Nightlight or flashlight for kids who are afraid of the dark.
One comfort item like a plush toy if needed.
Bedding should include:
Twin XL fitted sheet
Pillow & pillow case
Flat sheet or light blanket (or weather appropriate sleeping blanket for summer).
Don’t forget to pack two towels, one for the swimming at the beach and one for showering in the cabin.
*** Campers MUST bring a fitted TWIN XL size bedsheet whether they are using a sleeping bag or blanket. This is to provide a hygienic layer between them and the mattress.
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One hard shell suitcase, trunk or, duffel bag, which should be large enough to include bedding. If it has wheels, even better!
one backpack for personal and comfort items
All items (including bedding) should fit in to no more than TWO secure and well-labeled pieces of luggage.
Please Do not send clothing or bedding in plastic or trash bags as these rip easily when transported.
Please do not pack valuable or irreplaceable items that may get lost or damaged at camp.
Please DO NOT pack medications in luggage - they should be handed to our nurse at check in. Click here for medication packaging requirements.
We ask that you personally check your child’s luggage and backpack prior to them leaving for camp to ensure that only camp appropriate items are included. No phones, electronic games, trading cards, valuables or pets are allowed in camp.
We provide all the necessary equipment for camp activities including lifejackets.
The possession of alcohol, drugs and weapons are prohibited on the camp property.
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Self-Help: Our staff will set up a shower schedule, provide verbal prompts and time cues to their unit to ensure self-care activities are done within the allotted time. Campers must be able to complete personal hygiene activities independently before coming to camp, and able to cooperate with our staff.
Toiletries: The best way to manage toiletries is in a caddy or shower bag where everything has its own compartment.
Showering: Campers will shower at least once per day.
Dental Hygiene: Campers will brush their teeth twice per day. If wearing braces or retainers, please ensure they come to camp with all the necessary equipment, solutions, cases etc.
Towels: Don’t forget to pack two towels, one for swimming at the beach, and one for showering at the cabin.
Labeling: Your child(ren) will be sharing a cabin and bathroom with up to nine other campers.
PLEASE MAKE SURE THEIR TOILETRIES ARE LABELLED TO AVOID OTHER CAMPERS USING THEIR STUFF.
1x shampoo (or 2 in 1)
1x conditioner (or hair moisturizer for long/textured hair)
1x body soap or shower gel
1x sponge or washcloths
1x toothbrush
1x toothpaste
1x deodorant
1x sun lotion
1x bug spray
1x comb or brush and hair ties
Teen Campers:
Females: Feminine hygiene products, acne products
Males: shaving products, acne products
Body Odor: Camp is an active place where kids are trying new activities, sharing space, and living in community. It can get hot and sweaty in the summer months. To avoid unnecessary discomfort and embarrassment to your tween/teen as they embark on this shared living experience we strongly recommend that they bring and use their deodorant to mitigate the affects of body odor. This will provide a pleasant living experience for the group and help your camper feel more confident.
Long or textured hair: Campers with long hair should pack hair conditioner, detangling spray or moisturizer, a brush and hair bands. Our staff will make sure hair is washed at least once during their stay. and brushed daily.
A protective hair style is recommended for campers with curly/textured hair. Pre-camp considerations are swimming in lake water, humidity and UV rays.
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IF YOU WANT IT BACK, PLEASE LABEL IT!
To ensure the safe return of ALL your campers belongings, please ensure ALL their stuff is labeled. There are lots of great iron-on options available online, or you can just use a sharpie to initial their stuff.
Remember to label items like shoes, water bottles, toiletries, towels (initial the washing label), hats, laundry bags, and plush toys.
Our staff will help your campers pack on Friday. Any lost & found items will be kept at camp until the end of September and then donated to charity.
We will try to reunite campers with any items that are labelled. Families are liable for the cost of postage or are welcome to collect items from camp.
accommodation
Kids sleep in one of three villages. Click on the videos below to learn more about the accommodation at each location.
Accommodation is usually finalized one week prior to arrival day, and depends on factors including group size, age, gender and ratios of care. We are usually able to bunk friends and siblings together if they are in the same age range (7-10, 11-13, 14-16).
Read our Bunking FAQ’s below for more details.
BUNKING FAQS
Q. HOW IS LODGING ASSIGNED AND CAN FRIENDS/SIBLINGS BUNK TOGETHER?
Lodging is assigned in advance of check-in day and can occasionally be subject to last minute changes depending on final group size and/or mobility of individuals. Siblings and friends wanting to bunk in the same cabin can request to do so a minimum of two weeks before arrival by emailing their request to office@grotonwood.org. The two campers MUST be attending the same session and be in the same age-group.
Q. WHERE DO CAMP STAFF SLEEP?
Camp staff are grouped into teams of 2-4 and sleep in the same cabins as campers in adjoining staff rooms.
Note, staff do not sleep in the same rooms as campers.
Q. HOW ARE LIVING AREAS SUPERVISED?
Camp Counselors are responsible for supervising all activities of daily living, including rise & shine, bedtime routines, and behavior management. They also provide socio-emotional support, manage cabin moral, camper participation/engagement at activities, and adherence to the camp schedule.
An Assistant Unit Leader (Senior Counselor) and Unit Leader (Supervisor) are located within each village.
Assistant Unit Leaders support the camp counselors and campers in the day to day of camp life. Unit Leaders de-escalate incidences, communicate emergencies and logistical information to other department heads. In the event of an emergency staff communicate through a radio system (walkie-talkies). Radios are with Unit Leaders and Assistant Unit Leaders at all time including quiet hours. Camp Counselors report to Unit Leaders and Unit Leaders report to the Camp Directors.
