how to PACK like a pro

Packing is a fundamental part of the camp experience. The excitement that occurs in the build up to camp can be intoxicating so why channel that into (helpful?) packing arrangements. Including your camper in the packing process is helpful and sets them up for success when they are living at camp.

THE ZIPLOC METHOD IS THE BEST METHOD.

For efficiency (and peace of mind!) we recommend packing one outfit (including underwear and socks) into a labeled 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! ❤️

LAUNDRY: WE LAUNDER BEDDING AND CLOTHING THAT HAS BEEN SOILED BY INCONTINENCE. CAMPERS ATTENDING A TWO-WEEK SESSION WILL HAVE THEIR CLOTHING LAUNDERED ONCE.

BEDDING: CAMPERS MUST BRING BEDDING, INCLUDING A PILLOW AND PILLOW COVER, TWIN XL SIZE FITTED SHEET (REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THEY ARE USING A SLEEPING BAG OR BLANKET) AND A FLAT SHEET. A FITTED SHEET PROVIDES A HYGIENIC BARRIER BETWEEN THE CAMPER AND MATTRESS.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  • Camp appropriate footwear is essential to the wellbeing of our campers. Sneakers are great all-round shoes. Please pack two sets just in case.

    Crocs, flip flops or sliders are great for the waterfront or cabin use only.

    If your camper has an unsteady gait, depth perception issues or does not walk well in open-toe shoes, please do not pack these.

    Do not pack expensive or precious footwear. Adaptive footwear and AFOs are welcome.

  • If your camper has night-time incontinence, we will wash bedding and clothing as needed. Please pack extra bedding and pajamas.

    Note: We are unable to wash soiled items on check-out days; we will double bag and label any soiled items before packing them.

    Please pack enough Depends/Attends/Briefs and/or bed pads to last the duration of their stay.

    Bedwetting can be embarrassing and frustrating for campers, 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 any form of incontinence, you should disclose this during registration, specifically on the ‘Understanding Your Camper’ Form.

    Your camper’s counselor will check in 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.

    • 2x one-piece bathing suits,

    • 1x beach towel (and 1x towel for the shower)

    • 1x sun lotion (SPF50+, please label it!)

    • Sunglasses, goggles, sunhat/cap, flip flops/slides.

  • Grotonwood aims to simulate the home environment as much as possible. We recommend packing as much adaptive equipment as possible. Items to consider bringing to camp:

    • Commode

    • Shower Chair

    • Bedrail (guard rail)

    • Alarm system

    • AFOs

    • Rolling walker

  • Thursday Night is Dance Night!

    Please pack a fun outfit or costume for our last night of the week. We have a different theme each week to keep it fun for returning campers.

    Week One: June 22-27, 2025 - Denim & Diamonds 💎

    Week Two: June 29 - July 4, 2025 - Red, White and Blue 🇺🇸

    Week Three: July 6-11, 2025 - Rock & Roll 🤘🏽

    Week Four: July 13-18, 2025 - Fairytale Fantasy 🧚🏽‍♀️

    Week Five: July 20-25, 2025 - Christmas In July 🎄

    Week Six: July 27 - Aug 1, 2025 - Mexican Fiesta 🇲🇽

    Week Seven: August 3 -8, 2025 - African Safari 🦁

    Week Eight: August 10 - 15, 2025 - Wild Wild West 🤠

    Week Nine: Aug 17 -22, 2025 - Ancient Egyptians 📜

  • We often have rain-days at camp. We will plan activities around this but your camper may still get wet transitioning 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 - ponchos are better for wheelchair users)

    2x Sweatshirts or cardigans

    1x cozy socks

  • What to pack for bed-time:

    2x pajamas sets

    Ear plugs + eye mask for sensitive sleepers

    Satin pillow case and bonnet for campers who need to protect their curls (or wear a protective style).

    Nightlight or flashlight for campers who are afraid of the dark.

    One comfort item like a plush toy or fidget item 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.

  • One labeled hard shell suitcase, trunk or, duffel bag, which should be large enough to include bedding. If it has wheels, even better!

    one labeled 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.

    MEDICATIONS: Please DO NOT pack medications in luggage - they should be handed to our nurse at check in. Click here for medication packaging requirements.

  • Toiletries: The best way to manage toiletries is in a caddy or shower bag where everything has its own compartment.

    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 (SPF 50+)

    1x bug spray

    Shaving products/equipment

    Labeling: Your campers will be sharing a bedroom and bathroom with up to three other campers. PLEASE MAKE SURE THEIR TOILETRIES ARE LABELLED.

    Showering: Campers will shower at least once per day.

    Dental Hygiene: Campers will brush their teeth twice per day. Please make sure they come to camp with all the necessary equipment, solutions, cases etc.

    Body Odor: Camp is an active place where kids are trying new activities, sharing space, and living in community. It can get very 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.

    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 under a 4:1 ratio of care. Campers must be able to cooperate with our staff.

    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 and brushed at least once during their stay.

    A protective hair style is recommended for campers with curly/textured hair. Pre-camp considerations are swimming in lake water, humidity and UV rays.

    Towels: Don’t forget to pack two towels, one for swimming at the beach, and one for showering at the cabin.

  • 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, towels (initial the washing label), hats, laundry bags, toiletries and plush toys or personal intems like phones and tablets.

    Our staff will help your campers pack on Friday.

    LOST & FOUND: We will try to reunite campers with any items that are labelled. Lost & found items will be kept at camp until the end of September and then donated to charity.

accommodation

Campers sleep in one of two locations. Click on the videos below to learn more about the accommodation at each location.

Accommodation is finalized one week prior to arrival day, and depends on factors including mobility, group size, age, gender and ratios of care. We are usually able to accommodate bunking requests among friends. Please email office@grotonwood.org with your request.

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 building can request to do so a minimum of two weeks before arrival by emailing their request to office@grotonwood.org.

Q. WHERE DO CAMP STAFF SLEEP?

Camp staff are grouped into teams of 2-4 and sleep in the same buildings 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 and supporting campers with 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.