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sleepaway camp

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In Summer Camp

Sleepaway Camp Shoppable Pack List

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Summer is approaching quickly (I can feel it in the air) and it’s never too early to start preparing and looking ahead. Most camps are already close to being fully booked up and are anxiously awaiting their campers.  Although it might be pulling at your heartstrings a little bit thinking of sending your little ones off to their first sleepaway camp, or even if you’re a seasoned overnight camp sender, the list of things to pack can be daunting to come up with on your own. With all of the lists we have to make as parents (the grocery list, the to-do list, all of the wish lists), we need all the help we can get! We’ve broken it down into 4 easy categories to better aid you when it comes to planning your shopping trip in advance. When we think outdoor camp you may only have things like bug…

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In Summer Camp

How to Label for Sleepaway Camp

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Labeling your kid’s clothing for camp can sometimes be confusing for parents. With so many items of clothing and accessories to keep track of (with no parental guidance!), it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Fortunately, Mabel’s Labels has come to the rescue with various labeling options that make the process a breeze. Here are our top ways to label your kids’ clothing for summer camp, giving you peace of mind that they’re not wearing someone else’s dirty underwear. Summer camp can sometimes be the hardest to label for because items like swimsuits, towels, flip flops can be tricky items to label effectively. We have a solution for labelling all the little tricky clothing items and accessories that go to summer camp. Because markers and tape won’t cut it for sleepaway camp toughness! The Sleepaway Camp Label pack is a value pack of all the top-selling labels, 112 labels included, plus 2…

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In Summer Camp

Sleepaway Camp Pack List (and fun non-essential bunk junk kids love)

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Camp season is equal parts excitement and stress. Your kids may be nervous, and you’re probably overwhelmed. It can be tricky to know what exactly to pack for your kids. Here is a sleepaway camp pack list that may reduce your stress a little bit; the list comprises notes from experienced camp moms and kids. Labels– Before ANYTHING goes into your bag, make sure it has a name label! This is non-negotiable. Here’s the best option. TOILETRIES: Toiletries Caddy– A waterproof caddy for bringing all their items to the showers; it’s ok if it gets wet. And it means they always have everything they need for the shower with them. Bug Spray– make sure it’s something you’ve used before so your child doesn’t discover an irritation at camp. Hydrocortisone– or something similar to soothe itchy skin. Sunblock– Don’t leave home without it, ever. Make sure it’s waterproof (not just water…

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In Mom Moments

Ten Ways Moms Benefit from Sending Their Kids to Camp

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We often hear about the benefits of sending kids to camp. Even here in the Mabelhood, we talk about it a lot. Like this, and this. Sleepaway camp is indeed so beneficial for kids. But what about moms? Being a mom is hard, and we rarely talk about how we need a break. So summer camp also has enormous benefits for parents, and it’s okay to admit that. Here are the ways that moms benefit from our kids going to camp.  1) Recharge  Relax, take a walk, meditate and do the things you always dream of doing but never have the time or the privacy to do.  2) Eat what you want   Enjoy the chance to cook meals that you love without complaints. Eat the spicy foods, the healthy meals, or the junk food you want without needing to share!  3) Reconnect with your spouse   Go on dates, enjoy the…

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In Summer Camp

Helpful Tips for Day Camp Rookies

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Sure, sleep-away camp is great with its bunk beds and bonfires, but why should it get all the hype? Day camps can also provide exciting and memorable experiences for your kids this summer. Here are some tips for day camp rookies, and advice from the YMCA camp staff. The benefits Day camps offer a practical solution for working parents, as well as kids who may be prone to boredom at home. Here are a few compelling reasons to register: Close to home. While some kids crave the adventure and independence of overnight camp, others may prefer a familiar environment where they sleep in their own bed. More affordable. A Monday-to-Friday day camp typically costs less than a sleep-away camp that involves extra travel and amenities. High structure. If your child thrives in predictable routines at school, they will likely transition well to the similar format of day camp, with an…

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In Summer Camp

How to Choose the Right Summer Camp

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Summer camp is a big deal. It can alter the way your child sees the world, the friendships they have for life, and the experiences that shape them…. but no pressure. How to choose the right summer camp can feel like a balancing act. Between scheduling, finances, interests, distance, there is a lot to consider.  Here is a checklist of the things we think you need to consider when choosing the right summer camp for your kids.     1) Financial Decisions This is often the top reason to select one camp over another. Day camp varies from approximately $25 to $150 a day. Some things that influence the price are the type of camp the location, but it’s also worth inquiring about the price. The following may be included in the price, making the high price tag fit your budget after all.   -Is any food is provided   -whether a bus…

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In Parenting

6 Reasons Summer Camp is Totally Worth It

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It’s where I learned to play Capture the Flag, made lifelong friends, and learned to canoe – which I still love to this day. It’s where I caught frogs and turtles, learned the importance of sunscreen for a pale, redheaded kid, and where I learned a crazy amount of camp songs…that I now proudly teach my own kids! Anyone for a verse of ‘Going on a Lion Hunt’? Summer Camp. I spent every single summer at camp as a kid. And you know what? I loved every minute of it. I loved all the games, the sports and the exploring! I loved spending afternoons building sandcastles with the other kids. I even loved the day I got hit in the eye with a baseball and my brother ran over and yelled “Look at all the blood!”. I had a massive black eye and got five stitches across my eyebrow. I…

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In Mom Moments

Sending My Last Child to Camp: Three Reminders To Myself

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Several years ago, my now teenagers went off to sleep-away camp for the first time. On top of learning about getting organized for camp (the fun part), I also had to prepare everyone (OK, me) emotionally for being without my little darlings (the hard part). My newly minted eight-year-old will be going to sleep-away camp for the first time, for two weeks at the end of August. He will be my sixth child to attend sleep-away camp, and I find the same old worries creeping in. I knew I had to prepare myself for kids going to sleep-away camp. So, I’m reminding myself of three things: He might evolve This kid is my picky eater. I’m pretty sure he will starve for the entire two weeks. While one side of me is convinced of this, the other side knows that he might just start eating what everyone else is eating…

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