TIPS AND TRICKS FROM CAMP PROS
HELP YOUR CAMPER PACK
Camp means sand, dirt, campfire smoke, and tie-dye paint. Don't send your camper with any clothes that can't get dirty or any delicate items. Helping your camper pack their bag will make sure your camper knows where things are and what they have. Put your camper's name or initials on items to help make sure they make it home.
CHECK THE FORECAST!
McCall has all four seasons and campers will be outside in all weather. It gets pretty chilly at night, even in July. Check the weather reports for McCall and pack accordingly.
SEND PRE-ADDRESSED, STAMPED ENVELOPES WITH YOUR CAMPER
Want to get snail mail from your camper? Help them out by sending pre-addressed, stamped envelopes that they can fill with stories of new friends, new experiences and, probably, some sand.
PREVENT HOMESICKNESS EARLY-ON
Spending time away from home and family can be tough for campers, no matter their age. Help prepare your camper by acknowledging that things might not always be fun/awesome. Sometimes it rains, sometimes you don't get to be with your best friend AND that your camper is resilient, capable and can ask their counselor for help at any time. As we say at camp, the days are long but the weeks are short, a tough first night might turn into the week of a lifetime when campers get into the swing of a new place.
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Please note that phone calls with campers or 'bargaining' for a mid-week pickup usually does more harm than good and undermines your camper's ability to try tough things. Send encouraging mail/emails and know that our staff are trained to help. Staff will contact you if they determine it is in the best interest of the camper.
CAMPERS COME HOME TIRED
Be ready for a tired camper at pickup. We spend all week outside adventuring, and many campers are in need of serious rest when they return home. Don't plan for big family outings until the camper has had time to nap and recouperate.
BAGS, SUITCASES, AND SLEEP GEAR
The best bags are ones campers can pack and carry themselves. Bunks have under-bed storage (around 8-10 inches high) and some cabins have additional storage nooks. Full cabins have very limited storage- so don't send items your camper doesn't need. Send your camper with a pillow (and extra pillowcase that can double as dirty clothes storage), twin sized fitted sheet, sleeping bag, and blanket and they will be set for nearly every occasion. Campers that get really cold at night may consider bringing a hot water bottle that can be filled before bedtime.
OTHER GREAT CAMPING RESOURCES
Paradise Point Camp has been a member of the American Camp Association since 2011. Check out their wealth of camp related parent and camper resources here.