Once you pack the sunscreen and the bug spray, here are the Top 10 things a parent of a new camper should think about including in his or her packing list.

1. A lint roller 

Camp is dirty. In order for a camper to keep his/her bed clean, have them run a lint roller to pick up dirt and debris on their sheets.

2. Spray odor eliminator such as Febreze

If you have ever done the laundry after a towel has been sitting in a laundry bag for a week, you will know why you should include this item. Have your camper spray their towels. Game changer!

3. Book light or small flashlight

If your camper likes to read, having a book light enables him/her to read once it is dark or if arising early.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZVKFQLR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_88WHFAA3GCZGM1R15EDA?_encoding=UTF8&psc=

4. Foam mattress topper 

Camp beds are thin and uncomfortable. Having a foam mattress topper allows for a better night sleep.

5. Face paint

Your camper will thank you when it is color war day. Also helpful for camper activities.

6. Battery-powered fan 

If your cabin is not air conditioned, having this item is a must. Be sure to include an extra set of batteries and a small screwdriver to swap them out.

https://www.amazon.com/O2COOL-Portable-Battery-Powered-Unit/dp/B001B16VT6/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=battery+powered+fan+o2cool+white&qid=1623169928&sr=8-3

7. Duct tape

Duct tape will allow your camper to tape his/her fan in place on their bunk, and also help tape things shut when packing up to leave. Can also provide arts and crafts opportunities.

8. Stadium seat 

Perfect for sitting in the grass or around a campfire. These seats fold up so that they are easy to transport.

https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-2000020281-Stadium-Seat/dp/B003399128/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=coleman+stadium+seat&qid=1623169969&sprefix=coleman+st&sr=8-3

9. Deck of cards

Hours of entertainment for quiet time, group activities or rainy days. Be sure to send along with a rubber band in case the box, “goes missing.”

10. Instant camera 

Camper doesn’t have a phone? These cameras will capture the memories of a lifetime. Makes for a great birthday or Hanukkah gift!

https://www.amazon.com/Fujifilm-Instax-Mini-Smokey-White/dp/B06WWLJ7KY/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=fujifilm+instax+mini+9&qid=1623170008&sr=8-3

Laura K. Silver is the former president of the Jewish Light Board of Trustees. Katie Silver is a rising sophmore at Emory University and a former member of the Light’s Ohr Chadash teen page and a longtime camper at United Reform Judaism’s Goldman Union Camp Institute (GUCI).