Friends. The most important thing probably you will ever have. I always wanted my best friend to come to camp with me but she was ways so busy so I convinced my sister. It’s nice to have someone you know there. What I did is one day we went on a walk and I explained everything I knew to her about camp to where she was sold and asked my mom to go! If you want your friend or sibling to come with you definitely do a day in the life its also fun to act out!

Kate W.
Camper
YMCA Camp Arbutus Hayo-Went-Ha
4 Years

I love going to camp but sometimes I feel like I am taking my whole bedroom with me. I'd limit yourself on how much you bring. If you have a friend or sibling that has gone to camp before ask them about their experience and see how much cabin or down time you get then plan according.

Kate W.
Camper
YMCA Camp Arbutus Hayo-Went-Ha
4 Years

Camp has always been an amazing experience for me. My birthday happens to fall in the middle of the second week at camp and I found I do get homesick because I am not at home with my friends and family but camp birthdays are the best! If your birthday is during camp don’t spend it sad and homesick try to do something to cheer you up because after all it’s your special day!

Kate W.
Camper
YMCA Camp Arbutus Hayo-Went-Ha
4 Years

One useful tip is before you leave pre address your letters ( you can get some awesome ones on the website!) What I have found is it's so time consuming to write out people's addresses. Bring some blank ones and a list of everyone's address still but pre-addressing is so useful especially when you don’t know who to write to.

Shower when you can!