My daughter loved that I kept a few items out of her trunk and sent them in a care package so she had fun mail to open: sunglasses, twinkle lights, playing cards. Just fun things for her to receive.

I've only been going to Arbutus for four years but I've gone to other camps that definitely helped me learn. When your packing for camp limit yourself. I always brought way to much. For me I only bring my Trunk my hiking pack(or the bag I need) and a backpack! I try to fold my clothes as small as possible and don't over pack. I try to bring a variety of colors as different activities require different colors sometimes. I than have my backpack where I put any activity stuff I want. I'm only in my cabin for max 1.5 hours a day as there's so much to do so typically I like to bring my beads for bracelets photos of family and friends and a card game. Most of the time I bring way to much and don’t use half of it!

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

Preparing for camp can be chaotic at some points I had so much packed I might as well take my whole room. Limit yourself to the number of bags you bring. most of the time you wont use half the activities you bring and you might not be in the cabin much. clothing wise bring 1-2 extra outfits and maybe a pair of warmer clothes in case of cold weather. Myself I am definitely an over-packer but I like to make lists in advance of what I am going to bring and throughout the week eliminate things from my list I realize I won’t need. Lastly when it comes to things to do there are so many camp activities I only bring a book a pen or pencil markers notebook and my bracelet stuff with me because that stuff I know I will use, and if your camp allows it a camera is always fun!

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

When packing, don’t pack anything to do with food or moisture in your trunk.

Gigi S. 
Camper
Camp Highlander
2 Years

Pack soft trunk in packing cubes. (We like clear but any color is fine). Easy to keep organized by clothing type. Just place in cubbies and no need for near stacking to look good! Also easy for laundry sorting.