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

Homesickness is a big thing about going away for camp whether its a few days or a few weeks. Bringing photos of family and friends definitely help and writing letters home. sometimes doing activities can take your mind off of it. Another trick is to think that when you do get home your going to miss camp a lot, maybe more than you missed home, so go out have fun and make some friends!

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

I've only been going to Arbutus for four years and I have gone to another camp before being organized is key, however its not the most important thing. For me personally camp is so much better when everyone is in a happy mood yeah your going to have those days but keeping a good attitude about whether you liked an activity or not or anything else really is so much better of an environment when everyone is having fun and someones just being a grinch it immediately brings the mood of the whole cabin down so have a good time and have fun!

Bring books or a bracelet kit, so you have something to occupy you during quiet time.

Gigi S. 
Camper
Camp Highlander
2 Years