With all the activities and organized chaos that goes on at Camp, it can be difficult to know what you’ll need for the summer. To make things easier, be sure to follow our official summer camp packing list. If you’re still a little fuzzy on what NOT to bring…here’s a list:
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CELL PHONES How do you spot a Poko newbie? Search the crowd of campers on arrival day for the kids reaching their little arms up trying to find a cell signal. In fact, cell phones are so pointless at Camp that you’ll be asked to turn yours in upon arrival. Don’t worry…we’ll keep them safe. Before you depart camp on the last day, we’ll return them to you and you can text/call/instagram/snapchat to your little heart’s content. |
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FOOD ITEMS This includes any and all types of food, snacks, candy, gum, mints, and beverages (other than water). We are an Adirondack summer camp, which means our cabins are rustic and thus are not impervious to woodland creatures. If you have food, they will want it. They know they have to stay outside. Please don’t make them feel conflicted. |
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IRREPLACEABLE ITEMS Your grandma’s vintage tea set…a $14,000 harp….that awesome autographed baseball glove your dad gave you: if it’s something that’s super special to you, you should probably leave it at home. We play hard at Camp, and we would be bummed if one of your most beloved possessions was broken or lost. |
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WEAPONS This pretty much goes without saying. However, since we offer programs like riflery and archery, we want to be pretty clear about this: we’ve got all the stuff you need for your classes. As indicated on the summer camp packing list, please leave the firearms, knives, and archery bows at home. |
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ELECTRONICS WITH SCREENS The summer camp packing list says no laptops, desktop PC’s, kindles, tablets, video games, or anything like that. If it has a screen, leave it at home. HOWEVER…you CAN bring devices for listening to music during rest hour and other quiet times. Other good things to enjoy during free time are books, magazines, cards, games, and art projects. |
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CLOTHES YOU DON’T WANT TO GET DESTROYED Again, we play hard at Camp. Dirt happens.
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AEROSOL CANS These are not permitted at Camp. You’ll notice on the summer camp packing list that you’re asked to bring things like sunscreen or insect repellent. Be sure to get these as lotions, not aerosol sprays. Typical things that are packaged in aerosol cans include bug spray, sunscreen, hairspray, air freshener, spray cheese, body spray, etc. Leave all those things behind (especially the spray cheese…..ew.) |
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ONE WATERBOTTLE The official summer camp packing list will remind you that you need TWO…not just one. HYDRATE!
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PETS Camp has a variety of animal mascots that you’ll meet this summer, so no need to bring your own. Please leave your unicorn at home (its magical powers make the camp horses jealous). |
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NEOPHOBIA (fear of trying new things) You won’t find this one on the summer camp packing list…but it’s still a good point to make. When you step foot on Camp soil, an entire summer’s worth of new opportunities awaits you. Never been rock climbing? Don’t know how to sail? Nervous about aiming a bow? Don’t hold yourself back! Challenge yourself and step out of your comfort zone. Camp is the perfect place to try new things in a safe and fun environment! Nothing ventured, nothing gained. |
Alright…you’ve been briefed…now GET PACKING! Summer camp is almost here!
Don’t forget to check out the FULL summer camp packing list!
