Getting Ready for your Child's Vacation

Packing for a Friendly Town

The following is a suggested packing list for a Friendly Town visit:

3 play shirts (tee shirts)
1 dress shirt or blouse
2 pairs of jeans or play pants
1 pair of dress slacks/or dress
2 pairs of shorts
1 pair of shoes
3 pairs of socks
1 bathing suit
1 pair of sneakers
4 pairs of underwear
1 pair of pajamas
1 jacket or warm sweatshirt
Toothbrush, comb, hair care products
Medicine your child needs.

Raincoat and towels are not necessary. If you do not have all the items listed, don’t worry. You should pack for two weeks. The host family can wash your child’s clothing. In order to prevent your child’s things from getting mixed up with the host family’s, mark your child’s name on the clothing. Please pack a suitcase or duffel bag that is light enough for your child to carry by him/herself.

Packing for Camp

You should pack sturdy, old clothes since your child will be playing with other children most of the time. Please keep in mind that our camps are usually hot during the day and cool at night. Please be sure to pack enough clothing for your child's entire camp stay.

The following is a suggested packing list for camp:

Clothes:
Underwear, socks
Shirts
Sweatshirt, jacket
Raincoat or slicker
Jeans (long pants), shorts
Bathing suit
Pajamas
Shoes, sneakers (with shoelaces)

Personal Hygiene:
Toothbrush, toothpaste
Soap, shampoo
Towel, washcloth
Brush, comb

Miscellaneous:
Paper, pens
Envelopes, postcards, stamps
Insect repellent (not spray)
Flashlight and batteries

There is no place to spend money at camp, so please do not send any money. Children should leave all valuables (such as jewelry) at home, since The Fresh Air Fund cannot be responsible for these items. Please do not bring items such as radios, Walkmans, GameBoys, irons, curling irons, sugar or candy. They are not appropriate for the camp setting. If you don’t have a suitcase, you can pack a duffle bag instead. If you do not have all the items listed, you don’t need to buy them. Remember, this list is just a guide. The camp provides blankets, sheets and a pillow.

Camp Mariah Only--Laundry will be machine washed once during the three-and-a-half-week session. Please pack light clothes that may be hand washed, and review the information in the Camp Mariah packet.

Don’t forget any medicine your child needs.

Parents must bring prescription medicine to the bus terminal, where medications will be collected prior to departure. Nurses take care of minor scrapes and scratches, as well as emergencies. Nearby doctors are available when needed. Parents are called immediately in an emergency.

All health needs must be written on the application. If your child needs regular medical care or has a health problem, please be sure this information is written on the health form.

Before your child’s trip, please remind the three people you listed as emergency contacts that they will be responsible for your child if you cannot be reached. In case of any serious situations, we must be able to reach you or your emergency contact people.