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Top 10 Things To Do before camp begins & Top 10 hints from a veteran camp mom

Camp Wekeela starts in 30 days! Top Ten To Do’s and To Do’s  

Everyday we hear from our camp families that their children are excitedly counting the days or are asking how few days are left till they are back at camp. Now that summertime and camp is getting closer, here’s what you need to do get your child ready for Wekeela 2019 no matter if it is their first year or their tenth!

10 To Do’s …

1. Fill out and submit all forms. All forms are digital at the Parent Portal.
2. Fill out the Health Form and register any of your child’s medications with CampMeds.
3. Pay final tuition.
4. Review optional camper activity form as space is limited in activities. This includes any specialty programming you may want for your child that our camp offers such as equestrian, golf, extra tennis, surf trip, etc..
5. Order clothes from your camp outfitter like Camp Spot (remember, although Camp Wekeela is not a “uniform camp” your child will still need a few official camp T-shirts for out-of-camp trips).
6. Make transportation plans to and from camp for your camper(s) and for yourselves if you plan on visiting camp!
7. Book baggage transport with our camp partner Camp Trucking.
8. Make your Visiting Day weekend hotel and flights/rental car, if applicable. Make sure to check-out our places to stay and  places to eat 
9. Sign up for Camp Wekeela’s optional service Wekeela Notes to communicate with your child all summer long! Or buy stamps and stationery and address a few envelopes home – especially for younger campers. Our summer address is: Camp Wekeela, 1750 Bear Pond Road, Hartford, Maine 04220
10. Shop, label and pack – we strongly recommend that camp families try to stick to their recommended lists so campers have what they need for their activities and not to overdo it – remember, cubby space is limited.

10 Tips from a veteran camp mom:

1. Take your soft trunks out of the attic/basement sooner rather than later to make sure they’re still good with working zippers and no major rips (if they’re not – you’ll still have time to replace).
2. Label everything! And send your camper with extra stick on name labels.
3. Wash dark colored items (sheets, shirts) before they go to camp.
4. Please read the Parent Camper Handbook. Returning camp families and new ones will benefit from reading this important publication!
5. Equipment – make sure your camper has everything they need for the sports they’ll play which could include small items like a mouth guard for lacrosse and shin guards for soccer.
6. Crazy Creek chair – I’ve found that multi-color or darker color chairs are best for looking cleaner, longer.
7. Socks, socks, socks!
8. Spirit gear – always fun to have a couple bandannas, fun/long socks in several colors. And, if your camper doesn’t have the “right” color for a special activity or team, oftentimes campers can swap.
9. Don’t waste time, money, or space on things campers can’t have. For example, we do not require one-piece bathing suits for girls, bikinis are okay. Same goes for dressy clothing – At Wekeela, we want campers to be casual and comfortably dressed – focused on their activities and not appearances. Of course no cell phones!
10. Other “must haves” include: fans, flashlights, sunscreen, bug spray, toiletries and a few fun activities like beads and/or string for making bracelets, Mad Libs, a book or two, and little games like cards, jacks, and pick-up-sticks are good for Rest Hour

The best time of year is almost here. We know our campers can’t wait! Neither can we! Summertime and Camp Wekeela 2019 is almost here!!