Six Daily Essentials for Your Camper!

At YMCA Camp Oakasha, we will be outside most of the day and your campers should be ready for any activity!  There's nothing worse than having to sit out of your favorite activty because you forgot your sneakers!  Here is a list that will help your camper be ready for anything... 

1.  Bathingsuit and towel!  Podunks and Moheagans (our two younger groups) will have 90 minutes of swimming in the pool first thing in the morning, followed by the older groups at 11:00.  Campers are welcome to wear their bathingsuit under their clothes to camp in order to make changing time a little faster and pool time a little bit longer!  We'll also offer boating in the afternoons.  

2.  Clothes to play in!  Camp is a place for fun, active, and sometimes messy play.  Make sure your kids come to camp in clothes that reflect that.  A raincoat or sweatshirt is a good idea for those chilly, damp days when we have rain... I mean, liquid sunshine!   

3.  Sneakers!  Closed toed shoes are a must at camp, with all the running, climbing, and hiking your child will be doing, sneakers are the easiest way to protect their feet and ensure that they're always ready to play.  If you'd like to send flip flops along for the pool, that's great too!  

4.  Sun protection!  Sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen are highly recommended for all of our campers.  If your camper will need help applying sunscreen and bug spray, you can fill out the Parent/Guardian Authorization for the Administration of Non-Perscription Medication and send in sunscreen and bug repellent in original containers, labeled with the child's name and we'll take care of the rest.  Make sure that your child has tried that brand at home, in order to prevent any allergic reactions while at camp.  We highly recommend the spray on sunscreen and "faces" sticks, which make application a lot easier!  It's a good idea to apply at home in the morning, as well.     

5.  Healthy lunch and snacks!  Since your children will be very active during the day, it's essential to pack them enough food to get through the day.  While the ice cream truck and camp store will offer options as well, it's important that your child have enough food to keep them healthy and happy throughout the day.  Involve them in the process of packing their lunch, so they know they've got plenty of options that they like.  

6.  Water!  Our staff will give plenty of time for water breaks throughout your camper's busy day, but having their own water bottle will ensure that your kids are hydrated.  If they "don't like water" experiment with adding different fruit or veggies, like lemons, raspberries, or cucumbers.  You'll be surprised the big difference it makes!    

Remember to label items that children will be bringing to camp in order to make it easier to find in the Lost and Found!