The Five C's to Leave at Home on Your Way to Camp

At YMCA Camp Oakasha, one of the things we are focusing on this summer is helping campers discover new activities to love.  The point of coming to camp is to try new things with new people, right?  Well, here's a list of five things you won't need at camp this summer, because you'll be busy with new adventures!  Leaving these items at home will help campers stay engaged, healthy, and happy throughout their time at YMCA Camp Oakasha:  

1.  Cards!  Trading cards, like Pokemon or baseball cards are a great collection for kids to have, but they can be a huge distraction at camp.  While there may be some down time at camp, we have plenty of games, crafts, and other activities to keep kids occupied.  And it can be really difficult to determine whose cards they are when it's time to get on the bus for home.  

2.  Cell phones!  Part of the camp experience is being outside and letting go of technology for a while.  Most staff won't have their cell phones on them, because their job is to be engaged with campers at all times.  Cell phones will take away from the camp experience and could get lost.  If a camper needs to contact a parent, or vice versa, the office is the best way to do so.  Video games, iPods, and other electronics should stay home too.  

3.  Cameras!  While it is a lot of fun to take pictures with friends, not everyone is allowed to have their photo taken.  We'll take pictures throughout the summer and even put together slideshows, so the campers don't have to worry about bringing their own cameras.  

4.  Candy!  All food should be stored in lunch bags or boxes, which are then stored in our refrigerator.  Candy in backpacks and pockets will melt and attract bugs... something we all want to avoid!  

5.  Cologne!  Ok, so this one is a bit of a stretch, but bugs are attracted to sweet smells, so avoid wearing perfumes or colognes on your way to camp.  Instead, try some sunscreen and bug spray... some of them smell pretty great now!