There’s a lot to consider when packing for an extended stay at camp. Years of experience have allowed us to put together the following essential set of packing instructions. Including campers in the packing process is a great way help them feel ready for camp and prepared for any challenge.
Our Packing List covers everything the campers should bring. We do laundry weekly and recommend this packing list for anyone staying longer than one (1) week.
Help us to make camp a safe and happy environment by not packing any of the items in the “Do not pack” list. Many seemingly harmless things — particularly electrical appliances — can pose a risk to the safety of campers.
Walden Long Weekend families, please reference the packing list on the Long Weekend event page.
** If you think there is a chance your camper may wet the bed, please pack a 3rd set of sheets.
These are things that aren’t necessary, but could come in handy.
You will also need the following item if you have a canoe trip or overnight scheduled.
Grade 1 Weekenders do not have an overnight. Grade 2/3 Colours might have an overnight at any time. Comics and Zodiacs have their Canoe Trip in July. Seekers trip in August and CITs over changeover. Learn more about our canoe tripping programs here.
Be sure to consult the related policy.
Compact foldable lawn chairs will not be confiscated if used exclusively on the porches of cabins or as permitted by the Unit Head. Personal storage boxes are allowed if left unlocked or if the lock used is a combination one and the combination confidentially shared with camp staff. Although the Walden community is one where ample seating is provided and locks are unnecessary, we know these items can provide comfort to our campers.
We have 4” new comfortable foam mattresses. Foam pads are extremely harmful to the environment, cannot be returned, create inequity, and are not accepted as waste at our local landfill. Do not send these to camp.
“Pack a dry bag even if your camper doesn’t have a scheduled canoe trip. Campers may still want to participate in the canoe trip, and Colours do go on a one-night overnight where the dry bag is helpful.”
It is essential to label everything that gets sent to camp! (Yes, we mean families should attempt to label each individual sock!). Please be sure that all labels are wash-proof and securely ironed, stuck, or sewn on.
“Celebrating a birthday at camp? You get to call home that day!… receive a birthday package!… and your whole cabin gets a delicious cookie cake after lunch or dinner!”
For some of our larger transportation days, there is a MASH table set up where medications are collected. For other day please USE BUS MAIL!
All medications sent to camp should be sent in their original containers with original labels. Pack all medications in a sealed container with this form completed and hand it to the counsellor on your child’s bus at departure on the first day of camp. Make sure to include an ample supply.
Your child’s health is of the utmost importance to us – please keep us well informed by using this procedure for even the most simple of medications.
Campers who wear eye-glasses or contact lenses are encouraged to send an extra pair of eye-glasses via Bus Mail to ensure that they will have a spare pair available.
Camp Walden includes the cost of all aspects of the program in its initial fees. Help us preserve a money-free environment by sending your children with no more than $40 for the one or two trips that they may take out of camp.
Although encouraged to bring no food to camp, campers are allowed a maximum of one plastic grocery bag’s amount of food at the beginning of their camp stay, and another on Visitors’ Day. For more information on our Food & Package Policy
Sending letters is a great way for campers to share their camp stories with back home. We always encourage campers to pack Stationary: paper, envelopes, stamps, prepared Walden email sheets, pens and/or pencils. To learn more about Emailed letters, please click here.
So exciting for your first-time camper to be joining us for the weekend! Starting camp is not only new for campers but for parents too; we’ve developed a really great information resource on our Walden Long Weekend Page, specifically packing. We encourage you to read everything about the WLW here.
New to Walden? Have a look at our Information Sessions or find out about our Discovery Programs.
Already registered? Make sure to fill out our Spring Registration Form so we have all of your up-to-date information.
