If your children are still planning to head off to camp this summer, here are some suggestions from veteran campers and seasoned camp directors about what to take and what not to take along.

Things to take to camp:

¢ Family or pet photos

¢ Pre-addressed and stamped postcards to send home

¢ An extra pair of glasses, if worn

¢ A favorite blanket

¢ A battery-operated lantern that can light up a room

¢ A packable folding chair such as one from Crazycreek.com

Things to leave at home:

¢ New sneakers (unless you don’t care if they get trashed)

¢ Fine jewelry

¢ Good watch (substitute an inexpensive, water-resistant style)

¢ Expensive cameras (a disposable is best)

¢ Anything irreplaceable

¢ Toiletries in glass bottles (unbreakables only)

¢ Food

Don’t bring too many things from your bedroom; it will remind you of home and could trigger homesickness

Other packing tips:

¢ Some camps suggest trunks, but many moms say duffel bags are the way to go because they are easier to store under beds.

¢ Pack using the camp’s own list, checking off items as you put them in the trunk or duffel. Make a copy of the list for your child and include it in their bag so they will know what they came with and hopefully return home with the same things.

¢ Send old towels. They are likely to be dragged through the mud and left in the rain.