& Printables for Virginia Families

Sending your child to summer camp for the first time? Wondering what to pack, when to register, or how to survive the week while they're away? We've created seven free downloadable guides to make camp planning easier—from choosing the right program through drop-off day and beyond.

These printable checklists, calendars, and guides have helped thousands of Virginia families prepare for day camps, sleepaway camps, and specialty programs across the state. Download what you need, print them at home, and tackle camp season with confidence.

What's included:

• Age-specific packing lists (5-8, 9-12, teens) - Never forget bug spray, extra socks, or sunscreen again
• Camp countdown calendar - 8-week timeline so you know exactly what to do when
• 25 questions to ask before choosing a camp - Safety, supervision, policies that matter
• Camp Mom's Survival Kit - What to do with your time while they're away
• Parent's Survival Guide - Handling homesickness calls, visiting day, and emotions

All downloads are completely free. No email required (though we'd love to have you join our newsletter!).

Perfect for: First-time campers, day camps, short overnight programs

What's included:

• Clothing quantities for 3, 5, and 7-day sessions
• Toiletries young kids actually need (not the full adult list!)
• Comfort items for homesickness
• Labeling tips (because everything gets lost at camp)
• What NOT to pack (camps will confiscate these!)

Why parents love it: "My daughter went to her first sleepaway camp and we didn't forget a single thing. The labeling tips saved us—she actually came home with all her clothes!" - Sarah M., Richmond

Perfect for: Tweens, week-long camps, specialty programs

What's included:

• Clothing for active outdoor Virginia summers (breathable fabrics!)
• Rain gear for afternoon thunderstorms
• Bug spray and tick prevention essentials
• Flashlight, water bottle, and camp must-haves
• Tech policies (what electronics ARE allowed at most camps)

Why parents love it: "Before VSC, I was opening 30+ browser tabs trying to figure out what to pack. This saved me HOURS and my son had everything he needed." - Melissa D., Lynchburg

Perfect for: Teens, leadership programs, 2-week sessions

What's included:

• Age-appropriate toiletries and personal care
• What laundry supplies to send (if camp has laundry)
• Electronics policies at Virginia camps (most allow phones on specific days)
• Packing efficiently for longer sessions
• Items teens want vs. what they actually need

Why parents love it: "My teenager actually used this list and packed herself. First time that's ever happened!" - Kevin M., Fredericksburg

8 Weeks to Drop-Off Day

Stop scrambling at the last minute. This 8-week countdown calendar tells you exactly what to do each week before camp starts—from registration through packing day.

What's included:

• Week 8: Register and order name labels
• Week 6: Schedule doctor appointments for physicals
• Week 4: Buy gear and clothing
• Week 2: Pack and label everything
• Week 1: Final preparations and emotional prep
• Drop-off day: What to bring, what to say, when to leave

Why parents love it: "I printed this in January and stuck it on the fridge. We were so organized this year—no last-minute Target runs at 9pm!" - Amanda R., Arlington

Not all camps are created equal. Before you register, ask these 25 questions about safety, supervision, staff training, and policies that matter most to families.

Topics covered:

• Safety & supervision: Staff-to-camper ratios, background checks, emergency protocols
• Daily schedule: What a typical day looks like, free time vs. structured activities
• Food & allergies: How camps handle dietary restrictions and allergies
• Homesickness: Policies for phone calls, visits, and picking up early
• Red flags to watch for during camp tours and interviews

Why parents love it: "We were about to register at a camp that seemed perfect, but when we asked about their staff training, they got defensive. That question from your list saved us from a bad experience." - Priya K., Fairfax

Use this guide when:

• Touring camps in person
• Calling camp directors
• Comparing multiple options
• Making your final decision

Your child is at camp—now what? Survive the quiet house with ideas for reclaiming your time, managing "I miss them" feelings, and making the most of kid-free days.

What's included:

• Projects you've been postponing (organize those 2019 photos!)
• Errands you can finally do alone (Target without "Can we get this?!")
• Self-care menu: Basic (take a bath), Intermediate (yoga class), Advanced (weekend getaway!)
• Tips for resisting the urge to call camp every day
• How to handle your OWN emotions about them being gone

You have approximately 168 hours of (relative) freedom. Here's how to make them count.

Why parents love it: "I laughed out loud at 'grocery shop in peace' and 'actually browse at bookstore.' These are the things that matter!" - Nicole T., McLean

Homesickness, Visiting Day & More

Your child WILL call homesick. Here's what to say (and what NOT to say), plus tips for surviving visiting day, managing your emotions, and trusting camp staff.

What's covered:

• The homesick phone call: Scripts for what to say when they're crying
• When to worry vs. when to trust camp: Red flags vs. normal adjustment
• Visiting day dos and don'ts: How not to make it worse
• Letter writing tips kids will actually read
• What to do when YOU'RE the one struggling

Why parents love it: "The advice about the homesick call literally saved our camp experience. My daughter called on day 2 sobbing, and I knew exactly what to say thanks to this guide. She ended up staying the whole week and loved it." - Lauren B., Charlottesville

First-Time Camp Parents:

1. Start with 25 Questions to Ask to choose the right camp
2. Use Camp Countdown Calendar after registering
3. Download the age-appropriate packing list 2 weeks before camp
4. Read Parent's Survival Guide before drop-off
5. Keep Camp Mom's Survival Kit for while they're away

Veteran Camp Parents:

Even if your child has been to camp before, these downloads help you:

• Stay organized with the countdown calendar
• Ensure you're not forgetting anything (packing lists)
• Prepare for new challenges (older kids, longer sessions)

Print & Share:

Feel free to print multiple copies, share with friends, or forward to your co-parent. We just ask that you don't modify or sell them—and if you share online, please link back to this page so other families can find them too!

I'm Jennifer Bryerton, M.A.Ed., publisher of VirginiaSummerCamp.com and CharlottesvilleFamily Magazine. For over 15 years, I've organized the CharlottesvilleFamily Camp Expo, where I've talked with thousands of families about their camp experiences—the amazing moments and the stressful ones.

These downloads solve the problems I heard over and over:

• "I didn't know what to pack and forgot half the essentials."
• "I wish I'd asked more questions before registering."
• "The homesick call caught me completely off guard."
• "I felt so lost the week my daughter was at camp."

If these guides help even one family have a smoother, less stressful camp experience, they've done their job.

Ready to find the perfect camp for your child?

Search by location, age, interest, and camp type to compare day camps, overnight camps, and specialty programs across Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic.

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