Packing for camp
Packing for camp can be a headache, whether it's your first year or your tenth!
Before anything, our first tip is labelling all items!
Once you get to packing are definitely several things to consider:
How you're getting to camp; arriving by car generally allows you to bring more items than if you had to fly or take a train (see the dedicated section below if this applies to you).
What type of luggage you're bringing your things in (trunk, plastic tub, suitcase, dufflebag, backpack, etc.).
Camp weather
Choosing what type of luggage to take
-
Plastic Bins
Plastic bins are a great option if you're driving to camp. They're easy to carry, lightweight and can help you keep things organized. A clear bin can also make finding items easier.
-
Suitcases
Suitcases are a very good option, whatever your means of transport. Like plastic bins, they're relatively light and easy to carry. A suitcase with several compartments can help keep your things easy to find.
-
Duffle Bags
Duffle bags are a versatile option; depending on size, they can allow you to bring everything in one or two bags. They can be particularly handy if you're packing your bedding; once empty, these bags fold up and take up very little space under the bed.
-
Trunks
Although travel trunks are part of the stereotypical camp experience, they can be very heavy (even empty) and difficult to transport from one place to another., including making it difficult to pull them out from under the bed. They can also be very expensive, and we don't generally recommend them.
Unless you already have one at home, it's probably not the best option.
-
... and a mix!
you can also mix and match!
A suitcase and a duffle bag; two plastic bins and a small suitcase, a travel trunk and a small duffle bag, and so on. The combinations are endless!
Bed height
Most beds at camp comfortably fit bins or luggage that is 14 inches high. Keep that in mind when choosing what you’ll be packing your things in.
Some beds can be propped up by about an inch using bed blocks but not all, and not every cabin has those beds.
Bear in mind that what you bring must fit under your single bed; and some cabins have bunk beds, so you may have to share this space.
Laundry
Campers can do laundry once a week; this means that you don’t have to plan on bringing enough underwear for each day you’ll be at camp. Laundry is free and done for you.
Rather than bringing a lot of the same items; try varying the types of clothes; warm and light, short and long, etc. (See section about the weather below)
Labeling items
Labeling items is a very important thing to do before packing. Not only does it ensure that items forgotten around camp can find their way back to the camper while they’re at camp, but also help us reunite you with your items if they are left behind after camp ends.
You can purchase labels from Mabel’s Labels; use coupon CAMPOUAREAU10 for 10% off regular price label products. (Does not apply to stamps, ornaments, or any other products already on sale)
Independent play
Pack things that your camper can do on their own during down times like siesta or in the morning if they wake up before rising bell.
Things like books, magazines, colouring books, small games, crosswords & similar games , etc. are great because they don’t take up too much space!
Weather at Camp
The weather at camp is often referred to as "Wacky Ouareau Weather" - situated at the end of an 8 km lake and nestled between mountains, we experience temperatures and weather that change very quickly. It's common to have sun, rain, clouds and more sun - all in the same afternoon!
June
June is often characterized by cooler mornings and evenings and comfortable days. Although it rains occasionally, it's typically nothing major.
This is the time of year when there are the most mosquitoes - luckily, that’s when our staff training is, so as a camper, you don’t have to worry too much about it! Still, don’t forget your bug spray!
July
July is often our hottest and hottest month. It typically rains less than in June and August.
It's at this time of summer that the sun is at its strongest, and while it's always important to wear sunscreen, it's essential in July.
Août
August is the month of extremes: it can be cold at night and in the morning, then very hot from around 9am until sunset. So we often go from coats and toques to shorts and t-shirts in a snap.
It's also the month when we typically see the most rain; and thunderstorms, though they tend to happen at night or around dinner time, when everyone is already inside.
If you’re flying in or taking the train…
There's a few things listed that we can provide for campers who are flying in or coming by train to Montréal so you don't have to worry about packing those bulkier items:
Linens & bedding
Towels
Sleeping bag
Life jacket
We do have pillows if you don't want to bring your own but having your own pillow can be nice. If you're gonna bring one bulky item, we’d strongly suggest the pillow.
The packing list is generous in terms of clothing and you can probably bring a bit less since you can do laundry once a week but we would recommend bringing items that you can layer to keep warm and also light clothing for the hot days. Don’t stress too much about it, use the list as a base to start from.