This is the fifth in a series of emails & blog posts covering important topics about sending your child to camp. The other topics are listed below.
Parent Play-by-Play #5: Packing & Gear
We want to make packing for camp as easy as possible, which is why we’ve created a thorough packing list with sections for each Core Sport. Click here to download a PDF of the packing list.
What should my child pack?
Packing Information
The following information is meant to serve as a guide to help answer any questions about what your child should bring to camp. We encourage you to use your best judgment about your child’s needs in helping him or her to pack thoroughly, yet efficiently.
It is critical that you write your child’s name on all clothing and linens. Camp is not responsible for lost or damaged items.
For easy labeling, check out Label Daddy and use code “MACCABI”
Even though we provide laundry during the session, we still encourage campers to pack clothes for a minimum of 14 days. If your child is coming for Rookie Camp (5-6 days), adjust accordingly but note that laundry is not done during their time at camp. Given the active sports schedule, campers tend to need more than 1 shirt, socks, etc. for each day.
Shabbat Attire
On Friday evening of our Shabbat celebration, all campers and staff members are asked to dress in a clean, white shirt (polo, t-shirt, button down, etc.) Please note that you do not need to purchase new clothes for Shabbat; any clean, white shirt will suffice. Pants, shorts, and skirts do not need to be white.
On Saturdays, we have a tradition called Shabbat ShaJERSEY where our community puts on their favorite team’s jersey to create a rainbow of fandom. All jerseys are encouraged from your AYSO kit to the Authentic City Connect MLB Jersey. Where those colors with pride!
Sports Equipment, Clothing, and Footwear
Campers will spend 3+ hours each day at their Core Sport so it is essential that they have comfortable, appropriately fitting clothes for their sport. Shoes and cleats brought to camp should be broken in to ensure proper comfort and fit. Campers must wear appropriate clothing and footwear at all times.
In addition to the necessary gear for their specific Core Sport, we strongly encourage campers to bring gear for other sports, such as a baseball glove, cleats and/or tennis racquet.
See our Packing List in CampInTouch or download a PDF here for more information on what is recommended for each sport.
What items are not allowed at camp?
Items to Leave at Home
- Clothing with inappropriate logos or words such as references to alcohol, drug, or profanity
- Weapons of any kind
- Food, candy, gum
- Cell phones, personal video gaming devices, or any devices with screens, internet or cellular abilities (see Electronic Policy in Parent Handbook for more details)
Linens & Bedding
Campers are strongly encouraged to bring their own bedding, when possible. The mattresses at camp are twin XL (39” W x 80” L). In addition to a fitted sheet, campers should bring a top sheet and blanket, or a sleeping bag if they prefer. They will also need a pillow, pillowcase, and 2-3 towels (1-2 for showering and 1 for pool use.)
If campers are flying to camp and/or unable to bring their own bedding, camp will provide a complete linen package, which includes two sheets, blanket, pillow, pillowcase, towels, and a washcloth. It is not necessary to request a linen package in advance. When your camper arrives, we will check to see if they need sheets, towels, etc. and provide them accordingly. There are no additional charges for the linen package.
Forgotten Items
If your child forgot a necessary item, you can mail it to camp with “Forgotten Item” written clearly on the package and we will deliver it to your child.
Will my child be able to do laundry at camp?
Laundry Service
We provide laundry service to all campers, at no additional cost. Laundry will be done once during each session, picked up on Day 8/9 and returned Day 9/10. Your camper should bring enough clothes to last 12-14 days, but keep in mind that campers are very active and may change clothes more than once each day, particularly items like socks and t-shirts. It is very likely that campers laundry will be bundled by room, so it is very important to label each item of your child’s clothing.
While we strive to provide excellent laundry service, we strongly discourage campers from bringing expensive clothes or items that require delicate or special care. Camp is not responsible for items lost during laundry.
Weather
The average daytime temperature at camp ranges from the mid-70’s to the high 80’s. It can be cooler in the evenings with the temperature dropping into the 50’s. Sweatshirts, sweatpants, and other warm items are encouraged for pre-breakfast and post-dinner time.
Eye Care
If your child wears glasses or contacts, please send them with extras, as these items are occasionally broken or misplaced at camp.
Electronics
At Maccabi Sports Camp one of our key goals is to help campers forge new friendships and connect with their cabin mates and counselors. We want every camper and counselor to be an active participant in the daily life of camp and to not simply attend each activity but be present for every activity.
In order to do this, we ask that camp remain a place for campers to “unplug” from the electronics that they use daily at home and at school.
We do not allow any devices that can make or receive a phone call; play a video game, DVD, or movie; access the internet; or send/receive email or instant messages. A general rule of thumb is: any device with a screen is not allowed. (The only exception to this is digital cameras and e-readers like a Kindle.)
Campers are allowed to bring small music devices without screens, such as the iPod shuffle. Please note that we cannot be held responsible for lost or damaged items.
Other Policies
Please review the Parent Handbook in CampInTouch to review camp policies regarding bringing food, money & valuables to camp and drugs, alcohol & tobacco. We also encourage you to review Appendix I for the Terms & Conditions that you signed upon completion of the Camper Application.
To view all of the topics in the Parent Play-by-Play series, click here.
