When my oldest child was ready to go to summer camp (week) for the first time, I needed advice.  I wasn't sure what to send with her.  Did I really need to buy a trunk?  What "fun stuff" could I send, what was on/off limits?  First, I checked with the camp, then I asked other parents that had already sent their child to the camp.  I did some research on the internet and found some great information.

If you have already sent a child to summer camp, please comment below with advice and recommendations that will help others.  Always check with your camp's policy on items they can bring.  Look over your camp's recommended packing list. 

1. Name Stamp - I highly recommend a permanent ink name stamp.  I put this stamp on EVERYTHING I sent with my daughter.  I put it on every piece of clothing, toiletry items, towels, sheets, sunscreen, books, journals, camera, etc.  Originally, I started off with a Sharpie permanent marker.  After writing her name on every  sock, starting with the regular marker (it was too thick and hard to read) to the thin marker (hard to write, had to go over again), I became frustrated.  Shortly after that, my sister told me about these stamps.  It came just in time to stamp everything before she left for camp.  It made it so easy, I probably stamped all of her items in the time it took me to write her name on 16 socks.  The ink does stay on the items even after 2 years of laundering.  This item is also great year round.  I have one for each child and I stamp socks so it easy to tell whose is whose.  Also, when we purchase school shirts or 2 of the same item, we stamp them.  This has resolved a small portion of our "sibling" disagreements.
2. Check your list of things to pack - Make sure you have a list of items recommended to pack from the camp.  I typically add extra items if we have room in her trunk.  I send extra underwear and socks, an extra pair of tennis shoes (in case of soreness or blisters), an extra bath towel set, an extra swim towel, etc.  If a towel or swim suit is drying, you have an extra one ready to go.  I also pack extra sunscreen and insect repellent, even with names, those tend to get lost.
3. Journal/Pen - I always send a new journal and pen.  They can write about what they did each day, they can write when they are upset or bothered.  Be sure to stress that it is not a locked diary and they should be careful about what they write, in case someone reads it.  I mentioned that if they use it to "vent" to state that in the writing and then finish with a positive statement about the person or event.  This allows them to vent frustrations and then close it with a positive statement.  I like to write a note on the inside to encourage writing in their journal each day.  When I leave a note for my kids inside, I remind them that I love them and miss them.  I remind them of the great opportunity they have at camp and to enjoy it because it goes by quickly.  If they are having a bad day, they can read their journal.  You can write in their journal about situations that may happen and ways to handle them.  I base these on their  personalities.  One may be shy and need encouragement another may get their feelings hurt easily.  Whatever "issues" your child deals with at school, they may have the same issues at camp.  I also encourage them to talk to one of their counselors if they need to.
4. Treats - I always stash a "surprise" plastic bag filled with "treats".  Some camps may let you send food or snack items, ours don't.  So, I send other "treats" like stickers, markers, paper, small games and camp activities.  My daughters group loved all the stickers and markers, they made some of their own stationary to send letters home.  Some would draw in their journals about what they did that day.
5. Write letters to your child before camp and leave onsite with days or sates to be given out with mail.  The camp my kids attend has something like this set up and a place for you to drop off when you arrive.  Shortly before my daughters friends went to camp, we had a "camp letter party".  I provided tons of stickers, stamps, markers, colored pencils, card stock paper, scissors, etc.  They wrote notes to each other and to other friends to give to the parents to send to camp.  I also emailed other friends and relatives and asked them to send a letter or email back a note that I could include.  Last year my daughters teacher sent a note and she loved it.  Instead of getting letters only from mom and dad, she had many notes from different people.  She also wrote letters to her friends she knew would be there.  It was a fun surprise.
6. Games/Books - Check with camp list to find out what is allowed.  We sent a few different card games and a book.
7. Electronics/Camera - The first year I sent several disposable cameras (stamped with her name).  Last year I purchased a digital camera for her to take.  I was very worried about sending it with her.  I was concerned she may lose it or break it.  She convinced me she was ready for this responsibility.  She came back with it and had some great pictures.  She took a lot more pictures because she wasn't concerned about it running out.  She ended up with a lot of bad pictures but a lot of great pictures too!  If you feel comfortable doing this and your child is responsible enough, I would recommend it.
8. Teach your child about lice and handling difficult situations.  Last year our cabin had lice going around but we didn't know it until they returned.  Luckily, my daughter was on the opposite side of that group and she did not get it.  Recently we talked about it and I reminded her that she noticed one of the campers constantly scratching her head and it got worse as the days went by.  The camper became miserable and wanted to go home.  I told my daughter that next year, if she notices a camper that is constantly scratching and seems very uncomfortable to discreetly bring it to her counselors attention.  She should pull the counselor away from the group and politely say that last year a camper ended up having lice and that you noticed another camper showing some signs.  You are not sure if they do but you wanted to bring it to the counselors attention.  Then they should let the counselor handle the situation.  I reminded her, that she should never point it out or bring attention to it.
9. Camper Cards - I made my daughter some "camper cards".  They were business cards with her name, address, phone and email.  These were for her to pass to her camp friends that she wanted to stay in touch with.  She loved them and passed them out to several of her new friends.  She was able to keep up with a couple over the school year.
10. Autograph Item - One year I sent a pillowcase for her friends and cabin mates to sign.  Another year I sent a small pillow.  You can send a mat frame and later choose a photo of the group and frame it.  Also, a t-shirt or pair of shorts is fun, too!  A boy may be able to bring a football or similar item to have signed.  Just make sure is is something that is allowed.

I am adding one more, because I recently found out about My Painted Trunk.  Owner, Amara realized that the trunk is a "canvas" that can be personalized with your child's name.  It can also express your child's passion for a sport or activity and include special reminders of family and friends.  I will be featuring Amara's story and My Painted Trunk on our "guest blog" this week.  I thought this would be a fun way to send your camper off.

If you have sent a child to summer camp, what do you wish you knew before?  Please comment below with camp advice or good information to share.