Download the What to Pack List Here.

Pack With Your Camper 

Packing with your child is a great opportunity to build excitement about camp and to talk about any concerns your camper may have about their upcoming camp experience. Plus, you can make sure they pack everything that they need to bring and leave the stuff that should stay home, at home. 

Use the “What to Pack” Checklist 

Use the checklist when you pack. Once you are all packed, tuck the checklist in your campers luggage and instruct them to use it when they pack their stuff at the end of the week. That way, they have a way to make sure they’ve got everything they came with and are leaving nothing behind. 

What to Pack Your Stuff In 

Pack your stuff so that your camper(s) can carry it a short distance to their cabin. Storage space in the cabins is limited. Soft-sided luggage, like a duffle bag or backpack, that can be easily stuffed under beds or in small spaces is ideal. 

Label Everything 

Put your camper’s first and last name on everything using a permanent marker. Be sure to label your camper’s luggage. If your camper loses something, it may turn up in lost and found. Unclaimed items are disposed of or donated to charity two weeks after your campers session ends. 

Pack Appropriate Attire for Camp 

Pack clothing that is comfortable in hot weather, suitable for outdoor play, and has the potential to get wet and dirty. Campers should not pack suggestive or revealing outfits nor articles of clothing that promote alcohol, tobacco, drug use, sexual behavior, or contain inappropriate language. 

A Note About Swimsuits 

It is recommended that campers wear one-piece suits, swim trunks, or board shorts. Campers may wear T-shirts in the pool or lake over their swimsuits if they would feel more comfortable doing so. Remember that campers will be participating in activities at the lake on inflatables and in the pool that require climbing and jumping. 

If You Are Bringing Medications to Camp 

All medications (prescription, non prescription, and over-the-counter) remain with and are dispensed by the Healthcare Staff. Please pack your medications separately from your luggage so you will be able to easily access them and turn them into the Healthcare Staff during Check-In. 

Should I Write to my Camper? 

YES!! Nothing makes a camper’s day like receiving a letter from home. Parents are encouraged to write to their campers regularly while they are at camp. To help you save on postage, you can “pre-write” your message and drop them off with the staff on Check-In day. Mail collected at Check-In will be delivered throughout the week. Mail is distributed daily at lunch. Mail sent via the post office should be sent 2 weeks prior to our camper’s session. To mail your camper a letter use the following address: 

Camp Johnsonburg 

Camper Name, Camp Name, & Cabin 

822 Route 519 

Johnsonburg, NJ 07825 

Can I send an email to my camper? 

A “One-Way Email” service is provided at no cost. Instructions for using this service will be handed out to you at Check-In. Email is delivered everyday at lunch. The best messages are ones where you tell your camper how proud you are of them and how you are looking forward to hearing about their time at camp. Refrain from telling your camper how much you miss them, or other phrases that might make them homesick. It’s always good to close with “See you Friday” (or whatever day your camper’s session ends). Remember, campers do not have access to a computer at camp and won’t respond to your email (unless they write a letter home). Note: Only text is printed, no pictures please. Please be environmentally sensitive and know that every email you send uses at least one full piece of paper. 

Can I send my camper a care package? 

Care packages that do not contain candy or food are great! Campers are served delicious and nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day while at camp. Including food or candy in care packages only encourages insects and critters to find their way into cabins and other places where they don’t belong and may contain allergens that other campers are sensitive to. Suggestions: embroidery floss for friendship bracelets, glow bracelets/sticks, facepaint to share, items for a cabin party, etc. 

What are the policies related to telephone calls and campers having cell phones? 

During camp, staff work hard to build a sense of community among campers. The program, activities, and experiences are designed for campers so that they can “get away” from the distractions and the “busy-ness” of the everyday world, be in a place apart, and connect with the Holy Spirit in nature. Camp is also a time of self-discovery and testing out one’s independence. Experience has shown that allowing campers to have telephone contact with friends or family in the “real world” detracts from the camp experience, is counter-productive to Camp Johnsonburg’s mission goals, and disrupts the ability to build community at camp. For these reasons campers are not permitted to carry cell phones or make or receive phone calls (unless accompanied by a staff member after consultation with the camp director). 

Know that if a situation involving your camper arises that warrants parental involvement, be it severe homesickness, a behavioral issue, or a healthcare concern, we will contact you as soon as possible. If you have an emergency and you need to contact your child, please call the camp office at 908-852-2349. 

Can I visit my camper at camp? 

For many of the same reasons outlined above related to the policy on telephone calls, Camp Johnsonburg strongly discourage visitors to camp during camp sessions. Parents and visitors are welcome and encouraged to tour Camp Johnsonburg prior to your camper’s session. Call the office to schedule a tour! 

Discuss the camp’s policies with your camper beforehand.

Make sure your camper understands what the policies are and that they have to honor them. 

Talk with your camper about their concerns and what they are looking forward to.

Acknowledge your camper’s concerns positively. Let them know that you understand that if they are anxious, unsure, or nervous and that it is okay to feel that way. Resist the temptation to “rescue” your child from homesickness. Acknowledge in a positive way that you will miss your camper and you are confident that they will be able to complete the camp session. 

Pack together with your camper.

Pack things with your camper that they will be comfortable wearing. Pack a flashlight with lots of extra batteries. Pack a favorite stuffed animal or storybook for bedtime. Use the packing list that Camp Johnsonburg sends you.

Let your camper know that the camp staff is there to help them.

Make sure they understand that if they have a problem, they should let their counselor know. 

Prepare your camper for spending time away from home at camp.

Visit the Camp Johnsonburg website with your camper and look at pictures. Encourage your camper to ask questions about camp. Practice being away from home overnight. Have a sleep out in the backyard or at a friend’s house 

Avoid making deals or bribes.

For example, avoid saying, “If you don’t like it, Mommy will come and pick you up” or “If you stay at camp, Daddy will get you a new bike when you come home.” 

Avoid statements or actions that conflict with camp policies.

Avoid saying things like “If you get homesick, you can call me”, when camp has a policy that does not permit campers to call home, or allowing your child to pack a digital music play, e-reader, or cell phone when the packing lists says leave it at home. 

Avoid sending your camper to camp during a disruptive home situation.

For example, in situations where a child has just joined your family, their Grandparent died last week, or parents just got a divorce, it’s best to give your camper time to adjust. Check with Camp Johnsonburg to see if it’s possible to switch to a session later in the summer or to reschedule for next summer. 

Avoid keeping helpful information from camp staff about your camper.

By providing the Camp Johnsonburg staff with as much information as possible, you help them help your camper. Having information ahead of time saves them from having to “troubleshoot” a puzzling situation in search of a solution. Instead, they can be proactive. As their caregivers for the week, please share what we should know (e.g., bedwetting, preferences, fears, etc.) 

Avoid taking your camper off of prescription medications for their week of camp.

Camp is a less structured environment that your child may be used to at school. Children are more active and stay up later at camp. If you camper requires medication while at home under normal circumstances, it is beneficial for them to remain on those medications and continue a routine the body’s metabolism is familiar with!