Got a first-time camper this year? Going to the first overnight camp may have you googling all the things you need to be thinking about to help prepare your kiddo to have a great experience. We get it.
Your child may be anxious before camp, but rest assured that your camper will be in good hands at Camp Kurios. And when you come to pick your child up at the end of camp, we bet they won’t be ready to leave, and will already be making plans to attend again next year! Until then, here are some tips to ensure your camper has a positive experience.
1. Use Your Parenting Savvy to Prevent Homesickness
Whatever you do, do not make a “pick-up deal.” Promising “if you feel homesick, I’ll come and get you” undermines your child’s confidence and dramatically intensifies homesickness. Yep, it does.
Instead, normalize your child’s anxiety. Speak bravery into your little one and how proud you are of them for doing new things even though it seems scary at first.
And talk positively about camp, the friends they’ll make, and the fun they’ll have. ☺
2. Double Check Dates & Times
Start camp off on a smooth note by arriving during the designated registration time and on the right day! And on the day camp ends, be sure to arrive on time so your camper isn’t the last kid around after all the others have gone home. Go ahead and make a note of the drop off and pick up times for your session now. 🕒
3. Use our Ultimate Packing List
Double check the Camp Kurios packing list. Many seasons of experience have helped us refine the packing list to include all the essentials. So, if it says “tennis shoes,” don’t send them with only a paid of flip flops. 👟👟
Pro tip: The Kurios dress code was updated in 2026, so make note and pack accordingly.
4. Label EVERYTHING
It’s easy to lose things at camp. Kids tend to leave stuff all over the place. If you want to improve their chances of bringing all their stuff back home, everything has got to have your camper’s name on it. Label everything from t-shirts and socks, to towels and toothpaste.
Also, leave expensive and irreplaceable items at home. And your camper does not need any cash while they are at camp.
Pro tip: When you’re picking your camper up, be sure to check the lost-and-found on closing day. The top 4 items left at camp include Bibles, towels, t-shirts and socks. 👕🧦
5. Remember to Bring Bedding & Pillow
The beds at Camp Kurios have twin-sized mattresses, and you will be responsible for packing your camper’s bedding. We recommend a set of twin sheets, a blanket, and a pillow. The cabins are air conditioned and stay nice and cool at night, so warm bedding will be welcome. If you plan to send a sleeping bag instead of sheets, you might want to also send a sheet just to cover the mattress. 🛏
Bonus Tip! Leave the Cell Phone at Home
Camp would not be camp if everyone was connected to their phones, iPads, and Nintendo DS’ instead of connecting with real, live people. No electronics are allowed for campers, so help our Camp staff avoid uncessessary friction on this with this by leaving your camper’s cell phone, gaming devices, iPad, etc at home. 📵 LET THEM BE FREE!
Don’t worry, you can still contact us at camp! We actively monitor our Facebook messages throughout camp so that is a great way to get in touch. Also, our directors and counselors will have cell phones and you are welcome to exchange numbers with your camper’s counselor at drop off. The emergency contact number for the Camp Harris facility is also included on our Guidelines page.
Camp Kurios is going to be a great adventure and we can’t wait to welcome your camper this summer!
🤸♂️🚣♀️🌲
