There was a wonderfully specific packing list provided, separated by columns according to the season and the duration of your visit. So it seemed reasonable that I would leave the list with my boy while I ran out to procure a few of the suggested items that we did not have on hand. I highlighted the things that I expected him to assemble while I was out:
4 pairs of underwear
6 pairs of socks
2 pairs of tennis shoes (no uggs or converse – uh oh)
6 t-shirts and 2 long sleeved t-shirts
2 sweatshirts and 1 jacket
1 towel and 1 face cloth
2 pairs of pajamas
Wool socks/extra socks
Long underwear
I planned to put the rest together myself, figuring that things like toiletries, gear, and outerwear should be monitored by an adult.
He took the list as I headed out on a quest for real sneakers, snow pants, and gloves. Before I got to my car, I heard him calling:
MOM. What’s a face cloth?
Oh, that just means washcloth.
Why would I need that?
My baby’s off to sixth grade camp.
He did okay with his packing, although the only sweater-type item of clothing he brought was a cotton sweatshirt that we bought at seaworld about 3 years ago. I made a few suggestions, got him a bigger bag, then organized everything and talked to him a little about how to layer up for warmth. He had mildly disconcerting number of questions, so we had ourselves a tutorial. Long johns, long sleeved t-shirt & jeans, fleece, flannel, coat. Then I showed him what was in the dob kit, asked him to please brush his teeth. I get it about the shower, I do. He’s been told that there are stall showers, but his understanding is that he’d have to open the door to grab his towel, and then walk to wherever his clothes were, and he’s simply having no part of that. Whatever, it’s not like going five days without a shower would be newsworthy.
So, he’s ready. No phones, no computer, no tv, no school. His activities will include a high ropes course, octopus dissection, a night hike, a leap of faith, balloon rescue, astronomy, and outdoor survival skills. There’s snow in the forecast. He's ready.
Bye bye, baby.
sounds exciting!
ReplyDeletecan't wait to see what he bring back untouched.
When my boy was your boy's age, he went to boy scout camp for a week. A similar list was provided and I packed each of the 5 days in a separate ziploc bag so it would be easy to find what was needed each day. Upon his arrival home, I went to unload his bag to do laundry...where I found all 5 ziploc bags still full of fresh clothes. His leader is our dentist, so I asked him what happened, and he replied, "I did make sure they brushed their teeth each day."
Guess the wildlife don't care if you smell bad :-)
Aw. Your boy is all grown up. What an adventure -- and what great activities! A balloon rescue! And a nighttime hike will be perfect with that big fat almost-full moon up there.
ReplyDeleteOh, I love this. Can't wait to hear all the detes. Especially about the shower.
Ellie
(That's hilarious, Central PA. I can just imagine him pushing those clean fresh bags to the side every day. "Nope, don't need that today.")
He'll love it. When our 6th graders go on their overnight trip they always say the dorm is the best part...Hope he keeps warm. love, mom
ReplyDeleteNo uggs or converse?! C'mon --what's he expected to wear during his off time?
ReplyDeleteHe will have a blast, no doubt about it, although I, too, am anxoiusly awaiting news about the shower situation. I bet he takes one, but then, what do I know about 6th grade boys? Nothing! (I can't believe Central PA's son didn't bust into even one of the clean, lovingly packed bags of clean clothes!)
Hope you don't miss him too desperately!
xo,
Beth