What to bring each day?
Other than a good night’s rest and a well-round breakfast, your camper will need the following (please LABEL EVERYTHING!):
Camp T-shirt
We have camp shirts for several reasons, the most important is safety. With all the campers in the same shirt, it makes identification in a public space much easier. We know which campers at the park are with "camp" and which campers aren't. Also, with camp shirts, everyone is on the same team. There are no wardrobe comparisons, no treasured shirts to get paint on, etc. We know wearing the same shirt each day may get a little stinky if you don't have time to wash it each night, so we do offer you a chance to purchase an additional camp shirt at minimal cost during the online camp registration process.
Campers are not to alter their t-shirts during camp. However, on Friday they may sign their t-shirts. Campers must ask other campers for permission before signing other t-shirts. Some may not want their shirts signed.
Camp Backpack
Each camper will receive a camp backpack, which will be used to contain the following:
- Their reusable/refillable water bottle labeled with their name on it
- Sunscreen with them to re-apply. However, they may not share their sunscreen due to possible allergies
- A sweatshirt if it's cold, with your daughter's name on it
- Medication if necessary (form will need to be filled out and kept with our Health Supervisor)
Shoes: Closed-toe shoes: tennis shoes/sneakers (no Crocs or wheelies/heelies please)
Lunch in an insulated bag to stay cool.
A hat is a good idea too.
FRIDAY ONLY: SWAPS (it's recommended to bring 25 SWAPS)
What not to bring each day?
- Campers are not to bring electronic devices. Cell phones will be collected and safely stored. Adults will be provided a camp contact number for reaching the camper through the camp director in case of an emergency. If your camper requires an electronic watch for gps tracking/peace of mind, please ensure all games and other functions have been turned off. Be prepared for it to get dirty, wet, and possible paint splatters.
- Please leave stuffed animals and blankets at home. When children insist on bring toys, sometimes reminding them that whatever they bring they must be willing to share it with others and they should accept the possibility of it being broken or damaged, then they tend to change their minds, and choose to leave the toy safe at home. Sometimes it works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is there any food or snack provided? Will my camper be able to refill a water bottle?
A. It is our goal to provide a cooking station during week but this will hardly suffice a meal. However, due to increased allergies in our population, and since this is a half-day camp, we do not provide any food. Campers are asked to bring a snack and lunch every day, which they will eat with their patrol. Every day we also purchase lots of ice. Water coolers are refilled often and kept cold. Campers should have a refillable water bottled labeled clearly with their name.
Q. Can I drop my camper off early?
A. No. We do not have adequate supervision for campers prior to camp’s designated starting time. Our volunteers are getting ready for the day's activities. Please do NOT bring your camper to the park expecting to sign them in early. If you cannot be there to be responsible for them, be sure you have arrangements with another adult. You must authorize that adult to sign your daughter in/out on your registration forms.
Q. Can campers modify their t-shirts and are there guidelines?
A. Your camp shirt identifies you as part of Sequoia Day Camp. We request that you don't modify your camp shirt until after camp ends. PAs who modify their shirts will be asked to leave and will not complete the award they are working towards. Campers who modify their shirts will need to purchase a new shirt.
Q. What are SWAPS? How many SWAPS should my daughter make at home to bring to camp the designated day?
SWAPS are a Girl Scout tradition that goes back many years. The acronym SWAPS stands for “Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere.” These SWAPS can be anything you would like (but please no food due to potential allergies). They should be handmade, not cost a lot of money to make, and definitely don’t need to be “perfect." Although many SWAPS have safety pins and are designed to be pinned to vests or sashes, SWAPS don’t have to be a pin. They can be necklaces, bracelets, patches, or other small items. On Friday, your camper will be able to swap SWAPS with other campers they meet as a small token of friendship! We recommend each camper makes about 25 SWAPS.