The Evolution of the Summer Camp Backpack

These seemed fuller a few weeks ago. 

Backpack contents, first week of summer camp:

• Swimsuit and freshly laundered towel.

• Sunscreen – spray for body, lotion for the face because it covers better and we’re Irish.

• Bug spray.

• Extra outfit.

• Sweatshirt for chilly mornings.

• Lunch with lovingly crafted handwritten note.

• Snacks. All the snacks.

• Insulated water bottle. Do you want ice? Here, have some ice.

• Favorite book.

• Stuffed animal(s) for emotional support.

• Extra sunscreen.

• Extra towel, as the first one will most definitely be lost.

• Sun hat.

• Sneakers if kid wants to wear sandals, sandals if kid wants to wear sneakers.

• Raincoat.

• Sunglasses.

• Basically everything else in their bedroom.

Backpack contents, last week of summer camp:

• Do you even swim at this camp?

• Because, we lost all the towels, so if you do swim, you'll have to just stand in the sun.

• Same extra outfit from week one, never used, now mummified in bag.

• Water bottle, half full, pulled off car floor. Just fill it when you get there.

• No, no books or toys. Just be outside. It’ll be zero degrees out for the next eight months.  

• Dirt.

• Beads, one feather, other mysterious craft project remains.

• All the snacks.