What to Pack for Summer Camp

Camp Lakota Packing List

Packing for camp is one of those tasks that’s easier with a clear list and a few things to keep in mind. Use this page alongside our downloadable packing list to make sure your child arrives ready for everything a Lakota summer has to offer.

Important Reminders Before You Pack

Label Everything

All clothing and gear must be labeled with your camper’s full name — either with a nametape label, a stamp, or permanent ink. Items that aren’t labeled get lost. This is the single most important packing step.

Pack Practical, Not Perfect

Camp is an active, outdoor environment. Clothing that is comfortable, machine-washable, and able to withstand everyday camp life is strongly recommended. Items may get torn or stained — pack accordingly. There’s no need to exceed the suggested quantities on the packing list: Camp Lakota has an on-premises laundry service that collects, washes, dries, and returns clothing once per week.

Pack Something a Little Nicer

Throughout the summer there are dances, socials, and an end-of-summer banquet — campers may want one or two nicer outfits set aside for those occasions.

Clothing & Bedding

Pack comfortable, durable, and machine-washable clothing suited to active outdoor camp life. For bedding, our mattresses are 73″ x 30″ — standard twin bedding fits. See the full packing list for recommended quantities.

Footwear

We recommend bringing a pair of boots with a heel. These are ideal for horseback riding, hiking, and rainy days. Please note: per New York State Board of Health regulations, campers must wear a shoe with a minimum heel height of 1″ for horseback riding — boots are the easiest way to meet this requirement.

Sports Equipment

Camp Lakota has everything campers need for sports and activities on campus. That said, if your child would like to bring their favorite baseball glove, tennis racket, or similar personal item, they are welcome to.

Campers wishing to rollerblade or skateboard should bring their own equipment along with an approved helmet and appropriate elbow and knee pads. Rollerblading, roller hockey, and skateboarding are only permitted in our approved, supervised areas — helmets and pads are required.

Electronics Policy: Screen-Free Campus

Camp Lakota is a fully screen-free campus, and we take this seriously; it’s one of the things that makes a Lakota summer genuinely different.

• Cell phones, tablets, laptops, iPods with screens, and all other internet-connected devices are not permitted during the session.
• Campers may keep their phones for the bus ride to camp, but all devices must be handed in on arrival. They are carefully labeled and safely stored in the camp office, and returned at the end of the session.
• Campers may bring iPods or other music-only players, as long as they cannot connect to the internet.

If you have any questions about a specific device, call us at (845) 888-5611 before packing.