The BLC Blog

Dear Brant Lake Families,

  Spring is here, and that means camp is getting closer by the day. We couldn’t be more excited! Since this is your son’s first summer at BLC, you’re probably starting to think: what do I need to pack? We’re here to help and wanted to give you a few tips as you start to shop and pack for your son’s first summer!  

Less is more (really)
One of the most common first-timer mistakes is overpacking what we commonly refer to as “bunk junk.” This is the extra stuff, games and toys that sit in drawers and never get touched. The reality is, our boys spend almost no time in their bunks. He’ll be too busy having the time of his life and playing outside to play with all the extra games and toys. A streamlined duffel means less to manage, less to lose, and more room for the things that actually matter.  

What he will go through: socks and underwear
If there’s one place to over-pack, it’s here. We know it sounds funny, but trust us on this one — pack more socks and underwear than you think is reasonable, then add a few more pairs. One of the great mysteries of camp is how these items disappear the fastest. You’ll thank yourself later. And be sure to label even the socks!

  Label everything
We mean everything. If it can be labeled, label it. This is the single best thing you can do to help us help him keep track of his stuff. Things get left around camp all the time and laundry is done by bunk (the whole bunk gets mixed and washed together). It is really common for campers to have similar looking items and labels help us get items back to your son if misplaced.  

Get the bed set-up right 
Lots of parents are tempted to send giant pillows and rugs for the bedside. In our experience, we find these things get gross fast. Camp provides sheets and pillows, so no need to send these (although you are welcome to if you prefer your own). Please only send blankets and extra bedding that can fit in a standard washing machine and avoid sending any rugs (they get gross enough to throw out almost immediately). Our camp beds have underbed drawers already and your son will have plenty of cubbies and dresser drawers for his clothes. What we do suggest: a few things to personalize the area around his bed. One of our personal favorites is a collage-style poster (you can print at Shutterfly, CVS, or any photo store) with his favorite photos from home. His counselors will hang it up for him and it will make his bed feel like his.  

Send items ready to go
We ask that you please send things pre-assembled and ready to go. Put batteries in the flashlight. Attach the clip to the water bottle. Assemble the mini basketball hoop. The less your son (and his counselors) have to figure out on day one, the better. Small things like this make a big difference when he’s settling in.  

We also suggest sending his envelopes pre-addressed and stamped. While we check letters before they go out, this step means he can spend more time writing details for you instead of on the envelope.  

His teddy bear can come to camp too!
Be sure to pack his favorite stuffed animal or blanket. It’s completely normal, and plenty of campers (of all ages!) have something from home that makes bedtime feel a little cozier.  

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re standing in Target wondering whether to grab the 12-pack or the 24-pack of socks. (Get the 24-pack.) We are genuinely always happy to hear from you.  

Stay tuned for our next email, where we’ll be talking about creating space for independence and how you can help set him up for an amazing summer. June 27th is coming fast!  

Warmly,
The BLC Directors

• Dear Brant Lake Families,
  
  We are so excited for your sons to join us at BLC this summer. Our entire team is counting down the days to June and busy making plans for what we know will be an incredible summer.
  
  If you’re a first-time camp parent, we also know this milestone can come with a few nerves. That’s completely normal. To help you feel prepared and confident, we’ll be sending a series of emails this spring to guide you through everything you need to know as your son heads off to his summer home for the first time.
  
  Handling Pre-Camp Nerves – for Kids and Parents
  
  Leaving home for the first time can bring up some jitters for campers, but often even more so for parents. While it’s natural to feel nervous, we’ve found that projecting positivity and excitement goes a long way. Your son will take his cues from you. If you’re excited about this new adventure, he will be too!
  
  

  Here are a few ways to help build that excitement:

  • Talk about the fun stuff. Camp is a huge, exciting milestone! Chat about the activities he’ll try, the friends he’ll make, the counselors who will become his coolest big brothers/sisters, and all the new experiences ahead.
  • Bring up camp casually in everyday conversation:
    • “I wonder if they’ll serve insert favorite food at Brant Lake?”
    • “I bet your baseball skills are going to get really good at camp this summer”
    • “Do you think you’ll try waterskiing?”
    • “What color sneakers should we get for camp?”
  • Order some BLC gear early and let him start wearing it this spring. It’s a fun, tangible way to build excitement and make him feel like he is already a Brant Laker (which he is!).
  • Try not to focus on how much you’ll miss him (even though we know you will!).

  And please, reach out with questions, big or small. We genuinely love hearing from you. Whether it’s “What happens if he loses a tooth?” or “How does laundry work?” we’re here for you every step of the way.

  And please, reach out with questions, big or small. We genuinely love hearing from you. Whether it’s “What happens if he loses a tooth?” or “How does laundry work?” we’re here for you every step of the way.

  Keep an eye out for more emails this spring about getting physically and mentally ready for camp. We feel so lucky to partner with you during this exciting milestone and can’t wait for June 27th.
  
  Warmly,
  The BLC Directors