There is a phrase in English that express the idea of 'too much' . You would use it like this for example, "He's packed everything, even the kitchen sink." Well I want to show you how you really don't need to bring that much on a summer camp experience.
Over the last 30 years of working with summer camps, i notice how year after year kids turn up with a suitcase, sometimes two, in which you could easily fit a kitchen sink and then a vacuum cleaner, possibly a washing machine and a tumble drier. More than half of the things that get so lovingly packed by parents will never make it out of the case, and if they do they will end up getting lost , swapped or disappearing. My best advice to all parents, being one myself, is that 'less is more'.
There are certain key items , and they are small ones, that they will obviously need including official documents, prescription medicines, if they take them, and money. Now on the subject of money, here's a small advisory
Pretty much everything is included in the summer programme package -they do not need to buy food, pay for attractions etc. As I guide line, I would just give them spending money and not too much - make an allowance of no more than £10 a day
Don't bring cash - it gets lost, kids put things in places where they can't remember, it might get 'borrowed' by another student. Much better to give them a card - the advantage of doing this is that you can cancel it if they lose it and you can top it up if they need more money. I'd recommend something like Revolut
So that is the essentials dealt with , now on to more sartorial matters - clothing. Think sensibly about what they may do while they are here - check out the programme. On it you you will see there are sports , swimming and lots and lots of walking on visits. So pack for these type of events. Proper sports clothes, two good pairs of trainers (not just fashionable ones, but ones that will survive a lot of sports and walking)
As for clothes, well who knows, the weather has changed so much recently it is hard to give concrete advice. Last July in the UK the hottest day was 40.3 degrees Celsius and the coolest was 21.1 degrees Celsius - that is quite a range. and there when 7.2 rain days - that doesn't mean that it rained all day but there were showers.
What to do? I think the best advice is prepare for variety - pack cool clothes that can be layered up in case your kid starts to feel cold, and also then layers help when you get too hot. Don't forget that the school offers a free laundry service too so the kids will be encourage to use that, this means they can get more use out of the clothes they bring with them. I'd also advise packing a baseball cap or similar, to protect the head from the heat.
Practical matters - of course pack a toothbrush and some toothpaste, shower gel or soap and some deodorant if you think they need it. I would note that toiletries in the UK are cheap compared to many countries and kids can buy things here if they need them. Oddly sun cream is especially good value So it could be a great learning experience for them to take themselves off to the shops and buy somethings for themselves. Oh yes, I nearly forgot, bring a good bath towel.
One area that always gets forgotten is the learning side of the camp. You woudl be amazed how many kids turn up without a pen and notebook. Writing words down is the best way to remember those words. Also bring a small rucksack as they will need that on excursion days.
Most importantly all the kids need to bring with them an open mind and an understanding that this is a different country with a different culture. Food is not going to be like mum or dad makes it. They need to put their adventurous hat on for this journey.
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