Parent Pro Tips | One-Week Boys at Cleveland
Getting your kid ready for camp comes with plenty of details—but don’t worry, you’ve got this! And if it’s their first time at a two-week overnight camp, we totally understand that it can feel like a big deal (because it is)! That’s why we’ve pulled together some insider parent pro tips from our staff and seasoned camp parents who have been in your shoes—some things you don’t need to know but might want to know! And most of this content will be sent directly to you in the months leading up to camp. But think of this as your go-to guide for feeling even MORE confident, prepared (and maybe even a little excited) for the adventure ahead!
The Don’t-Forget-Checklist
To make sure you’ve dotted your i’s and crossed your t’s in finalizing your Camper’s registration, check out the list below.
☑️ Don’t miss the Half Payment Deadline.
A half-payment deadline means that you have paid 50% of your Camper’s tuition, including the deposit, by this date to maintain your spot. If you aren’t positive that you’ll remember, sign up for auto-pay!
- Half-Payment: March 5, 2025
- Final-Payment: May 7, 2025
☑️ Review the Camper Codebook with your Camper to prepare them for the dress code and behavior policies prior to camp. Access the Camper Codebook in the Important Links section of your WinShape Account.
☑️ Keep an eye out for the Get Ready Guides that are released in early spring. These guides can be found under the Important Links section of your WinShape Account and will provide need-to-know information about packing lists, programming elements, and more!
☑️ Join the Moms Facebook Group! This is a SUPER pro tip! Whether you’re gearing up for your first summer at WinShape or you’re a seasoned camp mom, this is your space! Connect with a community of 2,000+ moms who get it—the excitement, the questions, and the everyday joys (and challenges) of parenting. Swap camp parent pro tips and ask the questions you have about camp (like how many pairs of socks does my Camper really need?) or parenthood in general. Click here to join the group.
☑️ Download the WinShape Camps App! The WinShape Camps App gives you direct access to the Summer of a Lifetime—year-round! From important links to exclusive content, it’s the easiest way to stay connected. Keep up with our blog, podcast, and get first access to our annual video mini-series your kids will love to watch again and again. Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to download the app, create an account, and turn on notifications.
A Peek into the Block Life
What to Expect on the Packing List
You’ll find the official Packing Lists in your Get Ready Guide, released in early spring under the Important Links section of your WinShape Account. These lists include programming-specific items, so be sure to check them out—this list is just a sneak peek!
That said, we want to give you a head start. Below, you’ll find a general idea of what to expect, plus some extra helpful pro tips to make packing a breeze!
(** optional or as needed)
- 5-6 T-shirts (all shirts must have sleeves)
- 5-6 Pairs of Shorts (5-inch inseam)
- 5-6 Pairs of Socks
- 2 Sets of Pajamas
- Underwear (ample supply)
- 1 Sweatshirt or Jacket
- 1 Raincoat or Poncho
- 2 Swimming Trunks
- 1-2 Pair(s) of Tennis Shoes
- Camp-Wide Events Outfits (details in the Get Ready Guide)
- Toiletries
- Pillow
- Blanket
- 1 Set of Twin Sheets
- 1 Pillow Cases
- 1 Towel and 1 Washcloths
- 1 Beach Towels (for water activities) **
- Bible
- Journal or notebook
- Pen or Pencil
- Pre-addressed Envelopes & Stationery **
- Stamps **
- Water Bottle
- Small Backpack or Drawstring Bag
- Flashlight or Headlamp (with batteries)
- Laundry Bag
- Travel-sized Bottle of Hand Sanitizer
Super-Pro Packing Tips 🧳
Want to pack like a camp pro? A little extra planning can go a long way in keeping your Camper’s gear organized (and making sure it all comes back home!). From organization hacks to must-have items, these pro tips will help you pack smarter–not harder. For even more expert-level packing advice, check out our full guide here.
Friendly reminder—even if you pack the bare minimum, your Camper is still going to have a blast at camp!
1. Flat Underbed Storage – Pack items like pens, stationery, bible, flashlight, playing cards, pool towel, shoes, and whatever else usually gets lost in the shuffle in a flat under bed storage box. This will be easily accessible to them during the camp session for them to roll it out, throw it in, and let the fun commence!
2. Keep Outfits Organized – Use labeled zip-lock bags to sort each day’s outfits. From comfort to activity-specific, to theme nights—it’s always a great idea to set aside individual outfits. This takes the guesswork out of getting dressed each day, and is especially helpful for younger Campers.
3. Label Everything – Seriously, everything. Towels, water bottles, socks—you name it. Beach towels and water bottles are the top items that get lost. The odds are HIGH that your Camper will leave something behind after a skill, lunch, or down at the lake.
Anything left behind at camp gets donated after each camp session, so labeling is a sure-fire way to make sure your Camper’s gear makes it back home.
Super Pro Tip: We’ve found that Mabel’s Labels offers washable, long-lasting labels perfect for camp life. Stick them on anything and everything!
4. Pack Wisely – Only send items that you wouldn’t be heartbroken to lose or get dirty. Here’s the deal… while we do have a Lost & Found and Campers are encouraged to check it regularly, some things might not make it back. If an expensive camera takes a tumble or a favorite pair of socks finds it’s way into another Camper’s bag, there is no guarantee they’ll be found. Super pro tip number 4 – when in doubt, pack practical over priceless!
5. Pack for Quiet Time – A book, journal, or devotional is great for quiet moments before bed or during rest times. Don’t forget a headlamp or flashlight to make nighttime reading easy!
6. Pack shirts that match your Squad color – There are a handful of events where Campers will want to show off their Squad pride, but some Campers like to sport their Squad colors all week long! Consider packing a few extra t-shirts that match their Squad color.
- Blaze: Red
- Hydro: Blue
- Quake: Green
7. Bring a Water Bottle! – It may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many campers forget to pack one! Summer days at camp can get hot, and staying hydrated is key to keeping your camper healthy and energized. A water bottle is a must! If you arrive at camp and realize you’ve left yours at home, don’t worry—we have extras available for purchase in the camp store.
Practice getting into a new nighttime routine before camp. 🌙 🚿
At camp, Summer Staff guide Campers through a structured nighttime routine, and practicing ahead of time can make the transition smoother!
One big adjustment? 5-minute showers. To be courteous to others and keep bedtime on track, Campers are asked to keep their showers short and efficient each night. If this feels like a challenge, try gradually working their shower time down in the months leading up to camp—it’ll help them adjust more easily once they’re here!
Healthcare at Camp 💊⛑️
Blister Pack Your Medication
All medications will be signed and handed off to the Healthcare Team at Check-In. Any medication Campers bring with them must be blister packed prior to arriving at camp. Click here for more information regarding blister packing.
Healthy Camp Starts at Home
A healthy camp experience starts at home! Help set your Camper up for success by reviewing our health guidelines before arrival—click here for key tips on keeping camp safe and fun for everyone.”
Camp Nurse Interview
We sat down with our very own Healthcare Specialist, Margaret Harkin, RN to talk ALL about what healthcare at camp looks like. From allergies, to blister packing… we’ve got you covered. Check out this video!
Seeing and Hearing from your Camper
Your Camper can send letters to you via snail mail. 📬
Your Camper can send letters the old-fashioned way—through good ol’ Snail Mail!
Each day, during the scheduled rest time, Campers have a chance to receive letters and Care Packages and even write a few of their own. Summer Staff collect the letters and drop them in the mailbox, where they’re sent off with the mailman!
Super Pro Tip: To make it easy for your Camper, consider pre-addressing and stamping the envelopes before camp—one less thing for them to worry about!
Camp Photos & Waldo Expectations 📸
With the help of our fantastic Summer Media Staff, we use Waldo Photos to share all photos taken at camp. You can upload a selfie of your Camper and Waldo will use facial recognition to notify you as soon as a photo of your Camper is available to view.
We totally get it—seeing photos of your Camper having a blast is a highlight of your day while they’re away. That’s why we train our photographers to snap as many moments as possible–to capture ALL the fun and ALL the faces. That said, a healthy expectation to set is seeing about 1–2 photos of your Camper each day.
Super Pro Tip: Want to boost your chances? Coach your Camper ahead of time to find. that. photographer!
Learn more about Waldo Photos here!
Bring your Care Packages with you to Drop-off. 📦
Want to make sure your Camper gets their Care Package right on time? The best way is to bring it with you to drop-off! While you can mail it, hand-delivering it ensures it arrives on the perfect day.
Just label each package with your Camper’s name, Squad, Block number, and the delivery date—and we’ll take care of the rest!
Everything you need to know about Care Packages can be found in your Get Ready Guide! Check out the video below for a few Care Package tips! 😊
Spectacular Starting Sunday 🎉
The first day of camp isn’t just any Sunday—it’s Spectacular Starting Sunday! 🎉 Before your camp session, you’ll receive an email with your camper’s specific arrival and drop-off time.
When you arrive, our staff will be there to welcome you and guide you through the check-in process. You’ll turn in medications, drop off luggage, get your Camper settled into their block, and meet their counselor! Below we’ve included some parent pro tips for making your Starting Sunday SUPER Spectacular!
Listen to the Arrival Track on your way to camp. 💿
Drop-off can be tough for first-time camp parents—and that’s okay! So, we’ve got another pro tip for you! Each year, we create an Arrival Track, a special audio message for parents and Campers to listen to on the way to camp. Find it in the WinShape Camps app, which is also packed with helpful links, camp photos, resources, and more!
Raving Fan Parking Lot! 🚗🎉
At WinShape Camps, we’ve been making parking lots FUN since 1985! The Raving Fan Parking Lot is a long-standing camp tradition and your chance to go all-out with camp spirit. Decorate your arrival vehicle with streamers, window paint, balloons—you name it, we’ve seen it!
Totally optional, but definitely a blast!
Block Photos—Right from the Start! 📸 🏊♂️
Once you say your goodbyes, the camp fun begins! Your Camper will change into their theme T-shirt to tackle an important first-day tradition:
✅ Block Photo – Capturing the first moments of camp with their new friends! You can find these photos on Waldo Photos by 11:00 AM the following day.
We like to knock out the logistical stuff early so Campers can jump into all the fun that’s ahead!
Grab Your Camper’s Squad T-Shirt at Check-In! 👕
Stop by the Camp Store when you arrive to snag some awesome camp swag—including your Camper’s Squad T-shirt! There are a couple of Camp-Wide Events where they’ll want to sport their Squad pride, so be sure to grab one while you’re there! 🎉
Have Campers at Young Harris and Cleveland? 🚗
Have no fear. There is a drop-off game plan for families who have Campers at both our Cleveland and Young Harris locations. Our team has created a guide that will clarify where you need to be and when!
Extra Parent Pro Tips We Thought You’d Want to Know
Some helpful pro tip tidbits to keep in your back pocket!
- Food Allergies? – No worries! Campers with food allergies have a designated meal line to ensure they get the food they need.
- Picky eater or special dietary needs? – If your Camper is diabetic, a selective eater, or just needs a little extra fiber, consider packing some extra snacks in their Care Package.
- Have Campers at Young Harris and Cleveland? – Have no fear. There is a drop-off game plan for families who have Campers at both our Cleveland and Young Harris locations. Our team has created a guide that will clarify where you need to be and when!
- Legacy Years Campers at Young Harris and Cleveland meet up for Off-Campus Adventures – Off-Campus Adventures are just one of the awesome activities your Legacy Years Camper will get to experience while he’s at camp! Depending on the programming for that summer, Legacy girls from Young Harris and Legacy boys from Cleveland may team up several times for some off-site fun.
- Once a Squad member, always a Squad member –At Cleveland, the Squad you start in is your forever Squad — whether it’s Blaze, Hydro, or Quake! While some of our other locations have Villages or Packs that change as Campers get older, Cleveland Campers stick with their Squad for life. So get ready to rep your Squad with pride — this is your crew!
Looking for Parent Pro Tips for Other Locations? Find Yours Below!
Parent Pro Tips | One-Week Girls at Young Harris
You have questions,
we have answers!
Check out our Frequently Asked Questions to find answers to common questions.
Want to speak to someone? Call our Home Office at 844-WS-CAMPS!
