Camp staff are well prepared to help your child overcome their case of the "lonelies" and make the most of their camp experience. Kids will often take their cue from your preparations for camp: keep things positive by reminding them about all the fun they'll have at camp as well as why they wanted to attend in the first place. In our experience, an attempt to reassure a hesitant child with a promise - "If you don't like it, we'll come get you" - sets kids up for thinking they may not like it and will want to leave, often leading to an unhappy and early departure. If your child does experience severe homesickness, you will be contacted by camp staff to discuss the situation. 

Bed wetting is a common issue we encounter at camp. Our staff are trained and well prepared to deal with the situation discreetly. Campers are encouraged to use the bathroom before bedtime. If this is a particular struggle for your child, we would recommend that your child brings an extra set of bedding as well as a garbage bag for soiled sheets. In the event of an accident, the second set of bedding will be used while the first set is being laundered. 

Big Sandy Camp does its best to accommodate special dietary needs. If a dietary need or food allergy was noted during registration, we will submit that information to Big Sandy Camp. If needed, they will contact you with more questions regarding the dietary needs or food allergies. 

While Big Sandy Camp cannot plan menus around particular individuals, they have learned helpful ways to serve children with food allergies. Some guests find it necessary to bring a supply of their own food to supplement the menu. Refrigerated storage and a microwave are available. 

Electronic devices with the capability to play games, videos, make phone calls and/or connect to the internet are not permitted at camp even if these features are disabled. Campers who are "tuned out" are missing out on creating the strong bonds we expect to form at camp. Camp offers your kids a chance to enjoy a simple and uncomplicated environment where we value personal interaction, creativity and communication. We know you'd agree that less "screen time" is the in the best interest of your child.

In addition, cell phones are expensive, can get lost and the physical environment of camp is not kind to these items. Plus when kids come to camp they - and you - are making a leap of faith, temporarily transferring their primary care from you as their parents to us as directors. This is one of the growth-producing, yet challenging aspects of camp. As children learn to trust other caring adults, they grow and learn, little by little, to solve some of their own challenges. We believe this emerging independence is one of the greatest benefits of camp. Contacting you by cell phone essentially means they have not made this transition. Sending a cell phone to camp is like saying to your child that you as the parent haven't truly come to peace with the notion of them being away from you and in our care. 

We will certainly tell you if your child is experiencing a challenge in their adjustment to camp. You can help by talking to your child before they leave for camp and telling them that there is always someone they can reach out to, whether it be their cabin counselor, the camp directors or camp nurse. We are all here to help! 

- Bedding - sleeping bag or single size bedding and pillow
- 2 towels (1 for shower, 1 for swimming)
- Bathroom stuff: shampoo, toothbrush, soap, comb, etc.
- Clothes for 4 days for both warm and chilly days (and extra outfits)
- One piece swimsuit or modest two piece tankini (for girls) that covers the entire midriff
- Bible, notebook, pens or pencils
- Medications (Rx or OTC) in their original container (to be turned in to the camp nurse)
- Tennis shoes, sandals and an extra pair of shoes if possible

Please LABEL all items with your child's full name so we can return any lost items to you after camp.

If your kid is younger, sometimes it can be helpful to pre-pack each day's outfit (complete with socks and undies) in a big zip loc bag so all they have to do is grab and go!