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Packing for Junior High

Pack your bags

PACKING FOR JUNIOR HIGH

 

Get excited – camp is just around the corner! Now it’s time to grab the essentials and pack your bags.

We’ve broken this list into clear sections with practical standards, so you won’t have to guess what to bring.



Bunk Storage & Luggage Policy

Before you start packing, remember this important detail:

Suitcases must fit under the bunk.
Each bunk is shared by two campers. The bunks measure about 3–4 feet wide and 6.5 feet long, with 12 inches of clearance from the floor. That clearance space is your shared storage area.

If a bag is taller than 12 inches, it won’t fit under the bed, so be sure to check before you head out the door!

We recommend:

  • Soft-sided duffel bags
  • Low-profile rolling suitcases (height under 12 inches)

Smaller luggage keeps the cabin organized and gives you space for your belongings.

 

CLOTHES

Clothing Standards You Should Know

To help create a safe, comfortable, and distraction-free environment for everyone, we ask that campers follow these clothing guidelines:

  • Shorts should be at least fingertip length. Long enough to cover and provide room to participate in activities. Anything shorter does not meet our activity expectations. Please avoid skirts, exercise dresses, or biker/spandex shorts
  • Leggings and yoga pants are NOT considered “long pants” for high-adventure activities. They don’t provide the protection required on the zip line, climbing wall, and other challenge elements. 
  • Long pants/jeans (1–2 pairs) Must be included for high-adventure and challenge course activities.
  • All shirts should be loose-fitting and not be overly tight. Tank tops must have straps two fingers wide and cover all undergarments. Avoid racer-back, see-through, or spaghetti-strap tanks. Avoid crop tops (shirts that provide full coverage when arms are raised)

Clothing List

Daily outfits (7-8): 5 full days of camp calls for an extra outfit or two.

  • 7-8 T-Shirts
  • 3–4 pairs athletic shorts (fingertip length or longer)
  • 1–2 pairs of long pants or jeans (required for high adventure)
  • Sweatshirt or fleece (Cool Michigan mornings and evenings)
  • Rain jacket or rain poncho
  • Pajamas
  • 8 pairs of underwear
  • 8 pairs of socks
  • 1-2 pairs closed-toe athletic shoes

Note: Avoid anything brand-new or delicate. Camp clothes get dirty, wet, and active.

 

PROGRAM SPECIFICS

  • Sleeping bag for ‘sleeping under the stars.’
  • Sunglasses and a hat for the Sleeping Bear Dunes
  • An extra set of clothes for water activities.

WATER & LAKE GEAR

  • Modest swimsuit (one-piece for girls; trunk-style for boys)
  • Swimsuit cover-up to wear to and from the waterfront (Optional)
  • Beach towel
  • Waterproof sunscreen
  • Water shoes: Flip-flops or sandals for showers/waterfront (Crocs, Chacos, Tevas…)

CABIN ESSENTIALS

  • Bedding (Twin-size bed)
  • Sleeping bag (best for bunk beds)
  • Pillow
  • Extra blanket
  • Laundry or trash bag for dirty clothes
  • Bath towel and washcloth
  • Shampoo and soap
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Hairbrush or comb
  • Deodorant (no STINK here!)
  • A shower caddy for carrying bath items to bathhouses

Note: Label everything you can! We recommend packing bedding and sleeping essentials in a labeled trash bag.

 

OTHER MUST-HAVES

  • Bible, notebook, and pen (for chapels, sessions, and individual reflection)
  • Flashlight with batteries
  • Insulated water bottle (Hydration is the key to a great week)

CAMP STORE MONEY

The “Red Canoe” camp store exists to support the camp experience, not compete with it. It’s a place for campers to grab a forgotten essential, pick up some Lake Ann Camp gear, or take home a small reminder of a meaningful week.

Nothing in the Red Canoe is required. Everything is optional and intentionally chosen to fit camp life. 

  • Add spending money in advance through your CampBrain registration account
  • Cash and cards are accepted, but not recommended for campers

PACK YOUR MEDS

This is a safety policy:

Please, do not pack medications in your luggage.
State law requires that all medications (prescription, OTC, and vitamins) be kept in the health office, so please do not pack them in suitcases or bags.

Original containers

All prescription medications must be in their original containers with current dosage instructions. Pill bottles should only include the amount needed for the session – leave the rest at home! Creams, inhalers, and other boxed items must have labels.

Up-to-date

All medication must be prescribed to the camper. Check the expiration date – all meds must be current!

Leave OTC meds at home!

Save the packing space! We stock plenty of meds for occasional, as-needed use. If you take a daily allergy med, please check it in on Monday morning.

 

What Not to Bring

We want you to be present, focused, and safe. Please leave these at home:

  • Alcohol and drugs
  • Tobacco / E-cigarettes / Vape pens
  • Clothing with overtly political or sexual references or drug, alcohol, or tobacco promotion
  • Tablets or gaming devices
  • Expensive jewelry
  • Weapons of any kind
  • Valuables that can be lost

If losing it would ruin your week, it may be better left at home.

 

Final Note

You don’t need new or fancy gear; you just need the right gear. If you pack from this list and follow the clothing standards above, you’ll arrive ready for a great week of Summer camp!

Have any more questions? Please contact our office at (231) 275-7329