Day of KODA Camp and Casino Night Fundraiser
Home > KODA Camp Campfire Chronicles > KODA Camp Packing 101: Must-Have Items for a Memorable KODA Camp Experience
May 15, 2024
Written by: Karen Voss
Each year, I get asked, “What should my child pack?” KODA is both like and unlike other summer camps. We have the same things that other camps have (campfires, PE, arts & crafts) and we also have unique things like the KODAthalon, themed night activities, and KODA talks. Here’s what you need to know to pack for KODA Camp Midwest!
A sleeping bag OR fitted twin sheet with blankets (campers sleep in the bunk beds) and will not be sleeping outside of those bunk beds.
Long sleeves & long pants- we occasionally have PE activities in the woods so to prevent your kid from getting ticks, poison ivy etc. we take precautions to ensure your child is safe. Plus it’s an additional barrier against mosquitos, scrapes, and bruises!
Tennis shoes/closed toed shoes AND crocs! At camp, we play a lot of PE. Most PE activities require closed toed shoes as campers are running around, team building, and being active. As a bonus, during our PE water activities, we encourage crocs! They are good for water and in sport mode better than no shoes at all! Our water kickball games are a great reason to wear crocs. Campers can kick the ball and run safely and enjoy the water without getting their shoes soaked.
A water bottle! Bring your Hyrdro flask, Stanley, Gatorade Sports water bottle or any water bottle you like. It gets HOT in Wisconsin summers. The main PE field does not offer any shade so campers can easily get thirsty. Counselors encourage frequent water breaks and it helps when campers have water bottles right next to the activity to get their water! Campers are required to bring their water bottle to each activity.
10 t-shirts and shorts! KODA Camp Midwest may do laundry once for each child typically the Friday/Saturday/Sunday of that session. Please bring enough undergarments, T-shirts, and shorts to last at least two weeks. Laundry is provided as the last resort as the counselors are very busy with activities.
A Polaroid camera or digital camera! While we have our camp photographer here most days, there are things even the photographer won’t be able to capture. A polaroid or digital camera allows your child to capture unique memories of camp that our photographer might not be able to capture.
Themed night activities clothes! While each night activity is a surprise, there’s a general pattern you can follow! There will likely be several activities that will require all black clothes, some type of dress up (dresses and nice shirts/pants), possibly 4th of July activities (no promises) and more. Bringing a variety of clothes for special activities is always a nice add. And if you forget to bring something- don’t worry! Many campers will borrow and trade clothes with each other.
Snacks! At camp there is snack time (with a free and paid snack each day), but sometimes your child wants a little taste from home or a comfort food. Snacks are a fun addition to camp. During free choice time, your child can chose to snack if they want. It’s also a great way to share with the cabin. Make sure to store the snacks in a clear plastic bin and do not bring anything with peanuts.
A day back pack! Campers like to bring backpacks that carry additional water (think Camelbaks), sunglasses/hat, polaroid camera etc. A day backpack is very functional for this purpose. But remember, the camper is responsible to carry the backpack, not the counselor.
Sunglasses and/or a hat! Protect your child’s eyes and head from the sun with sunglasses or a hat. The majority of camp is spent outside. Counselors do their best to give campers ample shade. If your child is light sensitive, remember to bring sunglasses and a hat.
Over the counter medicine. Tylenol, ibuprofen, etc. KODA Camp Midwest counselors are certified in first aid. Over the counter medicine, bandaids, and creams are provided by the camp.
Pre work out/energy drinks. KODA Camp provides nutritious meals and enough energy for campers throughout the day. Pre workout and energy drinks are not needed at camp.
Drugs/any illegal substance including but not limited to weed, vape, alcohol etc. If KODA Camp Midwest does find these items on a camper, it will be immediately confiscated.
Don’t worry you can bring your phone to registration on the first day of camp! The counselors will take your child's phone and label it with your items. Your child will receive their phone back on the last day of camp. Read more about KODA Camp Midwest’s cell phone policy blog written by our very own KODA Camp counselor.
An additional note, on dress code. KODA Camp Midwest practices JEDI (Justice, Equity, Dignity, and Inclusion). KODA Camp Midwest does not have a dress code other than what is required for safety purposes such as closed toed shoes, long sleeves and long pants for activities in the woods, and water bottles to stay hydrated. KODA Camp Midwest is a welcoming, safe space for all K/CODAs to express their grow and express their identity in the way that they chose.
KODA Camp Midwest provides this packing list to provide a comprehensive check list to ensure campers have a fun and safe time at camp. Check out KODA Camp Midwest’s full packing list!
Karen is the executive director of KODA Camp Midwest. Karen Voss is an extremely dedicated director and mother. She has five daughters (all who have attended KODA camp) and is devoted to continually improving KODA camp to be the best of its program. In Karen’s spare time she likes to garden, interpret, and research her family’s genealogy. She is deaf and from a deaf family herself. An interesting fact about Karen is that she has created a family generational book reaching 15 generations back.