Equipment Needs & Packing List

Follow our camp packing tips to help make your camper’s stay a great one

“Any enterprise requiring new clothes is not worth undertaking.”

Henry David Thoreau

Packing List

This list is a guide for 4-7 week campers. Please adjust the numbers for 1-2 week campers except for Linens which apply to all. Keep in mind that 1 week campers do not receive laundry services. Items should be packed in a trunk/footlocker or suitcase + one dufﬂe bag and be clearly labeled. Many of these items can be found second hand and we have included some links for specialty items for your reference.

Please note that it is required to pack daily meds using a free service like PillPak if your camper takes more than one daily medication. It is strongly recommended to use this service or similar regardless. Medications, vitamins, and supplements that are not in an original package and when, applicable, with the camper’s name and dosage will not be accepted.

You may also want to consider treating your camper’s clothing with a premethrin product like Sawyer Products Premium Premethrin Insect Repellent for Clothing, Gear & Tents. Long pants that tuck into long socks are another preventative to the risk of tick-borne illnesses.

Virginia Law requires that all children age 7 years and younger to be properly secured in a child safety seat or booster seat. There is no height or weight requirement. Be certain to leave a booster seat labelled with your camper’s name if your camper is under 8 years old.

Clothing

6 pairs shorts
6-10 short-sleeved shirts (2 white)
2 long sleeve shirts
4 long pants (1 pair dark in color for campfire)
2 pair white shorts
3 pajamas (1 warm pair)
2 sweatshirts
1 fleece or jacket (*dark in color for campfire)
10 pair socks
10 underwear
1 raincoat or poncho
1 waterproof shoes / rain boots
2 swim suits
1 pair tennis shoes (sneakers)
1 pair flip flops/crocs (ideal for swimming/showering but not for camp terrain)
Old tennis shoes/water shoes for tubing

*It is a tradition at the weekly campfire, where campers receive awards for levels passed and recognition of other achievements, that campers and staff wear close-toed shoes and dark colored clothing as a community so that bright clothing does not distract from the campfire.

Toiletries

Soap / plastic case
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Comb / brush
Shampoo
Plastic cup
Plastic bucket or similar to carry/store items
Mirror

Necessities

1 waterproof watch
7 well-fitting, comfortable masks (just in case!)
Flashlight/head lamp/reading light
Extra batteries
Sun hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Bug repellent (Picaridin, DEET, etc.)
Stationery/Stamps
Pen / Pencil
Water bottle
Hard hat / boots / hard sole tie shoes/ riding pants or extra jeans (if horseback riding)

Linens

1 pillow
2 pillow cases (mandatory regardless of length of session)
2 fitted twin/cot sheets (mandatory regardless of length of session)
2 flat twin/cot sheets (mandatory regardless of length of session)
3 blankets (at least 1 warm)
4 towels (2 bath, 2 beach)
2 hand towels
1 bathrobe or towel wrap
2 washcloths
2 sturdy nylon laundry bags (1 to send out with dirty laundry and 1 to use when the laundry is out)

Optional Items

Portable camping chair (e.g. Crazy Creek)
11″ Fabric Cube Storage Bin for cabin shelves
Books to read
Coloring Books, sudoku, crossword puzzles
Playing cards
Hiking boots (for longer hiking trips) *required for OLS Quest
Sleeping bag *required for OLS Quest
Tennis racquet & balls
Ballet/tap/toe shoes
Musical instrument & music
Sports Equipment: Hockey/lax stick/softball glove/shin guards
Nose plugs (for synchro)
Backpack/frame (for longer hiking trips) *required for OLS Quest
Camera
Ground Cloth/pad for camping overnights
Costumes for special events (skits, etc.)
White sundress or similar for the last night of camp (4, 6 & 7 week campers only)

Counselor-In-Training Additions to the Packing List

CITs will be required to pack the following items in addition to the standard camper packing list:

Required

Backpack with frame (35-50 liter capacity)
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Pad
Hiking boots
2 2-liter water bottles / hydration reservoir (e.g. Camelback) with same capacity
Headlamp
Watch (waterproof recommended)
Bandanna

DO NOT PACK/SEND

Expensive jewelry, clothing or anything you would be upset if damaged or lost.
Personal electronics: Radio/CD/MP3/DVD players, iPad, Kindle or Nook
Cellphone
Any electronic devices with network or internet capabilities
Candy, gum, snacks
Animals
Weapons, alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs or any other illegal substance.

Camp Carysbrook is not responsible for items that become damaged, lost or stolen.

Participants are responsible for making their own arrangements to pick up any item left at camp.

Baggage Considerations

Linens are best packed in a duffle bag. Clothing and other articles will fit in a foot locker or trunk. Please MARK ALL BAGGAGE. Be sure your camper has the KEYS to all of her baggage.

BUS riders are allowed only 1 trunk, 1 duffle and 1 small carry on bag.

Check the FAQ page for sourcing any of the equipment needs including trunks.

*CAMPERS may occasionally be required to inventory their belongings in the presence of staff, if their health or safety of them or others indicates the need.

Registration opens soon!

Campers have the option to stay for 1-7 week sessions. Contact the office for availability in wait-listed sessions.

Call: (540) 382-1670 or Email: info@campcarsybrook.com

Activities

Facilities

Equipment Needs & Packing List

Camp Calendar

Daily Schedule

Camp Location

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Memories and Reflections of Camp Carysbrook

“This summer that I’ve spent working at Camp Carysbrook has easily been the best summer of my life so far. It’s a truly incredible experience as you watch young girls be themselves in a place where no one judges, gossips or argues.”

Claire CarlinStaff, 2015

“Our daughter has gone to Carysbrook for 3 summers now and each year my wife and I come away more impressed with all that the camp has to offer. She has built great friendships that persist throughout the year while camp is out.”

Jeremy HellmanParent

“Carysbrook brings out the very best in my daughter. She feels loved, and she feels confident to take all kinds of risks.”

Ellen CarverParent

“This past summer I spent at Camp Carysbrook was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Deciding to apply for this job was the best decision I have ever made, I had the absolute best summer of my life. I can’t wait until next year.”

Lucy MullerStaff, 2014

“I just spent 8 weeks of my summer in the most magical place in the world. Nights are spent cuddled around a fire with campers and friends alike, and girls are challenged to grow and find themselves, while always being accepted for who they are. Here, life is simpler and makes more sense.”

Abby Worth-JonesStaff 2014

“I went to Carysbrook over 50 years ago! The Prestons ran the camp then. It was a transformative time for me, and I have loved the mountains ever since…what a magical time it was!”

Bridget Ritter

“Camp Carysbrook is a safe place to try new things without fear of failure. Every summer left me with a fortified sense of confidence.”

Frannie McCorkleFormer Camper and Counselor

“There is a place at Carysbrook for all girls – bold, shy, athletic, musical and those who can’t carry a tune. Camp Carysbrook encourages campers to believe and trust in themselves and discover their unique abilities.”

Toni M. Baughman

“Over the years as a parent of campers, it has become increasingly clear how the Carysbrook experience influences the empowerment of girls and the paths they choose.”

Jean SchlichterParent

“I met my most cherished friends at camp, had experiences that I would have never experienced outside of Carysbrook (riflery, archery, rappelling, caving….) and had an opportunity to be independent in a safe setting.”

Brooks Garris LivelyFormer Camper and Parent