Houston Professional Organizer // Summer Camp Organization

Summer camp is a big thing for kids in Houston and all over and lately I have been helping clients get their kids organized for summer camp. Right now, if you book an organizing session with me you get one of the summer camp items pictured above free until I run out. Here is summer camp organization tips & summer camp packing list posts I wrote last year. How do you prepare to get organized for summer camp? 

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How to Get Organized for Summer Camp

With Summer right around the corner, so many kids are getting ready to head off to summer camp. As a professional organizer I get called to help with summer camp organization and have been helping families around Houston prepare to send their kiddos off to summer camp. Last week, I wrote a blog post with a summer camp packing list. This week I thought I would go over some tips for getting organized for camp.

Packing list. If you don't have a packing list you can use this one as a guide or start writing down and creating your own. 

Gather. Gather all items you will need from the list.

Label everything. Write your child's name in their clothes, towels, bedding, etc. with a sharpie or get labels similar to these. 

Plan outfits. Begin to layout outfits and you can pack outfits in individual plastic baggies or reusable ones if that would be helpful to them. I have done this with many clients and it makes it very organized and the kids have no worries about what to wear. Or you can pack clothes items, towels, bedding, etc. in packing cubes. 

Gather toiletries. Begin packing their toiletries this or this are good options depending on how much stuff your child will be taking to camp. 

Contain. I have used this to hold items such as their stationary, markers, coloring books, creative activities, journals, etc. 

Contain some more. Using shoe boxes or these accessory boxes are great to hold other small accessories.
Consider shipping items. If there are items that are too bulky to lug through an airport or not enough room in the car, consider shipping items to the camp.
Pack. Begin packing everything into large duffel bags, suitcases or trunk.
Have fun!
Plan something fun. When they get home have something fun planned for them, so they can keep the excitement going.
Forgetting things. If they forget something or need something at camp, ship it or Amazon Prime it to them.

Let me know if there is anything I should add. Now happy camping!

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Summer Camp Packing List

Lately, I have been helping with summer camp organization and thought I would compile a list of everything needed. Let me know if I left anything out. 

Clothing. This includes shirts, shorts, pants, sweaters, outwear, layering items, pjs, workout gear, etc.
Socks. Regular and hiking socks.
Underwear.
Shoes. Tennis shoes, hiking boots, flip flops.
Raincoat / poncho. In case it rains.
Hat. To protect you while you are outside.
Swimsuit. In case there is a lake or pool.
Toiletries. Include shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothbrush, tooth paste, hair brush, hair ties, face wash, make up, razor, deodorant, vitamins, etc.
Sunscreen. A must for being out in the sun.
Bug spray. Great to keep off unwanted bugs and mosquitoes.
Camera. This can be digital, disposable or underwater or instant film camera to get photos with friends.
Film. For camera that need it.
Batteries. To power your fan, radio &/or clock.
Fan. To keep you cool.
Sheets. For your bed.
Comforter. For your bed.
Blanket. For your bed.
Pillow. For your bed.
Bed pad. For your bed.
Towels. Have several to switch off and don't forget the beach towels.
Laundry bag. For all of your dirty laundry.
Backpack. To take with you for various activities, such as hiking.
Shower caddy. To hold all of your toiletries for the bathroom.
Journal. To write down all of your memories.
Stationary. To send letters.
Pens / pencils. For the journal and stationary.
Stamps. To send letters.
Address book. To send letters.
Art supplies. Include markers, coloring books, scissors, glue, etc.
Pouches / baggies. In case you need them for various things like mementos, toiletries, etc.
Medication. Include medicine taken on a daily basis, pain relief, heart burn, allergies, etc.
Flashlight. A necessity for camp.
Personal photos. To remember those at home.
Book. To read in your spare time.
Book light. In case you want to read at night.
First aid kit. Just in case you need something immediately and can't make it over to the medic.
Outdoor gear. Such as fishing poles, life jackets (if needed), chairs, etc.
Radio. To listen to.
Clock. For the alarm to wake up or to just see what time it is.
Cash. Just in case you need it for the camp store.
Snacks. In case you get hungry.
Compass. To know what direction you are going during hikes.
Waterproof matches. In case you need them while camping.
Wipes. To clean off surfaces, your body, etc.
Multifunction tool. Just in case you need it for various things while outdoors.
Water bottle / canteen. For your outdoor activities.
Mini disinfectant spray. To clean down surfaces.

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Happy Summer Solstice!

Happy Summer Solstice! Today is the longest day of the year. Weather permitting we will spend it outside after work. Perhaps going on an extra long walk with our sweet pup and eating outside.

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Summer heat and pets

Recently one of the dogs that I petsit for was featured in a local news story that took place at a dog park in downtown Houston. The article was about how the summer heat is affecting dogs. Here is the story:

http://www.khou.com/home/Summer-heat-dangerous-for-pets-98552669.html

This brings me to the point that it is very important that if you will be taking your pets to a park or on a long walk it is necessary to bring water along so that they do not over heat. The heat in Houston and other parts of the U.S. has been excruciating and at times unbearable. Being properly hydrated and cooled off can prevent serious harm and illness to humans and pets.

Essential Summer Items

There are many things that are essential for the summer. I have been to many festivals and outdoor events since the beginning of summer and there are several things that I am constantly taking with me.

• SUNSCREEN. It is very important to always wear sunscreen. It is the best way to prevent yourself from cancer, wrinkles and skin damage.
• Hats. You want to protect your head from the sun and it helps with overheating.
• Water. I bring my Sigg water bottle with me when I am outdoors.
• Blankets. I have been to a lot of events lately that are outdoors where you are able sit on the grass or hills and the blankets have come in handy.
• Plastic bags. To put your stuff in if it rains.
• Umbrella.

I know that many events won’t always let you bring these items in, but if they do I would suggest trying to bring them.

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