Today’s suggested packing lists for seven-week camps might include a light blanket and warm comforter, two sets of sheets, six towels, three pairs of sneakers, 25 pairs of underwear, 25 pairs of socks, sports equipment and toiletries. Then there’s plenty of clothing for all weather conditions, including a raincoat and boots, a fleece jacket, more than 20 tops and shorts, and 10 pairs of pajamas—divided between light and heavy weight.
The mix includes Crazy Creek folding chairs, a kaboodle to hold hair ties, makeup and nail polish, flashlights, decorative pillows for cozy bunk beds, family photos to combat homesickness, games and personalized lock boxes for, say, smuggled candy .
“Color War” is its own satirical challenge. In this epic end-of-summer tournament, campers sport their team colors and compete in events. But since children do not know what color they will be given, parents often pack four items.
To shop, many families do a “camping session” with someone to shop at Denny’s, a children’s store in New York, New Jersey and South Florida. Co-workers greeted them with their printed camping packing list. Spencer Klein, whose family has owned Denny’s since 1978, says the average spend on new hires is $1,500 to $2,000. (Desirable benefit: the store lists everything for free.)
As for those new service sector jobs:
This year, for the first time, Dara Grandis, a Manhattan mother of three, hired professional organizer Meryl Bash to feed her three children, who left in late June for seven weeks at camp.
Here is the full WSJ article by Tara Weiss, on the excellent Samir Varma.
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