Girls will want to bring items that make them feel good such as stuffed toys, favorite shirts or blankets. Discuss with them what items will be appropriate to bring with them. Remind them that they must carry whatever they bring, and favorite items might get lost or stained.
Compromise is Key!
Electronic toys are best left at home. The weather is unpredictable and can easily damage these expensive, intricate items. However, if they have a travel game of some nature or a favorite book that they are currently reading, encourage girls to bring these items with them.
Stuffed toys can take up space, add weight and get damaged if the weather is damp. However, the comfort during the middle of the night a stuffed toy can provide is well worth the risk. Suggest girls bring a small stuffed toy and leaders . . . bring one too! When leaders bring stuffed toys, it puts girls at ease about being “babyish” and means there are a couple of toys around in case a girl has forgotten hers!
Encourage packing everything in one duffel bag or backpack. Add a hip pack or small day pack to the equipment list so girls have something to put lunch, water, activity supplies and a raincoat in for hikes away from the campsite.
Sleeping bags are important! Check to see if girls have three or four season bags that are the right size for them. Dad or Mom’s military issue bag is probably too big, too bulky and too heavy for girls to use or carry. If a slumber bag is the only thing a girl has (they are the ones with flowers, cartoons, or other such designs) make sure an extra blanket is added to it.