12 yr old - how many clothes to take to camp?

[roisin]

ds2 is going to camp: in the UK, a full 7 days and no laundry facilities. So I'm assuming ample opportunity to get very wet and muddy.

He's also performing, so needs smart clothes/shoes as well, and sports gear, and wellies, sleeping bag, pillow, bedroll, etc.

The amount of gear at the moment looks huge

Any tips on how he/we can cut it down?

[roisin]

anyone?

[Snorbs]

You've got two choices - either pack huge, or resign yourself to him re-wearing clothes multiple times. I know when my 12yo DS has gone away camping with Scouts he doesn't bother changing his clothes at all and comes back smelling like a badger's bumhole. But he doesn't care.

If space really is tight then I'd probably pack:
clean underwear for every day (in the full knowledge my DS wouldn't wear it without being reminded)
five t-shirts (some long-sleeved)
One pair jeans
One pair jogging bottoms or similar
One pair shorts
One pair swimming trunks (can double-up as shorts)
A fleece or two
Pyjamas
One pair of trainers
one pair of sandals or flip-flops
One baseball cap to keep sun out of eyes

Plus whatever smart clothes are needed. Does he need a particular sports kit or will shorts and t-shirt do?

[roisin]

Thanks. I'm just a bit worried that he'll get wet lots (he likes getting wet and muddy!), but then will be cold and miserable without dry clothes!

I should chill and relax, shouldn't I? He's not even my pfb.

[HerbWoman]

Ewwww - badger's bumhole!

[Solo]

My Ds went on a 7 day camp with school and they had a list of necessary items to take. He didn't though, have to perform.
I sent him with the following:
7 t shirts from Primarni
8 prs of socks to ensure a spare pair, plus he was wearing one of the pairs anyway
8 prs of boxers (ditto as per socks)
2 prs of good trousers/jeans
2 prs of joggers
2 prs of shorts/long shorts
1 pr of swimming shorts
2 hooded sweat shirts/jackets
1 kagoul
2 prs of trainers
2 large towels
1 sleeping bag
2 Ikea blankets
wash stuff
wind up torch (lost in bog on the first day!!!)

I was glad he had a change of 'cheap' t shirt each day as they came back stinking and filthy.
All of the above fitted into a large holdall.

[roisin]

Thanks Solo, that's helpful.

[ragged]

What Snorbs said... only applies to my 9yo DD!

[Scholes34]

My 12 year old DS wore the same shorts and t-shirt for two weeks (I think he changed his pants though). Shame he didn't mention this before we packed two weeks worth of clothes. Strange thing is he didn't smell.

[Solo]

My Ds didn't smell either (huge surprise there!), just his clothing!

He took PJ's too, but didn't wear them.

[roisin]

ds2 smells rank if he hasn't showered for 24 hours! So it might be an interesting week.