What to Pack for Camp Arowhon
Your Guide to a Screen-Free, Adventure-Filled Summer in Algonquin Park
Packing List
This list is for campers attending two-week or longer sessions.
If your child is attending Mini Camp, click here for the Mini Camp Packing List.
Please pack in soft duffel bags, not hard-shell suitcases. Cabin storage space is limited, and soft bags are easier to stow (exceptions made for international campers).
Every camper goes on an overnight canoe trip, so items like a sleeping bag, rain gear, and dry bag are essential.
*** INTERNATIONAL CAMPERS can opt into a rental package for all linens and canoe trip gear
Please pack in soft duffel bags, not hard-shell suitcases. Cabin storage space is limited, and soft bags are easier to stow (exceptions made for international campers).
Every camper goes on an overnight canoe trip, so items like a sleeping bag, rain gear, and dry bag are essential.
*** INTERNATIONAL CAMPERS can opt into a rental package for all linens and canoe trip gear
Checklist
Clothing Essentials
Packing smart ensures your child stays warm, dry, and comfortable during camp activities, rain or shine.
- 3 pairs of pajamas
- 12 pairs of underwear
- 4 pairs of sweatpants or leggings
- 6 pairs of shorts
- 8 T-shirts
- 1 white t-shirt (for tie-dye!)
- 5 sweatshirts or warm sweaters
- 1 warm jacket (fleece works great)
- 2 sun hats
- 1 bathrobe (optional but nice for walking to and from shower house)
- 12 pairs of socks (2 should be wool for tripping)
- 4 bathing suits
- 3 pairs of sneakers
- 1 pair of sandals or water shoes (campers can bring flip flops or slides in addition, but they also need a pair with a back)
Rainwear
Good waterproof rainwear is a must. Campers play outside, even when it rains.
- 2 raincoats with hood
- 1 pair rain pants
- 1 pair rain boots
For Horseback Riding
- FEI-approved riding helmet (not a bike helmet) - we have used ones to lend but cannot guarantee their safety
- Boots with a distinct heel (rubber boots are fine)
- Protective riding vest (only necessary for advanced riders)
Toiletries & Personal Items
Keeping clean and comfortable is easy when everything’s labeled and packed in a shower caddy or plastic basket.
- 4 large towels
- 1 toiletry case
- 2 toothbrushes
- 1 toothpaste
- 1 hairbrush or comb
- Biodegradable shampoo
- Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
- 2 bars of biodegradable soap or body wash
- Deodorant
- Lip balm with SPF
- Bug repellent
- Benadryl anti-itch cream (for bites)
- Nail clippers
- Extra prescription glasses and/or contact lenses (if needed)
Gear & Equipment
These items help your child get the most out of their time outdoors — and stay safe and dry on canoe trips.
- Lifejacket (snug and comfortable)
- Wetsuit (optional, great for colder swimmers)
- Reusable water bottle
- Waterproof dry bag (30–35 litres)
- Sunglasses
- Flashlight + spare batteries
- Paper, pens, envelopes, and Canadian stamps OR Bunk Notes (see bunk1.com)
- Compact inflatable sleeping pad (for extra comfort on canoe trips)
Bedding & Sleep Essentials
All campers must use proper bedding (not just a sleeping bag) in their cabins because we want them to feel like home!
- 3 pillowcases
- 1 pillow
- 3 thick blankets or 1 comforter/duvet (single or twin size)
- 2 sets of size single sheets
- 1 compact sleeping bag with stuff sack
- Any comfort items from home, such as a favourite stuffed animal or blanket (PLEASE LABEL CLEARLY)
Optional Extras
- Camera
- Swim goggles
- Baseball mitt
- Fishing rod
- Board/card games
- MP3 player (must be audio-only)
- Books or an e-reader (must not support games or video)
- Tennis racquet and balls (for avid players who want to play in their spare time)
What NOT to Pack
We take safety and simplicity seriously.
The following items are not allowed at camp, and will not be returned if brought (they will be donated to a local charity)
No appliances or fire hazards
- Hair dryers, straighteners, kettles, electric blankets
- Plug-in fans (battery-operated fans and toothbrushes are okay)
- Candles, matches, lighters, mosquito coils
No furniture, tools, or Accessories
- Plastic or cardboard drawers
- Hammers or nails
- Adhesive hooks (they damage our walls)
No food or beverages
- No snacks, gum, or treats, including in care packages
- No bottled beverages (we provide safe, filtered water)
No over-the-counter medications
- No pain relievers, cough syrup, supplements, etc. are allowed in camper cabins. We stock a wide range of common OTC medications in our Med Lodge - if your camper uses a particular type regularly, please note this on their medical form and we'll contact you if we need you to provide it.
No substances or dangerous items
- Tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, or illegal drugs
- Weapons or, explosives
No Money or Valuable Items
- No cash is needed at camp. Please avoid sending expensive jewelery, clothing, or anything else you would be upset if it got lost or broken. Camp will ensure security of any electronics, ID, travel documents, or money that is turned into our office in the first 36 hours of camp, but is not responsible for the safety of any other personal items.
Electronics Policy: Camp is Screen-Free
What’s allowed
- Digital cameras
- MP3 players (audio-only, no games)
- E-readers without video/gaming functions
What’s not allowed
- Phones
- Tablets
- Devices that play games or movies
- Anything with internet, calling, or cellular data
Any non-permitted items will be confiscated and donated, unless turned in within the first 36 hours. We offer a grace period for campers to hand over electronics voluntarily.
Travel phones: If your child needs a phone for air travel, it must be given to staff with charger at the airport or the office upon arrival. It will be stored securely and returned fully charged for the trip home.
Final Tips for Parents
- Label everything, even socks and toothpaste.
- Discuss the screen-free policy with your child before camp.
- Trust the process. Independence is one of camp’s greatest gifts.
- If your child forgets to hand in a phone or restricted item, please encourage them to bring it to the office, not their cabin.
If you still have questions about what to pack, please email us.
