Summer Camp Packing List

Packing Notes for ALL Camp Programs

The following two lists of what TO bring and what NOT to bring apply to all summer camp programs. *Please label all of your camper’s belongings before coming to camp!*

What TO Bring to Camp

  • Sleeping Bag or Twin-sized Bedding
  • Pillow
  • Pajamas (boys and girls)
  • Clothes that can get dirty/wet
  • T-shirts, shorts, underwear, socks
  • Sweatshirt(s), jacket, raincoat/poncho
  • Long pants
  • Tennis shoes (closed-toe)
  • Extra shoes that can get dirty/wet
  • Shower Shoes (flip flops)
  • Swimsuit
  • Bath & Pool Towels
  • Toiletries
  • Water Bottle
  • Laundry Bag
  • Wrist watch (not a smart watch)
  • Hat
  • Sunscreen, Chapstick, Bug repellent
  • Flashlight
  • Notepad & Pen or Pencil
  • Bible (if you have one)

What NOT to Bring

The following items are not allowed at camp. Any prohibited items brought to camp will be confiscated and either sent home or held until the session ends. Additionally, anyone found in possession of weapons, drugs, tobacco products, alcohol or drug paraphernalia (including vape pens and Zyn pouches) will immediately be dismissed from camp and the item(s) will not be returned.

  • cash
  • cell phones/smart watches
  • electronic games
  • pets
  • fireworks
  • computers
  • DVD players
  • water guns
  • lighters
  • matches
  • Valuable items – they may get lost or broken 
  • Specialized sports equipment such as archery equipment, hockey sticks, and climbing gear.
  • Recreational transportation items such as skateboards, rollerblades, scooters, or one-wheels.

Bringing Your Own Food

In order to prevent pests we do not allow campers to bring their own food. However, if your child or teen has certain food allergies or conditions that would prohibit them from eating our meals, please call our office at 443-712-1010 or email chef@rivervalleyranch.com to discuss your options with our Food Service Director.

Additional Items for SPECIFIC Camp Programs

Day Camp:

Water bottle, closed-toe shoes (to leave in cubby), swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and change of clothes

Adventure Camp:

Hiking shoes/boots, flashlight/headlamp, sleeping bag (required), bug repellent with DEET, and an inexpensive backpack for carrying personal items to bathroom/camp, etc.

Fort Roller Camps:

**Optional but encouraged** – Fort Roller Campers will be doing an activity called the House Cup. Each team has a different color and we'd love for your camper to bring clothing that has the colors for their team! The colors/teams for each camp are:

  • Classic Camp Boys* = red team OR orange team
  • Classic Camp Girls* = gold/yellow team OR purple team
  • Adventure Camp Boys = blue team
  • Adventure Camp Girls = green team
  • Cadets = tie dye team

*NOTE: Some camps will be split between two teams, which we will create once they arrive at camp. If that is your camp, we recommend coming prepared with both color options.

Frontier Town Camps

**Optional but encouraged** – Throughout the week, Frontier Town campers will participate in various Tribe Challenges in which they can earn points for their Tribe. In every Tribe Challenge, campers can wear their Tribe color. We'd love for your camper to bring clothing that has the colors for their team! The colors and tribes are: 

  • Endurance = Orange 
  • Valor = Red 
  • Noble = Blue 
  • Wisdom = Purple 

*NOTE: Campers will be assigned to their Tribe once they meet their small group and counselor. We encourage campers to bring an item of clothing (hat, socks, shirt, etc.) of each color to be prepared for which Tribe they are on. 

TNT Program

Field Crew— Bring multiple pairs of work clothes and long pants that can get dirty during the workday. We also recommend the following: ear plugs, sunglasses/hats, work boots, work gloves, & small pocket multitool. Pack GREEN clothes/items to wear for crew games/events.

Kitchen Crew (dishpit)— Please note tank tops and open-toed shoes are NOT allowed in the kitchens, and long hair must be pulled back before entering kitchens. Bring multiple pairs of work clothes that can get wet/dirty during the workday. Pack BLUE clothes/items to wear for crew games/events.

Dining Crews— Please note tank tops and open-toed shoes are NOT allowed in the kitchens, and long hair must be pulled back before entering kitchens. Pack RED clothes/items to wear for crew games/events.

Store Crew— Long hair must be pulled back before entering kitchens. We encourage store crew members to wear RVR merch during work time to assist in promoting store sales. Pack PURPLE clothes/items to wear for crew games/events.

Housekeeping Crew— Bring multiple pairs of comfortable clothes that can get dirty/wet throughout the workday as you clean around camp. Pack ORANGE clothes/items to wear for crew games/events.

Camper Dress Code

At RVR, we understand that everyone is navigating their identity, relationships, and societal expectations about appearance. We are deeply committed to fostering an environment where these pressures take a backseat, allowing space for community building, personal growth, and plenty of fun. Our dress code plays an important role in supporting this vision.

We ask that all campers, volunteers, and staff dress modestly while at camp (boys & girls). Clothing should not display any offensive language/message or drug/alcohol related graphics. If there is any question about the appropriateness of it participant's clothing, we may ask them to change. We appreciate parents assisting by ensuring their children pack suitable attire.

Please see the guidelines below for more specifics:

Shirts must...

  • Cover the back: no cutout backs or shirts that tie in back
  • Cover the midriff: no crop-tops
  • Cover the chest: no deep cut tank tops
  • Cover undergarments: no see-through shirts
  • Modest straps: no tube-tops, halter-tops, or spaghetti strap

Shorts/Skirts/Pants:

  • Modest length: covers mid-thigh
  • Cover undergarments

Swimsuits:

  • Girls should wear a modest swimsuit:
    • one-piece or tankini
    • no exposed midriff, cutouts, deep cuts, or high-cut hip
  • Boys should wear a modest swimsuit:
    • no speedos or jammers