With twelve of us piling into the two vehicles, we need to pack light – we’d hate to leave anyone behind because we ran out of room! I print out a list of what to pack for all of the kids. They look for them, check off the items and we can keep everyone limited to one backpack for the week.
If anyone is having trouble, I’ll got through their bag with them and we’ll get it all sorted out. For the younger ones, my older kids will team up and help them pack.
Make it easy on yourself. Instead of asking each child, six times, “Do you have your swimming suit?” You can trust them to go through the list and pack the swimming gear, their shoes, their hat, shorts, towel, etc.
A quick look at some of the basics on my list.
Sunscreen
Bug Spray
First Aid Kit
Bottled Water
Covered Shoes
Camera (and Batteries!)
Cell Phone charger
A good book
Plenty of Food
Movies/games (for rainy days)
Swim gear
Work out clothes
Hat for sun protection
Waterbottle