For the sake of transparency, I’m going to be honest: I was never prepared for summer camp. Mentally or physically.
But hear me out.
It wasn’t that I didn’t want to get away and escape the realities of everyday teen life. (Because trust me, I did.) It was the fact that I wasn’t so great at preparing for the unexpected. Especially the universal “what-ifs” of camp.
What if I get devoured by bugs on the morning hike? What if the kayak tips and my hair is ruined? What if my arts and crafts aren’t up to par with Sarah’s sensational scrapbooking skills?!?!
And the worst fear of all: What if I get my period?
You see, “back then” periods weren’t as talked about as they are now. And protection? Well, let’s just say I’m quite familiar with bulky pads that never stayed in place, many failed attempts at wearing a tampon, and many a lake I never dove into.
But let’s not get discouraged.
Today, periods and the protection that comes with them is finally summer-camp approved. Yes, even sleepover camp.
Preparing for Camp (and Periods)
It’s taken me a couple of years—er, decades—and a few favorite products to come to the realization that periods and summer can actually coexist.
And today, as a mom, I have the confidence and experience to answer all of the what if’s my daughter is sure to ask when she's getting ready for camp.
“What if bugs attack?” Bug spray and light colors.
“And the kayak?” Swim with confidence (these can help) and don’t worry about your hair. Au natural is the key to achieving #campcore.
“But I hate arts and crafts!” Then find something you love. (“When I was your age, that was putting on my tights and reenacting the famous jump scene in Dirty Dancing! Spoiler: I was not a dancer.”) …Insert daughter’s eye roll here.
“And what about my period?!” Oh, that’s easy.
Pack Like You’re Going to Camp Confidence
Packing for periods is a whole lot simpler than it used to be. Even when cannonballs, kayaks and water slides are thrown in the mix.
With summer-essential products like period undies, swimwear and shorts as your secret weapon, summer camp doesn’t have to be filled with what if’s, but rather what next?And if my memory serves me correctly, “what next” is totally up to you. Not your period.
