Packing

One of the questions we are asked the most is: What should I pack for camp? We suggest packing two weeks’ worth of clothing. For sessions longer than two weeks, we offer laundry services! If you are attending Atid, you can plan to bring 1-2 less of each item below. 

Click here to read tips from camp parents about packing 

OTHER PACKING TIPS

Laundry 
Laundry service is available for campers staying for 3 or more weeks. Laundry is included in your camp registration and is sent out to a service approximately once a week. 

Luggage
We recommend limiting packing for camp into two suitcases or duffel bags. You will receive luggage tags with your camper’s information either at the bus stop or as you arrive to camp. If your camper is flying to Milwaukee Airport, the staff who greet them at the airport will ensure they receive camp’s luggage identification tags. If you find it advantageous to ship all or part of your camper’s luggage, you may register to ship bags with ShipCamps. 

WHAT NOT TO PACK 

In keeping with our code of conduct, we do request that your camper refrains from bringing the following items to camp. 

• cell phones of any kind 
• iPod/MP3 player with screen  
• laptops, iPads, tablets, portable DVD players, Apple Watch & other smart watches, hand-held video game devices 
• any device with the ability to connect to the internet (even if you disable WiFi) 
• clothing with inappropriate language or that advertise beer/liquor 
• expensive clothing requiring special washing 
• chewing gum, candy, food of any kind 
• bottled water 
• walkie-talkies 
• shoes or sandals with heels higher than two inches 
• valuable jewelry 
• super soakers/water guns 
• expensive digital cameras 
• hoverboards, skateboards, scooters, “Heelies”
• e-cigaretters, vapes, Juuls, portable essential oil diffusers

osrui unplugged

OSRUI is a break from technology! 

As we prepare to welcome your children to OSRUI, we want to provide some guidance regarding our policy on electronics at camp.   

In these days of instant communication and constant technology, we see camp as a great opportunity to power down and take what we’re certain is a well-needed break from the world of electronics. The only electronics allowed at OSRUI are:    

• Screen-less music players. Our goal is to have devices that only have music on them, without games, videos, or internet access. This way, campers aren’t missing out on programming and time with the OSRUI community while playing on their devices. If there is a small screen on the music player to see the song information without any additional functionality, that is okay. There is no need to purchase expensive music players. If you do want to get a cheap option, we recommend the Sandisk Clip Jam Player (on Amazon). Please make sure the music your child has downloaded is appropriate for a camp setting: e.g., no references to drugs, alcohol or sex, and no swear words. Campers must bring headphones as to not disturb others while listening to music.    
• Digital or disposable cameras. Campers who would like to take photos at camp may bring an inexpensive digital camera, instant camera, or disposable cameras. Make sure to pack enough memory cards and batteries or chargers (for campers in cabins). If there is a small screen on the camera to view photos, that is okay. Please discuss proper handling of the camera and how pictures should be taken of other campers and staff only with their permission. 
• E-readers. Campers are allowed to bring e-readers to camp as long as their only functionality is to read books and they do not have any cellular data access.

Other music players, tablets, portable game devices, smart watches, and video players should remain at home. We hope your camper will bring a deck of cards, a favorite board game, a baseball glove, coloring book, Mad Libs, and other non-electronic games to be enjoyed with friends!  

Cell Phones
We believe being at camp is an opportunity for your child to experience a world beyond home without being constantly connected through a cell phone. Camp is a place for children to make new friends, take responsibility for themselves and their bunkmates, problem solve and mature a bit. This is harder to achieve when parents are only a phone call or text away.

Camp is one of the few places throughout the year where kids can truly unplug, and we have made this decision to both honor and recognize this space as a result of direct parent feedback. We request parents fully support our mission to keep these electronics out of camp to ensure OSRUI remains a wholesome, outdoorsy and safe place for all kids.