Every June I watch families haul enormous suitcases up the lodge steps — and every Friday I watch the same families haul them home half-unopened. Here's the list I'd pack for my own kid.
The non-negotiables
Swimsuit plus a backup, two towels, closed-toe shoes, rain jacket, refillable water bottle, sunscreen stick, bug spray, and a warm layer for campfire nights. Label everything — our lost-and-found fashion show is funny exactly once.
The comfort items
One stuffed animal, one book, one disposable camera. That's the whole comfort kit. Familiar things help at lights-out; everything else just gets sandy.
Leave these home
Phones and tablets (we're unplugged by design), snacks with nuts (allergy-safe site), and anything you'd cry over losing to the lake. The cove provides all sports gear, art supplies, and life jackets.
Full age-group checklists live on the Current Families page — print it, check it off, done.