Getting your child ready for camp is an exciting (and sometimes overwhelming!) feat. We know this and are happy to help with any questions you have. Read on for helpful tips about packing and preparing for arrival.
Each spring, our camps host an Open House for new and prospective families to tour camp, meet staff, and get excited for the summer. Check our events page for current dates and times.
SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 2026
Becket, MA
Families will be emailed detailed information about our Opening and Closing Day procedures in the lead up to camp as instructions vary slightly depending on which program/camp your child is participating in.
For resident camp families – If you are driving, signs and staff will be along the road to the entrance to the camp, and upon arrival, there will be plenty of hands to help you move your camper’s belongings to their cabin. Our staff will be there to direct you to your camper’s cabin and introduce you to their counselors. Please keep in mind that the first meal campers have will be dinner, so make sure they have lunch before arriving!
If your camper is arriving on the bus, they will be provided with lunch when they arrive before meeting their counselors and moving in with the rest of their cabin. Cabin staff will help campers unpack and get settled.
Gibson Weekend is a unique feature of the Camp Becket and Chimney Corners Camp experience that takes place over the third weekend of each 4-week session. Each camper is allowed to have one guest spend the weekend at camp in an optional, immersive camp experience where the camper’s guest gets to jump into the camp program and experience the program first-hand. Guests have the option to spend one or both nights of the weekend at camp, sleeping in a tent with their camper. The Sunday afternoon of the weekend, both camps offer a traditional Visiting Day, during which campers may have additional visitors.
Because the camp experience is single-gendered, we ask that campers invite a guest who identifies with the gender of the camp they are visiting and that all guests are 18 years or older.
More information about the weekend will be sent in the lead-up to camp. If you have questions about how your family can best participate in this program, please contact us to discuss your specific needs.
We’re here to help both parents and campers feel confident, excited, and prepared for an amazing experience at Camp Becket and Chimney Corners Camp! Our Camp Prep Video Library is here to help your family feel excited and ready for the summer ahead. In these short videos, camp directors and staff walk you through what to expect—from what to pack and what arrival day looks like to how daily life at camp works and how we support campers throughout their time here. Whether it’s your child’s first summer or they’re returning for another year, these videos will help everyone feel prepared for a great camp experience.
Can’t make it live? No problem! A recording will be available after each session.
Join us to get all your questions answered and start your camp adventure off right!
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more and get a taste of what’s in store for you at camp!
Can’t make it live? No problem! A recording will be available after each session.
Join us to get all your questions answered and start your camp adventure off right!
(Parents/Caregivers)
Discover how camp helps children overcome anxiety, build confidence, and thrive in an unplugged, supportive environment.
(Parents/Caregivers) Tips and strategies to help your camper adjust to time away from home and make the most of their camp experience.
(Parents/Caregivers) Learn about this unique opportunity for a special adult in your camper’s life to visit camp, what to expect, and how to prepare.
(Campers)
Find out about the awesome activities at camp, how to choose your schedule, and what to expect during free time!
(Campers)
All the details about camp dining, fun activities, and special events! Learn about our meal options, the Dining Hall experience, and get a sneak peek at the fun traditions and special events that make camp unforgettable!
Independence Without Isolation (Why Time Away Strengthens Attachment)
We do not give specific numbers on how many items to pack for camp. This is because you know your camper best. If your camper is often cold, pack heavier clothing and extra blankets. If your camper hates having wet socks, send extra.
Send older clothes to camp that are appropriate for the outdoors. Camp life involves a great deal of outdoor activity and clothes will get wet and dirty. Also, campers change clothes several times a day. Campers should be coached to re-wear items that have only been used for a short time.
Please mark everything coming to camp with the camper’s first and last name. Iron-on name tapes or permanent markers work well on clothing items. Most items can be
returned if they are labeled.
There’s a lot of equipment to bring! Here’s how people generally pack for camp: The camper’s trunk/duffel holds the majority of the clothing items and slides under the bunk bed. Sheets, blankets, and towels can go in a duffel or extra laundry bag. Often families bring plastic drawers, stackable bins, or buckets with lids to hold the camper’s miscellaneous supplies/equipment (not suggested for campers traveling on the bus or by plane). Each camper will have a “cubby” (sizes vary depending on the cabin but the narrowest cubby is 24” wide and 36” tall). Make sure everything is labeled and remind your camper to write their name on anything they purchase in the camp store. Use first and last names on labels since children often have the same first names and similar-looking things. It may be helpful to tape the packing list to the inside of their trunk to help keep track of items. Storage space is limited so pack accordingly and be assured that the counselors will help find space for everything. No nails or other forms of alteration to the cabins will be allowed, so please leave your tools at home!
Find a full packing list in our Summer Guide sent out each Spring.
Campers need to bring both sheets and blankets and a sleeping bag. A sleeping bag is for overnight campouts and off-camp trips, while regular bedding (blankets, sheets, pillows, and pillowcases) is needed for day-to-day- day living in the cabin. Some campers bring foam pads, egg crate pads, or other insulated mats for either their bed or for under a sleeping bag on overnights. While campers will be encouraged to change their sheets regularly you will want to reinforce this with your camper before camp. If your camper may wet the bed, include a rubber sheet plus 2 extra sheets. You may also want to consider sending Goodnites or other specialized underwear that saves your camper from the anxiety around potential bedwetting incidents.
We highly suggest a trunk/footlocker/duffel as it is the best way to stay organized over a four-week experience. A trunk that is 16” or lower will fit under any bunk at either camp. The length and width do not matter. Trunks can be found at many large department stores, and Army-Navy surplus stores, or you can visit the website Everything Summer Camp and search for our camps to receive a Discount.
Families who live outside our area may choose to ship the camper’s trunk or other equipment ahead. We have partnered with shipcamps.com to help parents interested in shipping their camper’s trunks or duffels to or from camp. Please note this will be the only way we will be accepting or shipping trunks for this summer.
Campers are required to bring two water bottles to camp so that they can drink water throughout the day. Water bottles are also needed to carry water on hikes and overnights. Campers may also purchase water bottles from the camp store. All water bottles should be marked with the camper’s name.
We require campers to wear socks to avoid blisters and other foot injuries that can disrupt a happy and healthy camp experience. Campers are asked to wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes to most activities. Campers may bring athletic sandals with straps on both the toes and heels but they must be worn with socks and only when appropriate to the activity. The use of shoes that do not offer proper support or do not cover the foot will be limited or restricted at camp.
Pictures, special toys, posters, and/or a favorite book or two from home can make camp feel a bit more comfortable. Tack n’ stick reusable adhesive, painter’s tape, or any non-toxic adhesive that will not damage the walls is useful for hanging pictures and posters. Tacks and duct tape are not allowed since they damage the wall.
While camp provides most sports equipment, your camper may bring their own equipment such as tennis racquets if they choose. If your camper has protective gear such as helmets, pads, or protective cups that they use for sports, they should bring them to use at camp. Campers should label personal equipment. Camp cannot be responsible for loss or damage.
Click on Incomplete Tasks to view and fill out the camper forms listed. You will need to upload or send in the doctor’s report and a copy of the back and front of your health insurance card. All other forms need to be opened and filled out online.
Click the reservation you wish to add to → Click the Edit link next to Options and make your selections.
Click on each Account Member → Choose Edit my bio information to view and update. This will be the information used to reach you during the summer when necessary.
