For some parents, the rite of passage of sending a child away for a camp experience prompts unadulterated excitement (“they’ll love it… and oh, the freedom we’ll have!”) while for others (i.e. certain people composing this Momorandum) there is no small measure of separation anxiety (yours, not theirs). Regardless of where you fall on that emotional spectrum, the universal necessity of getting them readytrumps all. In fact, you know you’ve reached this parental lifestage when a “top trending topic” of conversation among the moms you know is about camp trunk packing. Assuming you have the basics down, here are a few of our favorite fun extras for final packing (or to send up in a care package):

For Happy Campers:

iPod Lego Mini Speakers

You can plug your iPod® into this cool block-style speaker and ideal for bunk life, there are NO batteries required, as it is powered off of the charge of the iPod. Fellow bunkmates will appreciate that you can adjust the volume. It measures 2 1/2″ L x 1″ H x 3/4″ D, comes in black, blue, pink or white legos, and works with all iPod classic, Nanos, Touch and Minis. (You might just want to check first on your camp policy to confirm whether devices of this nature are allowed). For $25.00, from GottaGreatGift.com.

Note: you can use the codeExecMoms – Summer and SAVE 20% off of one regularly priced item.

Ipod Lego Mini Speakers on GottaGreatGift.com

End of Bed Organizer

Forget its ostensible purpose as a hanging shoe bag; we love the possibilities this organizer offers for multiplying the storage possibilities for kids’ camp sundries like a flashlight, magazines, extra batteries, stationery, a stray toiletry… all conveniently hung with velcro straps right o the foot of their bed. With 10 pockets, this splatter design is $23.95 from gilbin.com, while solid color versions are $18.95

End of Bed Organizers from gilbin.com

Fold and Seal Stationery

To maximize the chances of getting some outbound communication from your camper, a range of camper-friendly stationery options abound. We like these popular fold and seal cards that come with stickers to seal, and come in a range of cute styles that would appeal to both boys and girls. This option from campstuff4less.com includes 8 cards for just $5.00; other options come in a “Mad Libs” style (i.e. “My favorite food at camp is _______ “) or optimistically allow more free-form letter writing.

Note: order camp gear between now and June 30th using the code EXECMOMand any order of $50 or more ships FREE.

Stationery and more at campstuff4less.com

T Shirt Graffiti Pens

Perfect to send in a care package or bring up on visiting day, these pens provide the perfect implements for the requisite need for bunk autographing as thieir camp days come to a close. Friends can go to town on t-shirts, pillowcases, hats (preferably those that you have determined acceptable for such original “art.” This set comes with 8 permanent fabric markers in an array of bright colors. For $12.00.

Note: you can use the codeExecMoms – Summer and SAVE 20% off of one regularly priced item.

Fabric Graffiti Pens on GottaGreatGift.com

And a final favorite packing tip…

Favorite Executive Mom partner Jill Tipograph of Everything Summer recommends that as you pack their trunk, consider “containerizing” smaller items – put similar items together in see-through travel bags, Ziplocs or plastic storage containers. Since bunk storage can be very limited, this is a way of bringing storage with you, and given them a chance at keeping things organized in the process.