A few weeks ago, the Kosher.com team started a meeting by sharing our own camp experiences growing up, whether we send our kids to sleep away camp, and everything that comes along with preparing for camp season.

We recently ran a poll asking veteran parents to share their advice for sending kids to camp for the first time. Below are some of the responses we received.

For the newbies, we hope you find this helpful. And for the veterans, we hope it brings a little well-earned humor to camp season.

“Drop-off is usually harder on you than on them. Don’t be surprised if your kid walks to the bus, finds her friends, and disappears without looking back. “

"Have the duffel fully packed a good few days before it’s due to be dropped off. Yes, she’ll need things inside, but she should try to manage without opening it as much as possible. This just allows for so much peace of mind, knowing it’s all packed and that the packing frenzy doesn’t coincide with the feelings of going away for a month."

“Camp group chat can be super helpful but also overwhelming. As soon as someone asks about something like color storage bins, you'll spend the next 2 hours scrolling through Amazon looking for colorful storage bins. Ask me how I know lollll”

"There might be tears on their end. Be strong for them. They will be fine!"

“Between care packages and letters, the post office will become your second home this summer.”

“You'll roll your eyes at how many items they need on the camp packing list. "

“Everything should be labeled. Yes, 1,765,543,234 items need to be labeled (even the goggles). If it isn't labeled, just assume it's not coming home."

“Packing will become an obsession. I told myself I was keeping things simple. Three days later I was watching trunk organization videos."

Now you''l get why us veteran moms look tired in June.

"You will forget something. It'll be fine."

“Your house is about to get really messy. There will be camp stuff EVERYWHERE!

“Do not read the packing list all at once. Take breaks."

“Camp prep will become a part-time job. (Oh the things we do for our kids lol.)"

“Find a veteran camp mom and stay close. Ask her all your questions."

“Budget for everything. Between labels, towels, trunks, and sweatshirts. Camp tuition is not the only cost to account for. “

“Do not panic when everyone else seems more prepared. Don't compare yourself to them.

“Start Labeling now to avoid labeling toothpaste the night before.

"Yes, it's chaotic. But underneath all the shopping and packing is something really special. Your child is about to make memories they'll talk about for years."

“My son hadn't even left yet, and somehow I was already looking through old baby pictures."

“The last bedtime before camp will feel different. I always think, 'How did you get old enough for this!?'"