Tees, shorts remain fashion staples at summer camps
Tees, shorts remain fashion staples at summer camps

By Samantha Critchell

Published: June 22, 2008

The youths in T-shirts and shorts attending "Camp Rock” in Disney's new TV movie have the woodsy look down, but if they were attending Camp Southwoods in New York's Adirondack Mountains, they'd have to bring their Hannah Montana pillows and Transformers throw blankets.

At Island Lake Camp in Pennsylvania, owner Matt Stoltz expects an influx of electronic gadgets, such as cell phones and handheld games, even though they aren't allowed.

Those trend-driven items change more than the wardrobe, which is still rooted in T-shirts and hooded sweatshirts. Both Stoltz and Camp Southwoods owner Scott Ralls said that Soffe athletic shorts are favorites of campers.

"We had been concerned that our older campers would follow the new wave of risque clothing. We have been pleased, in fact, that we are seeing a more relaxed look with logoed sweatpants and vintage hoodies,” Ralls said.

At Island Lake, two-piece bathing suits for girls have been banned because they were showing too much skin. "I am surprised that some of their parents allow them to wear such skimpy suits,” Stoltz said.

Ralls expects to see more Crocs this summer, along with green products, including soy, bamboo and organic cotton shirts, sweats and bedding.

Here's a guide of what to pack and what not to pack, from the two camp directors:

Bring:

•Fold-up, portable chairs (Ralls recommends Crazy Creek chairs).

•Water bottles.

•Camera.

•Nonvideo iPod, an exception to the gadget rule.

•Old-school games, such as cards, jacks, board games.

•Books.

Don't bring:

•Cell phones.

•Computers.

•Electronic games.

•Bikinis.

•Makeup.

•Candy.

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