Need ideas for care package for ds who is working at camp all summer

[Paz]

My mom is send ds some money to help him survive the summer:) but we'd also like to send some other items in a care package. He's 18 and is working at a camp in the mountains. They are somewhat isolated but do get to a local store once a week. What kinds of things could we send?

[In The Great White North]

Well, when I was 18 and went away, I wanted food. As in COOKIES! (Yes, they really did feed us, but there weren't any snacks.) Mom wrapped them up in little fourpacks and packed them in popcorn (also edible!) That way they didn't crumble.

Other things he'd probably appreciate not having to pay for include: another flashlight and batteries, batteries for any other electric "toys" he took with him, books, sunscreen, aloe, frisbee, baseball cap (He's probably already lost the first one), sunglasses (ditto), cards, self-addressed stamped envelope (doubt if it will get you a letter, but maybe an email or phone call)

[JFS in IL]

I'll add - a small photo albums with family and pet photos in it, a disposable camera if he does not have one, a paperback book or two.

[cat in black]

My middle child worked at a state park one summer. He said send food, food, food. Junky stuff like slimjims and individual peanut packs, etc. He said baby wipes are really nice to have out in the field if running water isn't an option. Magazines in his area of interest. An audiobook, if he likes to listen. Fingernail clippers, scissors, duct tape, chewing gum and a bandana or two.

[Spy Car]

Good books.

[Paz]

And he is worried about eating all the fattening camp food so in addition to many of your suggestions, I am sending protein powder and protein bars along with a multi-vitamin. I gave him an idea of healthy snacks to store in a cooler, too. Poor kid. He likes to eat healthy and eating fried fish sticks and poptarts is making him stressed.

[Sahamamama]

Can he have a little hot-pot for boiling water? If so, then you can send him organic instant oatmeal packets -- healthy breakfast!

Sunflower seeds -- salted, because if he's running around with kids all day, he's sweating out the salt.

Potassium tablets -- take one a day, at night before bed, helps with muscle aches and cramps from lots of activity

Trail mix -- you can make your own (peanuts, raisins, choc chips, M&Ms) or get a healthier version (with dried fruit) at Sam's

Dried apples -- but be sure to put this in Ziplocs or the ANTS will find it (same with the trail mix)

Jar of natural peanut butter -- or he'll waste away. When I was in Belize, Central America, all the guys on the mission base would swarm around my care packages, because I always got peanut butter. We ate rice & beans three times a day, but they really missed meat!

Green tea bags? -- if he likes tea

Nicely scented baby wipes (Sam's has aloe vera ones that are nice)

Shower gel -- like Irish Spring or Old Spice or whatever he likes

Gum or breathmints

Bug spray

Your church bulletin or magazine

Something else to read -- only a mother knows this

Lotion -- is it dry there?

Batteries -- for a flashlight, I think it's usually C or D

Batteries -- for small electronics, usually AA or AAA

Socks -- he might have worn out a few pair by now

Does he have flip-flops/shower shoes? Not sure what you call them.

Hope that helps!