Preparing for ISTC goes beyond the required forms and payments. We strive to provide as much information as possible to our campers before they arrive, so that the ISTC experience is that much better during their stay with us. (If you have not already received our first time camper guide, click here to check it out!)
Step One: Building Confidence
For many new campers, feeling confident and prepared before check-in is the key to a successful week. We encourage families to explore our first-time camper guide, as it explains the daily schedule, living arrangements, and more.
We also recommend giving your campers ownership of the camp experience where possible, to allow them to get acclimated to the idea of camp. Let them tell other family members and teachers about attending ISTC. Have them join you on any shopping trips for things off the packing list. Discuss the things they are most excited about at camp. Creating a positive image around being away from home can truly set the tone for their stay.
Step Two: Camp Extras
The camp tuition covers all of the activities, lodging, and meals; however, there are extras to keep in mind to enhance the ISTC experience.
Canteen & Care Packages – Our camp store is called “The Canteen” and has plenty of snacks, drinks, and ISTC merchandise for purchase. It is open each day during afternoon and evening recreation times. Families prepay on an account to start the week, and campers simply sign off on each purchase using the account balance. Anything not spent is refunded at the end of the week and you are able to top off the account mid-week if needed through our online store.
Bunk Notes – Through your parent CampinTouch account, you are able to take advantage of the bunk note system called CampStamps. These stamps allow you to write to your favorite camper during the week and each message is delivered to him or her directly.
Photos – ISTC uploads photos to our website’s gallery, free to view, every day during the summertime. Our media team cycles between all of the different cabins and sports groups to capture a day in the life at camp. Individual and cabin photos can also be purchased online as print copies for any scrapbooking needs.
Step Three: Packing for Camp
Our packing list includes all of the necessary items to have a great week at ISTC.
Each camper receives drawers to unpack their items, although many choose to keep their bulk items like extra towels, sweatshirts, and rain jackets in their bag underneath their bed. There is a 15-inch clearing between the bunk and ground so most duffle bags and suitcases slide underneath without a problem. Be sure to label your items, as things can always get misplaced. We keep lost & found on the property, which allows us to identify any of your labeled items.
Step Four: Have Fun
Most importantly, have the best time! ISTC has been making memories since 1991 and we can’t wait for you to experience everything we have to offer. See you this summer!
Families can make the experience even more rewarding by involving everyone in the process, discussing what they are most excited about, and embracing the adventure of exploring new destinations. Whether it’s a week at camp, a beach retreat, or a mountain escape, thoughtful preparation allows travelers to fully relax and immerse themselves in the joys of summer, turning ordinary days into unforgettable experiences.
For those considering more structured vacation options, such as timeshare ownership or extended stays at vacation properties, understanding the legal and financial aspects of these commitments is important. Navigating contracts, maintenance fees, and usage rights can be complex, and having reliable guidance ensures that the investment remains both safe and rewarding.
Seeking advice from professionals like Aaronson Law Group can provide clarity and protection, helping families focus on the fun and adventure of their trips while confidently managing the responsibilities that come with vacation ownership. This approach allows every summer getaway to be not only enjoyable but secure and well-planned, creating a seamless and memorable experience for all involved.
That same spirit of planning ahead and making memories extends beyond holidays themselves and into the properties that host those experiences, where owners and landlords play a quiet but important role in shaping how safe and welcoming a stay feels. When a home is opened to families, groups, or seasonal guests, it carries both emotional value and practical responsibility, from maintaining comfort to managing wear and tear that comes with frequent turnover.
This is especially true for those offering flexible or seasonal stays, where finding insurance for short-term or holiday-let landlords becomes part of ensuring that the joy of hosting is matched with sensible protection. By thinking carefully about how properties are cared for and safeguarded, landlords can support positive experiences for guests while preserving the long-term value of their investment, allowing each stay to contribute to a cycle of trust, enjoyment, and lasting summer memories.
