Camp Packing List | Rocky River Ranch

PACKING LIST AND THEME DAYS

This is a suggested checklist for a one-week camper.

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We suggest packing in a trunk, small stacking plastic drawers, a suitcase, or duffel bag. Campers place their luggage under or at the foot of their bunk.

2026 Packing List

REQUIRED

Insulated Water bottle- at least 24oz (with camper’s name)
River shoes (not flip flops or crocs) that stay securely on feet with a backstrap or backpanel, e.g. old athletic shoes, “water shoes” with backstrap, etc.
Athletic shoes (1 pair)
Sunscreen
Pillow with pillowcase
Set of twin sheets
Blanket or comforter
Shorts (5-6 pairs)
T-shirts (6)
Hat/cap
Swimsuits (3-4, old ones are fine)
Socks (5 pairs), extra if in a horseback or equine class
Pajamas (2-3 pairs)
Undergarments
Shower towels (3)
Washcloths (2-3)
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Body wash/soap
Shampoo & conditioner
Detangler spray
Hairbrush or comb
Hair ties (long hair must be pulled back for Challengers, Horseback, and swimming in the pool)
Shower caddy
Feminine hygiene products and deodorant (if needed)
Swim towels (3)
Tote bag or backpack (for clothing changes between classes, e.g. swimming to horseback)
Flashlight (with extra batteries)
Laundry bag (with camper’s name on outside)
Leggings/jeans if in a horseback riding class

OPTIONAL/HIGHLY SUGGESTED

Favorite stuffed animal/blanket
Swim goggles
Pre-addressed, stamped envelopes
Disposable or inexpensive digital camera
Stationery, pens & pencils
Bug spray
Costume, musical instrument or props for the Talent Show
Theme Day outfits
Eye mask or ear plugs for sleeping
Light sweatshirt/jacket

Theme Days for 2026

These are optional, fun dress up days throughout the session. We encourage everyone to be creative and silly with your outfits, but please don't feel the need to buy lots of items. Hopefully you already have some fun things around the house she can use. We want these days to be fun and not stressful!

Sessions 1,4 & 6

Cheese Day (Monday)! This day is dedicated to all things CHEESE! Whether you dress as a slice of pizza, a block of Swiss, a grilled cheese sandwich or a mouse looking for cheese, all cheesy things are welcome on this day!

Music Legends Wednesday: Are you a country girl like Dolly Parton? Do you love glitter and boas like Elton John? Do you have tons of friendship bracelets like Taylor Swift? Be iconic as you go all out to dress up as your favorite music legend!

The Team I Love Thursday: Deck out in your red & white OR your black & gold. Show your Cowpoke or Wrangler spirit from head to toe!!

Sessions 2 & 5

Too Sweet Thursday: We want to see all things sugary sweet as we transport into the world of Candyland! Think lollipops, cotton candy, licorice, and more!

So Much Spirit Saturday: Deck out in your red & white OR your black & gold. Show your Cowpoke or Wrangler spirit from your hair chalk to your face paint, from glitter to your team swag!!

Monochromatic Monday: Is your go to color pink? Or is it blue? Maybe it’s green? No right or wrong as you go all out and dress in one color from top to bottom - think same color from hair tie to socks!

Triple R Swag Thursday - How much Rocky River swag can you wear all at once? Hats, hair ties, socks, shorts, shirts, and any other camp merch you have. Dress head to toe in all your camp faves!

Session 3

So Much Spirit Saturday: Deck out in your red & white OR your black & gold. Show your Cowpoke or Wrangler spirit from your hair chalk to your face paint, from glitter to your team swag!!

Summer Camp Programs

The perfect summer is waiting for your daughter aged 5 to 14 at Rocky River— filled to the brim with new friendships, challenging activities and, most importantly, lots of fun! Check out our day camp and resident camp options.

Weekend Programs

In the hot summer months, we’re an all-girls camp, but the rest of the year, we offer year ‘round fun at our Great Escapes for women and Mother-Daughter weekends!

Event Rentals

Rocky River Ranch is the perfect solution for your special event! We host family reunions, church retreats, teacher work days, company picnics, Girl Scout groups, and more with lodging for up to 135 guests.

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Rocky River Ranch experience

Dates & Rates

The truth is I would not have become the person I am today without RRR! Making decisions for classes at 7 years old (with the help of a big sister and Rue as my counselor), remembering to wear your bathing suit under your jeans so you could go from the barn to the pool without the dreaded trip back to your cabin, remembering not to sign up for your pool class right before horseback … I could go on and on. The mistakes we made there were safe and there was a support system to catch you if you fell. Later I enjoyed working with the campers younger than me. First in WE as a big sister myself and later as a CIT Mom. In 14 years I grew and strengthened my commitment to myself. I felt loved unconditionally and I formed everlasting friendships. Some of them recently re-kindled after a 15-20 year gap as if no time had passed at all. In the last year I received a letter from a former CIT that spoke of my influence on her life. How it made her a better mother and a better woman. I have saved that letter for my children to read one day. I will always feel like Skeet and Sandy helped raise me and they always saw the person I could be! I can never thank them enough for that.

‒ Sunni Becker Markowitz Years at camp: 1974-1988

My years at Rocky River were some of the most wonderful times in my life. My sister (Laura) and I still spend hours talking about our fun times there. We still remember our days of swimming in the river, riding horses and water skiing. I can't wait until my little girl can experience all the joy and fun I had as a child for herself.

‒ Debbie Merian Polasek Years at camp: 1976-1987

Rocky River was a HUGE part of my childhood and I cherish all of the wonderful memories I have. Sandy, Skeet, Jim, Rue, Arthur — y'all were the best extended family a kid could ever ask for. My favorite cabin, Bar K, holds fond memories as well. The stories I have would take days to repeat and the friendships I made were oh so REAL!

‒ Kathy Hotz Thompson Years at camp: 1975-1987

I am grateful for the girls that Skeet, Sandy and Rue had as our counselors because of the character and leadership they taught me. I love them all. Many are my friends still and I cannot wait to see them again year after year. We are all grown, some mothers now, some in interesting careers, but all of us sharing one special thing in common -- outside of careers, husbands, family and schooling -- the RRR Spirit that endures in our everyday life.

‒ Brandi Mascione Roy Years at camp: 1978-1985

We still can't believe it has been 50 years since my mother, Mama Knolk, started RRR. We are so proud that it is still the same as she built it and still has the same spirit upon which it was founded. Our children and grandchildren have had the wonderful opportunity to attend camp and we all can still sing some of the songs when we get together. May the spirit of Mama Knolk stay with all that have attended RRR.

‒ Polly Knolk Denham

Rocky River Ranch is like my second home. It is such a comfortable, fun place to be! I am planning to be here as long as possible, and want my future daughters and granddaughters to experience this camp. Rocky River has a special place in my heart, and is a big part of my life.

‒ Molly Morgan Years at camp: 2001-2005

Packing List