SQUISH HAPPENS

Parents often approach us with a hushed tone, asking about the unwritten rules of packing—the items not officially on the list, but that “all the kids have.”

At Somerset, we strive for transparency. And frankly, we push back against the tide of more stuff. Many of the trendy items families ask about are expensive, tied to status, and ultimately distracting from the spirited, connected community we work hard to create.

At the same time, we understand the social dynamics of camp. When something is genuinely popular, relatively inexpensive, and allowed—think Crocs, Owala water bottles, or Sticker Beans—we try to communicate that. Our goal is simple: no camper should feel left out for not having a common, permissible item.

Which brings us to this summer’s craze: the year of the NeeDoh and the Squishy Dumpling.

Last summer, we had a single NeeDoh cube in the camp office. I’ll admit it—it was a hit. Squeezing it during a long phone call was surprisingly therapeutic. We understand the appeal. Camp should be fun, playful, and joyful, and these simple fidget toys certainly fit that spirit.

That said, if they come to camp, they come with a few expectations—and a healthy dose of realism.

First: their fate is almost guaranteed. They will get lost, break, pop, melt, disappear, or somehow become unrecognizable. It’s the nature of camp: shared spaces, constant movement, and lots of hands.

Second: less is more. Cabin space is limited, and overpacking—even small items—creates clutter and stress in a shared environment. If you choose to send fidgets, please limit them to one or two small items.

Third—and most important—they must be treated as communal. These should not become a source of tension or ownership battles. The expectation is that they are shared freely within the cabin. Camp is about generosity, flexibility, and living together—not guarding possessions.

Of course, small disagreements will happen. That’s part of camp and an important part of growing up. We’re here to help campers navigate those moments with care, perspective, and kindness.

So our ask is simple: have a clear conversation with your camper before packing. If you decide to send a fidget or two (and to be clear, they are absolutely not necessary for a successful summer), send a small amount—and be fully prepared to never see them again.

It’s camp. Things get lost. And learning to let go of something small is part of the magic.