Would You Pay Someone to Pack Your Kid’s Bag for Camp?

And of course these are fancy-shamcy people. Most of the clients are, no shock here, affluent New York City moms who can pay a whopping $250 per hour and don’t feel like packing up their kiddos (for that kind of dough, I’d do it!) 

But to be, er, fair, there’s a reason to hire a pro packer, according to the article. These so-called experts have access to things like camp bedding, so the moms can feel the sheets for softness and decide if the thread count is OK (LOL). Professional packers also serve as therapists for their inflated hourly fee, talking moms off the anxiety inducing “packing ledge.” 

I’ll let you in on a little secret: I’m too in love and obsessed with my kid to let a stranger pack anything for him let alone a summer away from home. 

Jack, 6, isn’t going to sleep-away camp, but I’m eagerly awaiting the supply list for the day camp he’s attending this summer. He’s going to a great camp that offers swimming, crafts, sports, and more. There’s a hot lunch and ice cream program, too. 

Packing him up daily won’t be nearly as extreme as a sleep-away-camp scenario, but I still need to send a beach towel, swimsuit and extra clothing, snacks, sunblock, shin guards — and every day I will pack his bag with care and double check it, just like I do before we walk to the school bus.

As a single working mom, knowing I can cross off worrying if I packed my son’s homework folder, snacks, lunch, and extras is a relief. If I forget something there’s only me to make it right and that means leaving work to messenger something over to the school. 

At the end of the day, I know my little guy best and I want to add the sweet personal touches to the things he takes with him, like the I LOVE YOU post-it note I stuck on his sandwich container this morning after our glorious, long holiday weekend at the Jersey shore. A professional packer can’t do that.

Share your thoughts on professional packers in the comments.

Photo: Getty

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