Our Summer Camp Packing List

Whether you are in the process of registering for summer camp or just finished, it’s the perfect time to think about a packing list. It takes awhile to accumulate all the items to shop for beyond the obvious sleeping bag and duffel bag. Kids going to sleep away camp or day camp both need various camp specific items. We’ve created a full packing list for you to print and check off but have included options that are more versatile. We’re going to get into the nitty gritty of bug spray, packing tips, items for water activities and more. Let’s make your camp packing lists!

Starter Tips

Firstly, we recommend that you email the camp director and find out necessities for a specific activity. For example: do they provide anything for the kids in the rooms? Some camps provide items like sheets and towels, which is ideal for packing space because those take up a lot of the bag. Another question to ask is if there any special items of clothing or costumes needed for camp activities. Beyond making sure your kids have enough clothes and options for chilly nights, the packing process will go a lot smoother if you have a better idea of basic items and the most important things the camp recommends. Another thing to consider is, will there be outdoor camping where sleeping bags will be needed? What is needed for laundry service? Essentially, these kind of things. Furthermore, it’s best to begin packing essential items and work your way down the list from there to prepare for your children’s summer camp adventures.

Labels

This brings us into an important category, which is labeling all of your camper’s belongings! There are a lot of kids at camp and it wouldn’t be ideal if items got mixed up or lost. A way to prevent that is by labeling literally everything. That’s what I do! I will label shoes, clothes, undergarments, a small fan, really anything. Include your camper’s full name and you can put this on literally all of your camper’s items. A pair of sandals, underwear, etc. You can totally use a classic iron-on option and this is something you want to spend a lot of time doing because it will save you in the long run. The best part is that a lot of these labels will last in the washing machine and can get you some more free time because all that is needed is attaching, rather than writing on everything or making your own labels. This is at the top of the list for summer camp essentials for both sleepaway camp and for day campers!

Essentials

Below, I have listed a bunch of items that I think are necessities for overnight camp. These can be interchanged a bit for day camp, but these are primarily for sleep away options. We find this is much more difficult to shop for so we want to make sure we tackle this category early on! When I say necessities, I mean the items they truly need, such as sunscreen sheets, towels, bug repellent, etc. These are all everyday items the kids can’t live without. While they are fun looking, they are indeed necessities, nonetheless.

Since the kids are outside all day long, I like to have a great reusable water bottle for them that will keep water cold all day. More than that are items for swimming and activities. For example, maybe water shoes, a sweatshirt for cool evenings or an extra pair of shoes. Having somewhere to put wet swimsuits so they don’t get all gross is something to think about too! It’s the little things we don’t want to forget. Subsequently, a lot of camps have a list of packing necessities on their websites, so look out for that before contacting the camp with questions that may already be answered. First-time campers, definitely check out the camp websites and make a list of all following items they announce.

Packing The Extras

Finally, we have all of the fun things! These are all of the extra things that make your kids have some of the best memories. For instance, if your kid wants to pack items to decorate their bunk, that could be a blast! A pack of cards, mad libs or a disposable camera could be a great way to spend time with new friends during rest hour.

Of course personal items take up a ton of space. This is a great opportunity to let your kids pick out some extra items but limit them for space. Another great idea is stationary with pre-written addresses and stamps for your kids to spend time letter writing. Addresses are not the easiest to remember. So if everything is already pre-addressed, they are good to go! Talk to your kids and ask them what they would like to bring for a good time at their overnight summer camps.

Bug Repellent // Shower Caddy // Duffle // Stationary // Bed Set // Deodorant // Flashlights // Cosmetic Bags // Towels // Labels // Portable Fan // Laundry Bag // Filtered Water Bottle // Sunscreen

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