Summer is approaching quickly (I can feel it in the air) and it’s never too early to start preparing and looking ahead. Most camps are already close to being fully booked up and are anxiously awaiting their campers. Although it might be pulling at your heartstrings a little bit thinking of sending your little ones off to their first sleepaway camp, or even if you’re a seasoned overnight camp sender, the list of things to pack can be daunting to come up with on your own. With all of the lists we have to make as parents (the grocery list, the to-do list, all of the wish lists), we need all the help we can get!
We’ve broken it down into 4 easy categories to better aid you when it comes to planning your shopping trip in advance. When we think outdoor camp you may only have things like bug spray and sunscreen come to mind, but there is so much more to consider. Quantities of these certain items will change depending on how long your child is going to be away, but for the most part the items will be the same throughout. Always check in with the camp itself if you have any specific questions or concerns when it comes to specific things your child needs or wants to have with them!
First and foremost: don’t forget to label everything! We make this really easy for you by offering a fun Sleepaway Camp Label Pack that you can find here.
Some other labels we recommend checking out are our ever-so-popular Water Bottle Bands, our Custom Clothing Stamp for any of the tagless clothing (like swim suits). Any of our allergy or medical alert label if your child has a medical condition that needs to be known.
OUTDOOR STUFF NEEDED AT SLEEPAWAY CAMP:
- Bug Spray
- Sunblock (40 SPF and higher is best and waterproof)
- Aloe for sunburn relief
- Afterbite for mosquito relief
- Water bottle (depending on the time spent at camp, pack them 2 so they have a back up)
- Flashlight or lantern
CLOTHING REQUIRED FOR SUMMER CAMP:
- Swimming gear at least 2 or 3 bathing suits)
- Goggles (for little kids and these ones for bigger kids)
- Towels (1 for showering and 1 for the pool or lake)
- A few hats with a brim
- Sweats
- Water shoes
- Closed toed shoes
- Shower shoes
- Shorts and T-shirts (nothing that you want to worry about getting worried or dirty, always send more than you feel is necessary)
- Underwear and socks (always send double the amount of days they are away, you can never have too much)
- Sunglasses
- Pajama’s (a mixture of warmer styles and cooler styles depending on the weather)
- Mesh bags for wet clothing
THE SUMMER CAMP TOILETRY BAG:
- Shampoo, conditioner, body wash
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush (with a cover) and toothpaste
- A shower caddy/bag to be used to transport their toiletries
- Tampons and/or pads
- Band-Aids (all camps have a first aid kit, but it doesn’t hurt to pack some of your own)
- Any medications they might require during their time there (always inform the camp as well ahead of time)
SUMMER CAMP “BUNK-JUNK” AND ACTIVITIES:
- Card games
- Non-complicated board games (try to avoid things with lots of pieces and go more compact when you can)
- A journal
- Snacks (if the camp allows)
- Pens/pencils
- Disposable camera
- Compact puzzles
- Fidget toys
EXTRA’S TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN PACKING FOR SUMMER CAMP:
- Ensure you send photocopies of any health card’s or any other important documents you think the camp might require
- Use a duffle bag instead of something like a suitcase or trunk for space reasons
- Money in case there are things available to purchase
- Beads and string/yarn (friendship bracelets are all the rage these days)
The last thing you want to think to yourself while sending your child off at camp is did I send enough underwear and socks? We have you covered with this list that covers all of the most needed camp must-haves.
If you’re wondering how to label all of this, check out this list on exactly how and what to label for camp. It’s a must-have breakdown of everything and how to label it.
