I take it you\u2019re just as thrilled as I am that summer camp is back! For some of you, it never left. For a lot of you, it\u2019s been over a year since the last \u201cfirst day.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But, even with all the excitement, getting kids ready for summer camp can be overwhelming. You\u2019re probably asking yourself all sorts of questions. How should I pack? What should I pack? Scariest of all: what if my child loses everything? Well, I\u2019m here to tell you what I tell all my Happy Camper Live<\/a> campers: you can do it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this article, I\u2019ll cover the six essential things you need to pack your camper on his or her first day, plus a bonus recommendation at the end. Here we go!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Okay, let\u2019s rewind for a second. The first thing you need so your child is perfectly packed and prepared for the first day of camp is something to pack in<\/em>! I recommend a mesh bag, which makes it easy to find items quickly. Ideally, the bag will have an exterior pouch for bottle storage. Usually, the more get-at-able a camper\u2019s water supply is, the better hydrated he or she will be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Time spent running around with friends is fun\u2026 and tiring! Especially in the sweat-inducing summer heat. For this reason, it\u2019s very important your camper stays hydrated. Make sure you pack a refillable water bottle!<\/p>\n\n\n\n First and foremost, I\u2019m big on breakfast. Do all you can to send your camper off with a full belly. This will really benefit him or her during any play or physical activity happening before lunch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You should also determine whether your child\u2019s camp provides meals and\/or snacks. (While you\u2019re at it, ask about allergy policies!) If not, be sure to pack some nutritious bites for your camper, like carrots, apple slices, raisins, a granola bar (for kids), as fuel for the day. Snacks are also great for bus or van rides to and from camp, if relevant. It\u2019s best to pack food in an insulated lunch box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you decide to pack your child a snack or meal, keep in mind he or she may need utensils and a napkin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n At most summer camps, children spend a majority of the day outside. So, sun protection is a must. I always tell parents to apply sunscreen and lip balm with SPF to their children before <\/strong>dropping them off. Don\u2019t forget to pack both the sunscreen and lip balm in your camper\u2019s camp bag for reapplication after swimming and\/or lunchtime. Sun shirts and sun hats are also great for keeping your child safe from harmful sun exposure!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Summer camp is full of fun and adventure, which means things can get messy! It\u2019s good to pack your camper an extra outfit in case anything gets ripped, dirtied, or dampened. What\u2019s worse than walking around in a pair of wet socks and underwear?<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you know your camper will be swimming, send him or her with a bathing suit, swim shoes, and towels. Don\u2019t forget the hairbrush!<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a parent, you know some things leave home in your child\u2019s hands never to return. But, if your camper doesn\u2019t come home with his or her stuff at the end of the day, how can you pack for tomorrow? Once again, worry not! Mabel\u2019s Labels<\/a> makes a line of personalized labels specifically for campers to label all their things. With these labels, you\u2019ll never have to worry about your camper misplacing his or her items again (okay, maybe not never <\/em>again)!<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your camper gets home (with all<\/em> of his or her items. Thanks, Mabel\u2019s Labels<\/a>) and doesn\u2019t want the fun to stop, I do have one more recommendation: check out the virtual summer camp activities and adventures on Happy Camper Live<\/a>! We keep the fun going 365 days a year. <\/p>\n\n\n\nA camp bag<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Enough water<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Something to eat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Sun protection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
An extra outfit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Labels for everything<\/h2>\n\n\n\n