As excited as your child is for summer camp, we know you parents are equally as stressed – especially when it comes to packing! But we’ve got your back. Wondering what to pack for summer camp to ensure your child has everything they need? From the essentials to the little extras that make camp feel like their home away from home, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you along the way.
Plus, you can make move-in day a breeze by using Ship Camps to send your child’s camp bags ahead of time. This simple step frees you up to focus on what really matters: getting your child settled in and creating positive camp memories, without the stress of hauling gear.
Tips for First-Timers
If you’re sending your child off to camp for the first time, this one’s for you!
- Ask camp staff about the best time to arrive at camp, where to check in, where to drop off their bags, and any additional questions you may have.
- If your child has special medical needs, get a head start on the required paperwork. There will be forms that need completion from your doctor and prescriptions that will need to be filled.
- Pack a reusable water for your child so they can remain hydrated at summer camp.
- Include your child in the packing process! Not only will it allow them to be involved in the decision-making process, but they’ll also have a better idea of what’s in their bags.
- If you’re concerned about all of your child’s items returning home with them at the end of summer camp, consider creating an inventory list.
- If you’d like to receive notes from your child while they’re away, pack stationary, stamps, and pens or pencils in their bags, too!
- Many multi-week or extended-duration camps offer laundry services. Therefore, it’s crucial to label your child’s clothing. But, more on that next!
Expert Packing Tips
Whether your child is attending camp for one week or one month, here are camp-tested and camp-approved packing tips.
- Make sure to label everything, no exceptions! Even the smallest or seemingly unimportant items should be labeled. You’ll thank yourself for it later! For hard goods, simply write the child’s name on them. For camp clothing or miscellaneous soft goods, there are a few different methods for labeling including fabric markers, iron-on labels, and more. Check out our guide to labeling camp clothing to learn more.
- Check with your selected summer camp on policies regarding electronics, musical instruments, sports equipment, and other large items before packing them.
- Packing cubes are excellent space-saving solutions and can help keep your child organized while away.
- Leave valuables and irreplaceable/expensive items at home. It’s not worth the risk – trust us!
What to Pack for Summer Camp
While many camps provide detailed packing guides to assist you in the packing process, we’ve also gathered a list of what to pack for summer camp with everything you may, or may not, have already thought of!
Clothing
- T-shirts
- Tank tops
- Shorts
- Long pants / jeans
- Sweatpants
- Pajamas
- Underwear
- Socks
- Jacket
- Sweatshirt
- Raincoat
- Sweater
- Hats
- Bandanas
- Sunglasses
- Eyeglasses
- Swimsuits
- Swimming goggles
- Tennis shoes
- Boots
- Sandals / flip-flops
- Shower shoes
- Slippers
Bed
- Mattress pad
- Sheets
- Blanket
- Sleeping bag
- Pillow
- Pillowcases
- Favorite stuffed animal
Bath
- Bath towels
- Hand towels
- Beach towels
- Washcloths
- Shower caddy
- Brush
- Comb
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Deodorant
- Hand soap
- Hand sanitizer
- Toothbrush
- Toothbrush holder
- Toothpaste
Gear
- Flashlight and batteries
- Fan
- Compass
- Books
- Reusable water bottle
- Stationary, stamps, and writing utensils
- Laundry / dirty clothes bag
- Anti-itch cream
- Insect repellent
- Sunblock
- Disinfecting wipes
- Disposable camera
- Emergency contact sheet
- Medications
Getting ready for summer camp might feel overwhelming, but with some careful planning and a bit of organization, you can make sure your child has everything necessary for a fantastic and unforgettable time. Use this guide to check off what to pack for summer camp and think about what your child specifically needs to help them feel confident and ready for their summer adventure.
And don’t fret! Your kids are bound to return with loads of happy memories, likely already asking to go back next year!