Summer Day Camp Packing List

A kids summer camp can be a crticial experience for children and their parents.  After you have decided  which camp to send your kid to, it’s time to plan for the actual camp program.  How will you know what your child really needs?   Many summer camp programs will send a welcome packet including a gear list , whether it’s a summer day camp or an overnight program. In case they don’t or if you want to be fully prepared, here are some tips for creating a camp checklist.

For day camps, you would want to pack up swimming gear, like a swimsuit, towel, swim shoes and suncreen.   Throw in a hat hat, filled water bottles, sandals, an extra set of clothing, and lightweight rain slicker and sweatshirt and your child should be prepared for whatever heads her way.  

Some summer day camps include lunch and snacks , others don’t .  If they don’t they you will need to pack a lunch every day in an insulated lunch snack – include an ice pack to keep the food cool. 

And don’t forget to pack snacks handy in the car when you pick them.  Your children have been busy, busy, busy and waiting until dinner time will likely be too long.

For sleep away camp programs, the same basic list of items is needed except more .  First off you will need to know how long the camp lasts, and whether or not your kids will have the chance to do laundry.  If laundry service is not available, pack twice as many pairs of underwear and socks as days in the camp.   For other clothes, a good rule of thumb is one t-shirt and shorts for each day of camp, a few sweatshirts or fleeces for cool nights, two pairs of pants, two sets of pajamas, flip flops, sneakers and several bathing suits.

And don’t forget the toiletries – shampoo, conditioner, hairbrush, comb, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste .  Include two sets of washcloths and towels.   Other items might include bed linens, a  pillow, sleeping bag and a blanket, as well as a flashlight with extra batteries.

With a little bit of planning, your kids summer camp experience can be a great one.  When they’re well prepared – thanks to you, your kids can focus on having tons of fun – the whole point of camp.