Have a child that is going to camp for the first time and wondering what to pack? Or if those camp packing lists actually include everything you need? I use to spend many summers working at a Summer Camp and this is what I pack for my kids.
Sections
1
My Favorite Overnight Summer Camp Essentials
My Favorite Overnight Summer Camp Essentials
Everything you might need to pack for Summer Camp! The essentials and the extras
Another bedding option rather than a sleeping bag is to bring twin xl sheets for the bunk bed and use a blanket rather than a sleeping bag! This is stain and water resistant which is a huge plus!
Rumpl
Sleeping in a cabin in the middle of Summer can get really hot during the night! Especially since there is rarely A.C. My kids always bring one of these fans to clip to their bunk bed
Clip Fans in Fans(1000+)
This is a simple and affordable sleeping bag for camp
REI Co-op Kindercamp 40 Sleeping Bag - Kids'
A small day pack is great so that your kids can carry their water bottles, sweatshirts or other needs around camp throughout the day
Small Day Hiking Backpacks | REI Co-op
This is so helpful for kids when they have a schedule at camp or they need to know what time they need to be at their activities. Most camps do not allow phones or smart watches so this is helpful!
Waterproof Watches
Great fleece for around camp to keep you warm on cool mornings or evenings!
Patagonia Synchilla | REI Co-op
you need one of these if you go to summer camp in a climate that might rain! Kids can keep it in their backpacks and pull it out easily when walking around camp in the rain
Rain Jacket For Rainy Days at Camp
Don't forget to pack a water bottle or you might need to buy one at the camp store when dropping your kids off at camp!
Owala products at Target
Making Friendship Bracelets are a camp staple!
Cross Stitch Bracelet Kit
These are fun for when camp has their “rest hour” and kids want something quiet to do. This specific mad libs has a built in envelop that you can mail home or to a friend
Letters from Camp Mad Libs: Stationery Set
Send campers with stationary and an address book so they can write home or to loved ones! Its great for kids to do during their “rest hour”
camp adventures at camp stationery set
Send Kids to camp with a camera to take pictures of the memories they made!
Polaroid & Instant Cameras
Crocs are a great camp shoe. Kids love them. They are great when walking down to the lake
Crocs
Great for water activities, light hikes, and hanging around camp. I swear these are seen all over camp!
Teva Sandals | REI Co-op
If your kids are older and might go on a canoe trip overnight, these are great to have!
Base Layers, Thermal Underwear & Long Underwear | REI Co-op
Camp is a great place, but..there can be sickness that happens around camp, I always send my kids with hand sanitizer that they can keep in their backpack. Whether they use it or not is on them
The Honest Company : Hand Sanitizer
A must-have for summer! This bug bite relief stick takes the sting and itch out of mosquito bites fast. It’s easy to toss in a backpack or cross bag, gentle enough for kids, and works in seconds.
BUG BITE THING Suction Tool for Bites & Stings
A natural alternative that actually works! Especially good for ticks!
Murphy's Naturals Mosquito & Tick Spray 4oz
A great way to keep all of their shower needs together. Kids can just grab it and bring it with them to the shower or bath house
Siaomo Natural Mesh Shower Caddy Portable Tote Bag for College ...
Play by the lake or pool with friends!
UNO, Splash Card Game, Waterproof Cards with Clip ...
One of my kids favorite games now waterproof so they can play by the water
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza Poolside Card Game
You can never pack enough socks for camp!
Kids Socks. Nike.com
A great choice that is full of better ingredients then traditional sunscreen
Blue Lizard Sunscreen
Literally every overnight camper I see wears crocs! This is a campers favorite shoe
Crocs
Don’t forget to pack 1-2 bath towels! I usually buy a cheap one from Walmart in case it gets lost at camp
Bath Towels in Bath
If camp has a lake or a pool don’t forget to buy beach towels!
Beach Towels
Most camps don't allow campers to have phones, but a digital camera is the perfect alternative. It lets them capture all the memories they're making so they can show you every adventure when they get home. 📸🤎
