Travel green backpack
Flat illustration. Green isolated traveler backpack with accessories.
You’ve picked the summer camp your child will attend and paid the deposits. Now it’s time to figure out what your child should bring to camp.
This can be a fun process to begin long before your child heads off to camp. Make them a part of the experience and take them shopping with you for items they may need to help build their excitement, whether it’s a day camp or overnight camp.
What to Bring
Source: American Camping Association
Plan ahead — Determine how you’ll get all their stuff from home to camp. Will your child live out of a backpack, duffel bag, suitcase, or trunk? If it’s day camp, they will probably only need a backpack, but if it’s a two-week stay or longer, pack accordingly.
Review camp packing lists to find out anything that is specific to the camp that will be needed and items that are on the “do not bring” list.
Label everything — with classic iron-on/stick-on clothing labels, dishwasher safe vinyl labels, and laundry pens. Be sure to ID your camper’s belongings.
Break in shoes and boots before camp begins.
Check with the camp on policies for electronics, musical instruments, sports equipment, and special gear.
Day Camps – Pack for a full day of comfort
- Lunch
This is probably the single most important thing on the list. Pack a nutritious lunch with ice packs to help keep it fresh. Avoid sweets and focus on food that will give them energy throughout the day. Suggestions include a turkey sandwich, strawberries, yogurt, and nibbles like carrots and/or pretzels.
- 1-2 bottles of water
- Hand sanitizer
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Lip balm
- Insect repellent
- Medicine (check with a camp counselor about who administers it)
- Hat/baseball cap
- Swimsuit/goggles/swim shoes/flip-flops
- Extra clothes
Overnight Camps – Pack from the top down
- Headgear
- Scarves
- Bandanas
- Baseball caps
- Sun hat
- Eyeglasses
- Sunglasses
- Swimming goggles
Clothing
- T-shirts/tank tops
- Shorts
- Long pants
- Jeans
- Jacket
- Raincoat
- Sweater
- Sweatshirt/sweatpants
- Swimsuit
- Dress clothes (check with camp)
- Pajamas and robe
- Polos
- Fleece outerwear
- Underwear
- Footwear
- Boots
- Tennis shoes
- Sandals/flip-flops
- Dress shoes (check with camp)
- Socks
Gear
- Bags/duffels/totes
- Books and magazines
- Compass
- Fan
- Flashlight and batteries
- Frisbee
- Reusable water bottle or canteen
- Seat
- Sharpie, pen, and pencil
- Writing paper, envelopes, stamps
Bed and Bath
- Towels: bath, hand, and beach
- Mattress pad
- Blanket
- Pillow and pillow cases
- Sheets
- Sleeping bag
- Laundry bag
- Lint roller
Bathroom Kit
- Shower caddy
- Brush and comb
- Shampoo
- Soap and soap container
- On-the-go hand sanitizer
- Toothbrush and holder
- Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Anti-itch ointment
- Insect repellent
- Feminine products
- Sunblock
- Shaving gear
For The Counselor
- Emergency contact sheet
- Information about your child’s medications, allergies, asthma, or other medical conditions;
- Disinfecting wipes