Summer Camp season is around the corner! My oldest went to sleepaway summer camp last year and it was the best week of her life. (And worst of mine!). She had been asking to go for years and I finally gave in when she was 10. We had both been counting down with excitement and anticipation for her week at camp, but the morning I dropped her off, she cried when I left...
I had to push her into the cabin and walk out, without her. The minute she was out of sight, I ugly cried. Thank goodness my other two kids were with me. They told me to chill out… Seven days later, my life was whole again when we picked her up. And she professed that it had been the best week of her life and she couldn’t wait to come back.
One year later, I get to do this all again but I will need extra tissues, as my 9-year-old is joining her oldest sister at sleepaway camp this summer. To make sure you BOTH feel prepared, here’s a complete list of what I suggest you pack, from shower caddies that dry quickly, to bedside organizers that keep books and bunk activities close at hand and some fun goodies you can gift your kids!
(And don’t forget a little pack of tissues. I’ll be right there with you.)
- Rhino Camp Trunk - My tween used this trunk last summer and it was the perfect size! If you want a cheaper option, try this trunk (heads up it doesn't come with wheels).
- Duffle Bag - Pack a large duffle bag for the last night at camp!
- Mesh Shower Caddy Bag - Keeps all your kids shower supplies organized and the breathable mesh helps everything dry easily.
- Toothbrush Holder - Keep your kids toothbrush covered.
- Shower Shoes - Drain holes accelerate the water to drain out and dry quickly. These shower shoes are great for tween & teen boys.
- XL Laundry Bag - The perfect size laundry bag for summer camp! They are big enough to fit at least two full size loads of laundry & come in several colors and patterns.
- Towels - I ordered these personalized towels for my girls but if you need a cheaper option, we love these towels too. Great for showers or water activities.
- Quick Dry Towels - I send my girls to camp with two types of towels. I love these for water activities. Lightweight so easy to carry around camp.
- Mesh Zipper Pouch Bags - I am using these to organize my kids clothes in their summer camp trunks.
- Bunk Bed Organizer - Keeps essentials within arm's reach, has 8 pockets and is easy to attach it to any bed rail using its sturdy velcro straps.
- Plastic Storage Clipboard - Fill this with fun pens, activity books and stationary for afternoon downtime.
- Labels - Label everything! Seriously. Stick them on clothes, shoes, water bottles and more. These sports labels are fun too!
- Sunscreen - For those new around here, I love sunscreen! I slather myself & the kids daily, so my kids have been practicing how to apply sunscreen on their own. Check out this post for my complete list of family favorite sunscreens.
- UV Detection Stickers - If you don’t know when to reapply sunscreen, these are a game changer.
- Mosquito Patch Stickers - These citronella essential oil insect patches are a summer must have are perfect for kids who hate bug spray which makes them great for summer camp!
- LED Scrunchies - These are so fun for evening events
- Fake Mustaches - My friend said these were a huge hit with the boys at camp!
What not to pack at camp
- Electronics - Thankfully most camps don't allow them but if they do, let your kids enjoy their time without phones or devices.
- Valuables - Leave jewelry, watches and other expensive items at home. I do send my girls to camp with an extra set of inexpensive earrings just in case they lose one
- Anything Sentimental - The last thing you want is to loose a favorite toy
- Food - Food attracks animals and insects, so don't be tempted to pack any treats! My kids camp does trunk checks for food to ensure nothing is hidden
