Summer camp is a staple of American culture. As soon as school's out, camp gears up and takes tons of kids and toddlers (yes, toddlers have camps!) for the day, or weeks at a time in some wooded area. It's a time for the kiddos to get away from the hustle-and-bustle of life, to interact with other kids their age, and — most importantly — give parents and guardians the breaks they so desperately need. Some parents have never been to camp before, while others are veterans. But of those who have some kind of experience with it, camp comes highly recommended. As one mom wrote for CafeMom: "It establishes independence — Sure, going into a new situation where they don't know anyone can be a little bit scary at first, but kids need to learn to be comfortable being away from their parents."
Camp does other cool things for kids, too, like giving them routine, a mental break, and keeping them active. But with camp comes (dun dun dun) the packing. Now, packing for anything isn't anyone's favorite thing. Packing for a kid doing something that's not entirely known is even harder. And with some camps banning care packages from home, it is essential to make sure they're sent off with what they need — even if they're in day camp. Days are long, usually wet, and there's nothing worse than not having a towel, sunscreen, or other essential.
This is why we found it vital to compile a list of obvious and not-so-obvious things parents can pack for their children who are going to camp. Some things are must-haves for camp (we can't stress sunscreen enough, it's so vital!). But other things may or may not be on camp lists (some camps send those) but may be helpful or fun for the kiddo to have. Take a look below and happy packing!
Extra Socks
Kids can never have too many pairs of socks, especially at camp. If it rains, there's mud, and that means soggy, dirt-filled socks. Pack some back-up pairs — and then some back-up pairs for those.
Garanimals Assorted Crew Socks ($8, Walmart)
Insulated Water Bottle
The sun shows no mercy to those playing outside in the heat for hours. Make sure the kiddos are hydrated by giving each their own insulated water bottle to keep the water cold.
Klean Kanteen 27oz Classic Stainless Steel Water Bottle ($21, Everything Summercamp)
A Good Backpack
Kids and backpacks go together during the school year and having one for camp is no different. Use the one the kiddo already has, or one like this to make sure things that are on this list are packed and easily accessible.
REI Co-op Tarn 18 Pack – Kids' ($40, REI)
Fun Bandages
Cuts and scrapes are likely to happen at camp. If the nurse's bandages fall off after a swim or from sweat, having cool ones ready to replace it will be handy.
BAND-AID Oh Joy! Adhesive Bandages ($3, Target)
Personal Fan
When things get hot, it's not always easy to cool down — especially out in a grass soccer field or humid bunk. Send him with his own mini-fan so he doesn't overheat.
Pink Handheld 3 3/4" Mini Fan ($2, Windy City Novelties)
Bug Spray
Mosquitoes love camps as much as kids do. Protect them from itchy bites by making sure bug or mosquito repellent is in their bags.
Kids Mosquito Repellent Spray ($8, Grove Collaborative)
Extra Underwear
No one can have too much underwear. And being out in the sun all day, then swimming, and having to put on the same sweaty pair of underwear reinforces that. Pack extra in case camper is looking to feel a bit refreshed.
Girls' 9pk Classic Briefs ($8, Target)
Sunscreen
This one is deeper in the list, but arguably the most important. The sun's UV rays are strong and protecting camper's skin is vital. Protect LO by packing sunscreen and teach her how to reapply. This mister will make it much easier to do.
100% Mineral Sunscreen Mist ($34, Supergoop)
Hand Sanitizer
Washing hands is not always an option out in the woods or before heading to the mess hall. Help campers feel a little bit cleaner with their own personal hand sanitizer (camp rules permitting).
Honest Hand Sanitizer Spray ($6, Honest Company)
Paper & Pen
Cell phones are usually a no-go at camp. And even with them, reception isn't too great in the backwoods. Provide paper and stamps for LO to write home and tell about all of the cool stuff she's doing.
Adventures at Camp Stationery Set ($15, Paper Source)
Creek Chairs
Between sitting outside on the ground for camp games, or productions or group meetings, back-sides can get sore. Save kids some pain and send them off with a "Creek Chair."
Crazy Creek Products The Chair ($30, Bed Bath & Beyond)
Headbands or Scrunchies
Don't let hair get in the way campers scoring the goal or hiking, or whatever activity they're up to. Send them off with a bunch of headbands.
Hipsy Adjustable & Stretchy Xflex Band Wide Sports Headbands ($26, Amazon)
A Good Towel
Kids out in the elements need a towel to withstand those elements. Get a strong one, like this big REI towel, meant for drying off the more rugged types.
Slowtide Gato Towel ($30, REI)
Lip Balm
Lips can get chapped or burned in the heat and there's nothing worse than not having lip balm to fix it. Send the camper off with a lip balm of choice, like this pack of cereal-flavored ones.
Taste Beauty Breakfast Pack Flavored Lip Balm ($5, Target)
String/Embroidery Floss
Friendship bracelets and camp go together like peanut butter and jelly. Send the kid off with his own string to get the party started.
Loops & Threads Craft Cord, Pastel ($4, Michaels)
Hat or Baseball Cap
To add another layer of protection from the sun, have the little camper take a cap or baseball cap. It'll allow her to play without the glare of the sunlight beaming in her eyes.
Animal Print Five-Panel Baseball Hat ($10, Target)
Playing Cards
There's bound to be free time, down time, or a rainy day at camp. Give the camper something to do with friends in the form of playing cards. Go fish!
Superhero Playing Cards ($9, Oriental Trading)
Rain Gear
Speaking of rainy days, it's good to have the appropriate gear for it. Why have a soggy sweatshirt when camper could pull out a rain jacket?
Swiss Alps Girls Wind Resistant Lightweight Rain Jacket ($30, Amazon)
Goggles
Campers love swimming with goggles. There's just something totally rad, dare we say mermaid or merman-like, that is being able to see completely clearly under water. Give the kiddo that gift by packing a pair of swimming goggles.
Speedo Kids' Glide Goggles ($13, Target)
The Kiddo's Special Toy
No camper is too old to bring his favorite comfort object, if he wants to. Don't forget to pack it! It'll make the homesickness easier to cope with those first few nights.
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