School’s out for summer, and now it’s camp time! I love summer as you probably know by now (have I said it enough?), and I really try to create the most magical summer experiences for the kiddos. I want their summers to be filled with some of their favorite memories, and for me,, camp was one of my absolute favorite parts of my childhood, so I am excited to give my kids fun camp experiences too. With that said, I didn’t realize before becoming a parent, how much more work sending your kids to summer camp is than school. For one, it requires an immense amount of research and coordination (not to mention the cost), and then on the daily, there is so much to wash, pack, and do to prep for each day of camp (the sunscreen, water bottles, lunches (see my camp lunch ideas here) and snacks, bathing suits and change of clothes…). It’s exhausting, so I thought I’d help a little by making a list of what to pack your kids for summer camp.
I have found after sending James to camp for a couple years now that not all camp gear is created equal and there are certain things that you really need or that work better than others. For example, you want a waterproof backpack because they’re going to be throwing wet bathing suits in there even if you send along a wet/dry bag. You’re also going to want a leak-proof water bottle and some are better than others. The lunch box really matters because the lunches typically sit outside in the sun before they get eaten, and you want to stock up on bathing suits, shorts, and rash guards because they will lose them all. In fact, when consider what to pack your kids for summer camp, your first consideration should be if you’ll care if they lose it. If you’re sending your kids to camp this summer, here’s my list of what to pack your kids for summer camp, including my favorite sunscreens for long days in the sun, affordable bathing suits and shorts you can buy in bulk, leak proof water bottle and more. Note: This is a list for day camps for younger kids. I realize that sleep away camps require a far different and more comprehensive list, but we are not there yet, thank god (or maybe not thank god?).
Non Iron Labels: These labels work even after multiple washes and require no sewing or ironing!
Sunscreen Face Stick: This is the best way to apply sunscreen to kids’ faces imo and I buy this one in bulk.
Spray and Lotion Sunscreen: I use a lotion sunscreen on their whole bodies in the mornings before they get dressed. Then I spray them down when they get out of the car before dropping them off. The fact is they’re not going to reapply at camp or if they do, it may not be sufficient, so I really like to get them good before they go with a waterproof and sweat proof SPF. In most camp lists of what to pack your kids for summer camp, they say to include SPF, so I always buy a few of them, label them and hope for the best.
Hat: I just send them with one of the many hats they get from sports or clubs or activities over the years. But since they’ll lose them, it’s good to have some extras on hand.
Rash Guards: I buy these in bulk, usually when they go on sale, which is a steal since they’re already pretty cheap. And then when they get lost, ruined, etc. I don’t mind.
Multiple Swimsuits: Again, I go for affordable ones like these and these that can get trashed and lost because they will. Target and Amazon usually have cute ones at great price points so you can buy in bulk. I save the nicer suits for other pool/beach days.
Bento Box with Ice Pack: You will want the ice pack option since most camps don’t keep lunches in a fridge or inside. You’ll need these ice packs.
Waterproof Backpack: I also like to monogram these so that they’re less likely to get lost.
Leak Proof Water Bottles: I haven’t found one that is completely leak proof but these are my favorite so far.
Wet Dry Bags: I always send the kids with these to throw their wet clothes in. They rarely use them, but sometimes they do and I get them monogrammed so they’re less likely to get lost.
Goggles: If they’re going to be swimming, they’ll probably need goggles. These always get lost, so you may want to buy a few pairs.
Water Shoes: We love Natives and Crocs. We’ll label them inside and outside the shoe in hopes they don’t get lost.
Sneakers: Good shoes is one of the most important considerations when figuring out what to pack your kids for summer camp. Our kids usually wear the sneakers to camp and then change into water shoes for water play so I also label their sneakers inside and on the bottoms. They will probably lose one shoe, which is so annoying, but they tend to grow so much during the summer, it’s not the end of the world.
Towels: Again, I buy these in bulk for cheap and don’t even bother labeling them. They’ll get lost and trashed so I go cheap on these too and save the nicer ones for family beach and pool days.
Change of Clothes: I usually send them to camp in their bathing suits with their shirts (and for Charlotte shorts) over and then send an extra pair of socks, underwear and change of shorts (for James). I buy these shorts for Charlotte in bulk and these for James since they’ll get lost and ruined.
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