Start with the Essentials
First things first, you need to make sure your child has everything they need for daily camp life. When it comes to packing, we always pack in 2 large duffel bags. The first bag is for all of the bedding, towels, toiletries and extras and the second duffel is for all of their clothes. Consider making their bags identifiable. Get them personalized with their names of personalize them in some other way so that when they get to camp, their bags are easy to find! You need to label everything…and I mean everything! So order some iron-on or stick on labels STAT!
Hot tip: If you have more than one child going to camp, consider only putting your last name on the labels so that you can use them for all your kids!
While I will go over the items in list format below, at the end of this article, you can find a downloadable packing list to make this easy!
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Clothes: Pack enough to last the entire stay including new clothes in the event of unforeseen stains. Most camps to laundry once a week, so keep that in mind. When it comes to clothes, this is what you should include:
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Long-pants and sweatshirts (cooler evenings)
- Pyjamas
- Underwear
- Swimsuits
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Light coat and/ or raincoat
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- Footwear: Make sure they have:
- Sneakers (to do activities) -2 pairs
- Boots to be used during rainy days
Personal Care Items
Keep your child comfortable and healthy with these personal care necessities:
- Toiletries:
- Mobile holder, charging battery pack, and a toothbrush, toothpaste and toothbrushes cover – must have absolute for you!
- Shampoo and conditoner
- Soap/bath body wash
- Hairbrush or comb
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Bug spray
- A small first aid box (band-aids, polysporin and after bite to deal with bug bites while camping)
- Towels and Washcloths: Bring some of each and a laundry bag to carry the dirty clothes. Note: some camps will supply laundry bag, so it would be advisable to check with your camp.
Bed and Comfort Items
- Bedding:
- Sleeping bag
- Sheets and a comforter
- Pillow with a pillowcase
- Extra blanket (for added comfort)
- Optional: Egg carton padding to make the mattress extra comfy!
- Comfort Items:
- A favorite stuffed animal or blanket
- A family photo or small memento from home
- Optional: Fun pillows to make their bed extra cozy and inviting
Camp Gear
Depending on the camp’s activities, your child might need some specific gear:
- Outdoor Gear:
- A durable backpack that they can pack their stuff in for the bus
- A toolbox – this is for all campers! This acts as their personal drawer where they can keep their small and valuable items. You can send a lock to ensure everything stays safe!
- Water bottle
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Hat and sunglasses
- Activity-Specific Gear:
- Sports equipment (like a tennis racket or baseball glove if needed!)
- Books or a journal for downtime
- Mp3 player and headphones
- Letter writing Supplies: Say goodbye to phone calls and text messages. Make sure your child is prepared with:
The list doesn’t end there, but these are the essentials you need to start thinking about now!
Fun & Extras
Ensure that your child has a backpack for the ride up to camp. In their backpack, make sure to send them with a bunch of games, such as cards, word searches, sudoku and more. Make sure to pack their mp3 player as well as any favourite items from home for the ride. I always add a bunch of snacks and candy for the ride as well! Throw in some slime and tattoos for them to use when they get to camp too! I always throw in water balloons because who doesn’t love a water balloon fight?!
Emotional Road Map
Here’s how to handle the emotional side:
- Understand: Include your child In the packing. It makes them feel in control and excited about this latest journey and will make them feel that what is sent is within their control. This will also enable them remember where things are when it comes to unpacking.
- Discuss Homesickness: Tell them it is natural to feel homesick and it tends to go away. Tell them your camp or travel experiences to make normal their feelings.
- Remain Positive: Speak of the enjoyable things about camp. You can be infectious with enthusiasm
- Plan Communication: Communicate on how frequently you will be writing letters. Having some idea of when you will write can be reassuring. Discuss with them on their communication too. Some children get homesick when they have to write a letter home, so give your child some ideas on what to write and assure it is not necessary to make the letters too lengthy and detailed.
Final Tips
- Label Everything: Camps are hectic places where it is easy to lose things. Label or use permanent markers to identify your childs belongings.
- Check Camp Policies: There may be special pack lists or restrictions, so be sure to read anything that the camp has givenus.
- Send lots of mail ahead of time: This will be one of the best things you can do for your child. They will love hearing from you often even though their letters will feel like they come few and far between! Remember, less is more…it means they are having fun!
- Saying goodbye will be tough: There will be tears and it will be hard, but remember that they are going to have the time of their lives!
Conclusion
The art of preparing to go to overnight camp is all about the skills of balancing between the thing so needed, as well as practical on the one side and emotional preparedness, on the other. By measuring what to pack and involving your child in the arrangement, you will be able to determine that a child is prepared and established to face his/her adventure with confidence. The aspects of logistics are still important, however, the main point is to be supportive of your child in a positive and nurturing manner to make his or her experience at a camp positive.
Have a wonderful time packing and here is to a great summer camp experience.
Click to download packing list
