Use the packing list below to help prepare for day camp.
Backpack
If your child is toting a lot of gear to camp, choosing the right backpack to carry it all is important. The same one your child used during the school year may not be up to the task. Here are a few things to consider when choosing the right backpack for your child:
Compartments. A backpack with multiple storage areas is best. Make sure some of the compartments are large enough to hold the extra set of clothes, swim gear, and towels that a day camper may need. Exterior pockets allow for quick access to smaller items, like tissues, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, and cellphones.Durability. Day camp is hard on a backpack. Select one made of sturdy fabric or nylon. Make sure all of the zippers work properly.Side bottle holder. Easy accessibility to water will help your camper stay properly hydrated all day long.
You may even consider a rolling backpack as day camp supplies can be heavy.
Change of Clothes
Summer camp can get wet and messy, especially if your kids spend a lot of time outdoors. Pack an extra set of clothing in case anything gets ripped, muddied, or wet. And don’t forget to pack extra pairs of socks and underwear. There’s nothing more miserable than going through the day with wet and dirty socks and underwear. It may also be a good idea to pack an extra pair of shoes (preferably closed-toed) in case the ones they’re wearing get wet or muddy. Store these extra shoes in a plastic bag, separate from the rest of the clothes.
Swim Gear
Swimming is sometimes a weekly or even daily activity at camp. Your child will need:
A bathing suitGogglesSwim shoes or flip flopsTowels
Include an empty plastic bag in your child’s backpack to hold their wet swimsuits and towels.
Bug Protection
Consider sending insect repellent wipes to ward off bug bites. They will make it easier for your child to apply the insect repellent and avoid the possibility of spraying bug spray in their eyes or those of a fellow camper. Another option is an insect repellent wristband.
Sun Protection
If your camper is going to be spending any amount of time outside, sun protection is a must (even when it’s rainy or cloudy). Pack sunscreen, a pair of sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to ensure your child isn’t returned to you at the end of the day chapped and burned. And don’t forget to pack lip balm with SPF to avoid chapped lips.
Toiletries
You’re going to want to send your camper off with enough toiletries to get by. Travel-sized or sample bottles of the following essentials work great. Things you might consider include:
A basic first-aid kit (including antiseptic wipes and ointment, band-aids, blister pads)Hand sanitizerTissuesWet wipes
If your child wears contact lenses, pack a backup pair of eyeglasses for those times their eyes get irritated. A spare pair of glasses can also be a lifesaver if your bespectacled camper loses or breaks their main pair.
Plenty of Water
Water is the best drink for your child at camp. Not only is it the best at quenching thirst, but it also doesn’t include the sugar and calories in many other drinks. Pack a refillable water bottle, or a couple bottled waters, so your kid doesn’t get dehydrated. Freeze one of the bottles the night before. As the ice melts throughout the day, your child will have a cold and refreshing drink.
Lunch and Snacks
If your child’s camp doesn’t provide meals and snacks, here are some tips and suggestions for packing nutritious food that will keep your camper going through the busy summer day.
Lunch Ideas
Carrot sticks and sliced cucumbers with hummus or dipChicken nuggetsCream cheese and veggie roll-upSliced cheese and/or deli meats with a variety of crackersTurkey and cheese roll-upsTurkey BLT wrapTurkey, cheese, and veggie bento box
Most camps are nut-free zones. Be sure to check labels carefully and avoid all nut butters.
Snack Ideas
You’ll want to avoid packing a lot of candy and sweets. Too many of these can make your child sick when outdoors in the heat. Instead, pack their lunchbox with snacks that are both tasty and nutritious:
Easy-to-pack fruits (such as apples, oranges, and grapes)Granola bars or cereal barsPopcornPretzelsRaisinsSliced cheese, string cheese, or mini cheesesTrail mixVeggies and dip (such as celery with peanut butter or carrots with hummus)
Pack your camper’s food in a thermal tote bag with at least two ice packs. You can get ice packs in the camping or outdoor section of any local discount store. They are also often available during the spring and summer at grocery stores and pharmacies.
Don’t Forget the Details
Use a permanent marker to label the most important things: backpacks, clothes, shoes, towels, and plastic bags. Masking tape, painter’s tape, or wide rubber bands are all good options for labeling bottles. With this day camp packing list, both you and your child can relax and enjoy the different pace that summer brings.
