Before You Start Packing: Essential Prep Steps
1. Read Your Camp's Packing List
- Every camp has specific requirements
- Note prohibited items
- Check weather for camp location
- Verify any special activity gear needed
2. Label EVERYTHING
- Start labeling 2-3 weeks before camp
- Use waterproof, laundry-safe labels
- Include first AND last name
- Add contact info to bags
3. Involve Your Child
- Let them help choose items
- Builds excitement and ownership
- Teaches packing skills
- Reduces homesickness
4. Check the Weather
- Look up historical weather for camp dates
- Pack for temperature range
- Include rain gear
- Don't forget sun protection
Complete Camp Packing Checklist
📋 CLOTHING
Everyday Wear (Pack for 7-10 days):
- ☐ 8-10 T-shirts (mix of short and long sleeve)
- ☐ 2-3 Sweatshirts or hoodies
- ☐ 7-10 Pairs of shorts
- ☐ 2-3 Pairs of long pants/jeans
- ☐ 1 Pair of sweatpants
- ☐ 10-14 Pairs of underwear
- ☐ 10-14 Pairs of socks (athletic and regular)
- ☐ 2-3 Pairs of pajamas
- ☐ 1 Bathrobe (optional but nice!)
Swimwear:
- ☐ 2-3 Swimsuits
- ☐ 1-2 Swim cover-ups
- ☐ 1 Pair of water shoes/sandals
Outerwear:
- ☐ 1 Rain jacket or poncho
- ☐ 1 Fleece or warm jacket
- ☐ 1 Hat for sun protection
- ☐ 1 Warm hat (for cool evenings)
Footwear:
- ☐ 1 Pair of sneakers/athletic shoes
- ☐ 1 Pair of hiking boots or sturdy shoes
- ☐ 1 Pair of flip-flops or shower shoes
- ☐ 1 Pair of sandals
Special Occasion:
- ☐ 1-2 Outfits for special events/visiting day
- ☐ 1 Pair of nicer shoes (if required)
🛏️ BEDDING & TOWELS
Bedding:
- ☐ 1 Sleeping bag OR twin sheets (2 sets)
- ☐ 1-2 Pillows
- ☐ 2 Pillowcases
- ☐ 1 Blanket (for cool nights)
- ☐ 1 Mattress pad (optional but recommended)
Towels:
- ☐ 2-3 Bath towels
- ☐ 1-2 Beach towels
- ☐ 1-2 Washcloths
Pro tip: Choose sleeping bags rated for 40-50°F for summer camp comfort!
🧴 TOILETRIES & PERSONAL CARE
Basics:
- ☐ Toothbrush & toothpaste
- ☐ Shampoo & conditioner
- ☐ Body wash or soap
- ☐ Deodorant
- ☐ Hairbrush or comb
- ☐ Hair ties (if needed)
- ☐ Sunscreen (SPF 30+, waterproof)
- ☐ Bug spray (DEET or natural)
- ☐ Lip balm with SPF
Optional:
- ☐ Face wash
- ☐ Moisturizer
- ☐ Feminine hygiene products
- ☐ Nail clippers
- ☐ Tissues
- ☐ Hand sanitizer
Medications:
- ☐ Prescription medications (in original containers)
- ☐ Allergy medications
- ☐ EpiPen (if needed)
- ☐ Inhaler (if needed)
Important: Give all medications to camp nurse upon arrival!
🎒 GEAR & EQUIPMENT
Bags:
- ☐ 1 Large duffle bag or trunk
- ☐ 1 Backpack or daypack
- ☐ 1 Laundry bag (mesh works great!)
- ☐ 1 Toiletry bag
Water & Hydration:
- ☐ 2-3 Reusable water bottles (labeled!)
- ☐ 1 Insulated water bottle (for hot days)
Outdoor Gear:
- ☐ Flashlight or headlamp
- ☐ Extra batteries
- ☐ Sunglasses
- ☐ Daypack for hikes
- ☐ Insect repellent
- ☐ Sunscreen (extra bottles)
Activity-Specific:
- ☐ Sports equipment (if allowed)
- ☐ Musical instrument (if applicable)
- ☐ Art supplies (if requested)
- ☐ Fishing gear (if camp offers fishing)
📝 STATIONERY & COMMUNICATION
Writing Supplies:
- ☐ Stationery or notecards
- ☐ Envelopes (pre-addressed & stamped!)
- ☐ Pens or pencils
- ☐ Small notebook or journal
Pro tip: Pre-address and stamp envelopes to yourself - kids are more likely to write home!
💰 MONEY & VALUABLES
What to Bring:
- ☐ Small amount of spending money (check camp policy)
- ☐ Prepaid camp store card (if offered)
What to Leave Home:
- ❌ Expensive jewelry
- ❌ Large amounts of cash
- ❌ Irreplaceable items
🎉 FUN & COMFORT ITEMS
Allowed (Check Camp Rules):
- ☐ Books or magazines
- ☐ Playing cards or travel games
- ☐ Photos of family/friends
- ☐ Small stuffed animal or comfort item
- ☐ Autograph pillow for bunkmates to sign!
Not Allowed at Most Camps:
- ❌ Electronics (phones, tablets, gaming devices)
- ❌ Food or candy
- ❌ Weapons (including pocket knives)
- ❌ Fireworks or matches
📦 PACKING TIPS FROM CAMP DIRECTORS
1. Use Packing Cubes or Bags
- Organize by category (shirts, shorts, etc.)
- Makes unpacking easier
- Keeps items clean and dry
- Easy to find things
2. Roll, Don't Fold
- Saves space
- Reduces wrinkles
- Fits more in bags
- Easier to see what you have
3. Pack a "First Day" Bag
- Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen
- Change of clothes
- Toiletries
- Water bottle
- Everything needed for first afternoon
4. Create an Inventory List
- Take photos of packed items
- Keep list for insurance
- Helps with lost & found
- Reference for next year
5. Pack Together
- Let child help pack
- Explain where things are
- Practice opening/closing bags
- Builds confidence
🚫 WHAT NOT TO PACK
Items That Will Get Confiscated:
- Electronics (unless camp allows)
- Food or candy (attracts animals!)
- Expensive clothing or jewelry
- Aerosol sprays
- Weapons of any kind
Items You'll Regret Bringing:
- White clothing (gets dirty fast)
- Too many clothes (laundry is done weekly)
- Expensive shoes (will get muddy)
- Anything irreplaceable
📅 PACKING TIMELINE
4 Weeks Before Camp:
- ☐ Order name labels
- ☐ Review camp packing list
- ☐ Shop for missing items
- ☐ Check condition of existing gear
2-3 Weeks Before:
- ☐ Start labeling everything
- ☐ Wash all clothing
- ☐ Test sleeping bag/bedding
- ☐ Break in new shoes
1 Week Before:
- ☐ Lay out all items
- ☐ Check off packing list
- ☐ Label any new purchases
- ☐ Prepare medications for camp nurse
2-3 Days Before:
- ☐ Pack trunk/duffle
- ☐ Create inventory list
- ☐ Take photos of packed items
- ☐ Prepare first-day bag
Day Before:
- ☐ Final check of packing list
- ☐ Add last-minute items
- ☐ Prepare travel snacks
- ☐ Get good night's sleep!
💡 INSIDER TIPS FROM EXPERIENCED CAMP PARENTS
"Pack for Mess, Not Fashion" "Everything will get dirty. Pack clothes you don't mind getting stained or torn."
"Double the Socks" "Socks disappear at camp. Pack twice as many as you think you need!"
"Label the Labels" "Put your phone number on the outside of bags. Lost luggage happens!"
"Pre-Stamp Envelopes" "Kids are 10x more likely to write home if envelopes are ready to go."
"Pack a Surprise" "Hide a small note or treat in their bag for them to find. Helps with homesickness!"
📱 DOWNLOADABLE CAMP PACKING CHECKLIST
Want a printable version?
We've created a free, downloadable camp packing checklist you can:
- Print and check off as you pack
- Share with your child
- Use year after year
- Customize for your camp's needs
🏕️ SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
For First-Time Campers:
- Pack a comfort item from home
- Include family photos
- Write encouraging notes to find throughout camp
- Keep packing positive and exciting
For Longer Camp Sessions (4+ weeks):
- Pack for 10-14 days of clothing
- Include mid-session mail supplies
- Extra toiletries
- Consider a care package plan
For Specialty Camps (Sports, Arts, etc.):
- Follow camp's specific equipment list
- Break in sports equipment beforehand
- Label all specialty gear
- Pack backup supplies
✅ FINAL PRE-CAMP CHECKLIST
Before Leaving Home:
- ☐ All items labeled with first & last name
- ☐ Medications given to camp nurse
- ☐ Emergency contact info updated
- ☐ Camper knows where items are packed
- ☐ Photos taken of packed items
- ☐ Inventory list completed
- ☐ First-day bag easily accessible
- ☐ Positive attitude packed! 😊
Make Camp Packing Stress-Free
With this comprehensive camp packing checklist, you'll have everything your child needs for an amazing summer camp experience. The key is starting early, staying organized, and labeling everything!
Ready to start packing? Don't forget to order waterproof name labels for all your camp gear - they're essential for keeping track of everything!