Summer camp packing tips so you have one happy camper!
Summer camp.
Where great memories are made.
It takes a village to get them off to camp – the packing list is huge!
From sleeping bags to sunscreen, pajamas to playing cards, toothbrushes to towels …
Don’t stress – prepare in advance and follow a few summer camp packing tips so you and your child are both very happy campers.
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Summer Camp Packing Tips
1) Print out the camp’s packing list and you’ll know exactly what to pack.
2) Choose the right trunk – if there is no storage space in the bunk and kids must live out of their trunks, choose a hard trunk. My girls are thrilled with their happy camper trunks – they hold a ton, come in lots of fun colors and are built to last.
3) Transportation – if the camp is a long distance (flying instead of driving) consider shipping the trunk so it’s ready and waiting for your camper. Ship early to get the best rates.
4) Medications – my girls deliver their medications that they store in a backpack they carry to camp (we don’t pack them in the trunk in case it gets lost).
5) Label everything – I like personalized waterproof labels for everything from water bottles to to bug spray. For clothes, I use a laundry marker.
6) Valuables – leave them at home. Your kids will get dirty and probably lose a few things in the process.
7) Small items – stuff things like socks and undies into shoes to save space. I like packing cubes for staying organized – each one can easily hold a 10 day supply of t-shirts or shorts!
8) Ziploc bags – for anything that may leak like shampoo or use a favorite of ours – the glide and go tray – a plastic container that slides from side to side in their trunks.
9) Toiletries – fill a collapsible shower caddy with everything from soap to shampoo to shower shoes (flip flops).
10) Fun – don’t forget playing cards, books, a favorite doll, and pre-addressed stamped envelopes & stationery so they can stay in touch.
11) Personalize – pack pictures of family, friends, pets and small mementos. My girls love their lid-mate organizers that attach to the lids of their trunks.
12) Pack a copy of the inventory list – so your happy camper won’t forget a thing when they return home.
Happy Camping!
Wow – that is one of the most impressive packing adventures I’ve ever seen. Sure beats the duffle bag I took to camp back in the day!
I just dropped off my son to his first summer camp last Monday!!!! AAAAAAGGGGHHH! I’m suffering from a bit of ‘withdrawal ‘ right now and miss him terribly! I think I pretty much have given what you posted here, but boy, I sure wished I saw this earlier, at least next time I’ll, know! Thanks Kelly!
What cute trunks….total retro! I think my favorite are the organizers that fit into the lid!
Happy day to you!
karianne
Oh those days of going off to camp! All the preparation, excitement, the drive up to the lake. I’m with Kalamity…we threw everything in my Dad’s army duffel! I think I still have one of my friendship bracelets from ummmm 30 years ago. G’s I’m getting old! Anyway hope they have a wonderful time!
GREAT packing ideas here, Kelly! I always used to put a list in, too, so they would get everything packed that they took with them. xo Diana
Fun ideas! I can’t wait to drop my kids off at camp someday… 🙂
Adorable trunks! Love the bright colors and all the little caddies. What would you suggest for bedding at camp?
Some camps have a packing list – we have to pack sheets for the bunk bed and a sleeping bag for overnight trips which they can also use on their bed. They always pack their pillow too!
I know some people who take an egg cart just incase the bed is hard. Also take a bed cover because you don’t know who slept on it before your kids. Bring a sleeping bag and a pillow or two and if your kid wants he or she could bring sheets and blankets to make themselves feel at home!
Great ideas – thanks for sharing
Do not pack expensive stuff, or something that you or your child would feel bad if it gets lost or damaged. It will not necessarily happen, just keep in mind that camp can get messy. A sleepaway camp is definitely not a place where your child has time to take care of clothes when so many things are happening around.
I’m a 6 year camper and thes will defenitly help me
hi i will be sending my son to camp soon and i was wanting to know if you could tell me where u got these trunks
My camp doesn’t allow trunks because there is not enough space for them, what do you suggest I use instead
Try soft duffel bags that can be easily stored when not in use: http://bit.ly/2NJZrby