7 Packing Hacks for Summer Camp

Overnight summer camp is a fond memory for lots of parents. Those summers they got to pack their things, get away from their norm, explore nature, and make new friends were some of the most adventurous times in your life. Now, that it’s your kid’s turn, you want to ensure that they have experiences equally as unique to their growth and development. If they’re going to have a great time though, having the things they need from home during camp is important.

As packing for overnight camp is a lot more extensive than packing for a vacation, here are a few tips on what and how to make sure your kid is prepared:

Get a Packing List

Depending on the camp you’re sending your children to this summer, they may already have a suggested list of things they’d like you to pack. You can start by obtaining this list and ensuring that you have everything they’ll need to survive the summer. Most camps have strict rules in place on inclusions and restrictions so you’ll want to make sure you have a full understanding so you don’t get your kid in any trouble (or forget to send them with something they need)

Pack for the Elements

Yes, it’s going to be the summertime, but that doesn’t mean that mother nature isn’t sometimes unpredictable. You should always make sure your kids are prepared for camp by packing for the elements. A raincoat, jacket, and a few pairs or long-sleeve shirts and pants are advised for those days where the forecast isn’t hot and sunny.

Label Everything

Your children aren’t the only ones who will be in attendance at the summer camp. Labeling their items makes it easier for them, other children, and camp counselors to decipher who an item belongs to. If you don’t have a label making-machine in the house you can order labels for clothes for camp online. They come in an array of colors and styles to make it easy to identify your kid’s items.

Think Twice Before Sending Things of Value

Thinking of allowing your kids to take their tablets, jewelry, or favorite toys to summer camp? Ask yourself (and your child if they’re old enough) how you would feel if that item were to become lost or damaged? If there is a significant emotional attachment or financial investment in the item, it is best left at home until your kids’ return.

Don’t Go All Out on Clothes

Your kids are going to be doing so many activities while in summer camp that you can almost bet they’re going to do some damage to their clothes. Though you want them to be presentable and clean, you don’t need to go on a shopping spree to buy summer camp clothes. You can buy some items secondhand, or turn pants and shirts that have grown too short in the arm or leg area into tank tops and shorts. Of course, you can pack a few nice outfits and even some evening wear if the camp goes to fancier events so your kid is prepared.

Medications Toilletries and Supplies

Don’t forget to have your children’s prescriptions filled prior to them heading off to camp. You should pack medications along with any other supplies they might need like glasses, retainers, or inhalers along with clear instructions for your child and the camp counselors to administer the treatments they need.

Backpack

If you’ve chosen a summer camp that is several miles away from home then your child will likely have to travel by car or bus to get there. On top of making sure that you’ve packed everything they’ll need for camp like their personalized bento box, make sure that you’ve also packed a backpack for the road trip. You can include things like coloring books and crayons, card games, snacks, water, and other travel activities to keep them occupied.

No matter what summer camp you’ve chosen to send your kids to this year you want it to be a fun experience. The best way to ensure that happens is to make sure that they are fully prepared. Find out what’s needed and what’s not allowed by checking with your chosen camp then use the above-mentioned tips to make packing for summer camp a lot easier.