Summer Camp Packing Tips

For many of us, summer comes with sweet childhood memories of spending time with friends at sleepaway camp. I like to think of summer camp as a rite of passage, where kids learn valuable life skills to help them navigate on their own. One of the skills that they can pick up during the experience is the ability to organize effectively. Take a look at the summer camp packing tips below with your kids, so that you can help them develop strong organizational skills before you send them off to camp.

I recommend packing your kids’ belongings in a sturdy footlocker trunk, so that you can tape an inventory list to the inside of the lid. Camp is about independence so, pack by category instead of by outfit so your child can select what to wear. Use gallon ziplock bags or packing cubes to separate undergarments, socks, tops, bottoms, swim gear, etc.

Be sure to label ALL of their clothing, accessories, and gear. A silver sharpie is great for labeling dark blue and black items or, if you wish to save yourself some time and headache, Mabels Labels are a great option.

Although I typically suggest packing shoes on the bottom, I recommend packing flip flops, water shoes, and tennis shoes towards the top for sleepaway camp. These shoes will likely be placed in a cubby or under the bed soon after arriving. Place sheets and towels on the very top since this is what they’ll be reaching for first to set up their bed or bunk.

You can pack fun activities like cards, coloring and writing utensils, bracelet making supplies, etc. in zippered pouches. Colored pencils are a better choice than crayons since the latter might melt in the heat. Letter writing supplies and pre-stamped envelopes can be stored in a storage clipboard. Batteries should be put into devices when packing, and extras should be included in labeled Ziploc bags. Be sure to make a separate list of missing items and schedule a time on your calendar to purchase them. 

Try out these summer camp packing tips to help create an enjoyable and worry-free experience for your kids. Need some additional support to get everything organized? Reach out to us, and we’ll show you the best ways to pack and prepare for their adventures!