The Ultimate Guide to Packing for Summer Camp: Expert Tips and Tricks

Summer is here, and for many families, that means preparing kids for the adventure of summer camp! Did you know that before my career in renovations and real estate, I spent over a decade working at a summer camp? It’s true! Now, as my own eight-year-old son gets ready to attend the very same camp, I’m thrilled to share my expert tips for packing a trunk that’s both organized and practical. Drawing from my years of camp experience, I’ve developed a system that ensures kids have everything they need while staying organized throughout their stay. Let’s dive in!

Getting ready for summer camp can be both exciting and a little overwhelming. There’s a lot to consider to ensure your child has a fantastic and comfortable experience. But with a strategic approach to packing, you can minimize stress and set your child up for success. This guide provides a step-by-step process to help you pack like a pro, covering everything from choosing the right trunk to organizing daily essentials.

Sturdy Sleeping Bag for Summer Camp — Walmart

1. Invest in a Sturdy Footlocker Trunk

A summer camp trunk is more than just a container; it’s your child’s portable closet and organizational hub for their entire camp stay. It will be opened, closed, dragged, and possibly even sat on daily! Durability is key. Begin by checking with the camp for recommended or required trunk sizes. For example, the camp my son attends requires trunks to fit under the bunk and be no taller than 15.5 inches. We purchased ours from Amazon, but I’ve always been impressed with the trunks from Everything Summer Camp. A well-constructed trunk ensures that your child’s belongings stay safe and organized throughout their camp experience.

2. Label Everything!

Seriously, label EVERYTHING. The lost and found at camp is a legendary abyss. As someone who once had the unenviable task of sorting through it, I can attest to the importance of clear labeling. Ensure every item that goes to camp – clothing, shoes, water bottles, laundry bags, bedding, socks – is clearly marked with your child’s name. I’ve found Sharpies to be reliable for most items. For clothing, consider using iron-on labels or no-iron labels for a more durable solution.

Tip: If your younger children will be inheriting clothes from older siblings in the future, consider labeling items with just the last name to avoid confusion the following year!

3. Pack Strategically: Least Used Items at the Bottom

Think of your child’s camp trunk as a strategic storage space. Place items they’re least likely to need at the bottom. For example, I always pack a sweatshirt and pants, knowing they might only need them for a chilly evening or unexpected weather change. By placing these less frequently used items at the bottom, you ensure that the essentials are easily accessible.

4. Don’t Forget the Fun: Costumes and Entertainment

Many camps host themed parties and events throughout the summer. Check with the camp beforehand to find out about any planned themes, and pack appropriate costumes accordingly. Pack these costumes at the bottom of the trunk, as they will likely only be needed once. These additions are a fantastic way to make camp memorable and enjoyable. You can add things that are creative like face paint.

Cool Mom Tip: Pack glow sticks for the entire cabin! This is a fun and easy way for your child to make friends and add some extra excitement to their camp experience.

5. Keep Underwear and Socks Contained

Underwear and socks are daily necessities, but without proper organization, they can quickly become scattered throughout the trunk. To prevent a chaotic mess, use a tub or container to keep these items neatly contained. This will make it easier for your child to find what they need and maintain some semblance of order within their trunk. This is a huge way to set them up for success.

6. Pack Clothing in Separate Stacks

While packing complete outfits in bags may seem like a good idea, the reality of camp life is that kids often prefer to choose their own attire. If they want a specific shirt, they’ll likely tear apart pre-made outfits, creating a mess. Instead, pack clothing in separate stacks, making it easier for them to find what they’re looking for without disrupting the entire trunk.

Don’t Do: Avoid packing clothes in vacuum storage bags to maximize space. While it might seem like a clever trick, your child likely won’t have access to a vacuum when repacking, leading to frustration and a difficult return trip.

7. Toiletries in a Shower Caddy or Tub

A shower caddy or tub is essential for keeping toiletries organized and preventing potential spills from damaging other items in the trunk. Additionally, your child can easily carry the caddy to and from the bathroom, and store it in a bathroom cubbie. This will help prevent disasters from happening.

Tip: Don’t forget to pack plenty of sunscreen and bug spray! These are essential for protecting your child from the elements during outdoor activities.

8. Choose the Right Shoes

When it comes to footwear, quality over quantity is key. In my experience, two pairs of good tennis shoes and a pair of durable water shoes (with a strap on the back) are sufficient for most camp activities. Flip flops are not ideal. The tennis shoes are for daily activities and sports, but water shoes are often overlooked. Kids will play in the lake, and “bad” water shoes get lost, meaning your child won’t be able to enjoy water activities.

Flip flops and Crocs are notorious for getting lost. I’ve had to call parents countless times to request replacements. Chacos are an excellent investment because they are durable and can be passed down to siblings. Alternatively, water shoes from Target that tighten and have a strap are a good option.

Packing Tip: Place shoes on top of the clothes in the trunk. Your child will likely store their shoes in a cubby, making them easily accessible without having to dig through the entire trunk.

9. Activity Supplies in Pouches

Camps often have designated rest periods or cabin time. To keep your child entertained, pack fun activity supplies such as cards, string for making bracelets, coloring and writing utensils, and paper. Use pouches to keep these items organized and easily accessible. Leave one pouch partially empty for collecting letters, rocks, and small crafts throughout their stay. Tuck these pouches into the front of the trunk for easy access.

Tip: Avoid packing crayons, as they can melt in hot weather. Sharpened colored pencils are a better alternative.

10. Letter Writing Supplies

Encourage your child to stay in touch by packing letter writing supplies in a container. I pack my son’s supplies in a two-sided storage clipboard. On one side, I include a journal, paper, pens, stamps, and pre-addressed envelopes. For older children, you can include an address list. This is a perfect way for your child to stay in touch.

On the other side, I include items related to my son’s hobbies. This year, his trunk is filled with origami and drawing books. The closed clipboard provides a convenient surface for drawing or writing.

Don’t Pack Food: Unless there are specific exceptions, food is generally not allowed in cabins due to allergy concerns. It’s safer for the camp to provide snacks for all children.

11. Pack Two Swimsuits

Swimming is a popular camp activity, so pack at least two swimsuits. This allows one swimsuit to dry while the other is being worn. Place the swimsuits towards the top of the trunk, as they will likely be used soon after arrival.

12. Shower Shoes

Protect your child from athlete’s foot and other skin infections by packing a pair of cheap flip flops specifically for shower use.

13. Labeled Laundry Bag

Pack a labeled laundry bag at the top of the trunk so your child can easily access it on the first day and hang it on the side of their bunk. Even if the camp doesn’t provide laundry service, the bag will help keep dirty clothes separate from clean ones. At the end of the stay, your child can repack the trunk with all the dirty clothes, making it easier to sort upon return. (Prepare yourself for the aroma!)

14. Towels and Sheet Set at the Top

The first hour of camp is often spent settling into the cabin. Place towels and a sheet set at the top of the trunk so your child can easily make their bed and organize their belongings. It’s also a fun idea to include pictures from home and washi tape for decorating the inside of the trunk.

Tip: Pack a water bottle and encourage your child to stay hydrated in the week leading up to camp. Reduce soda intake to help their body adjust to being outdoors more than in air conditioning. I’ve seen many kids faint on the first day due to dehydration.

Bedding in a Duffle Bag for Camp — Coleman, Amazon, Amazon

15. Bedding in a Duffle Bag

Pack a twin-sized comforter, a blanket, a roll-up sleeping bag, and an extra set of sheets in a labeled, medium-large sized duffle bag.

For older children staying more than a week, clean sheets are a luxury. For younger children, an extra set is always a good idea in case of accidents. I pack two identical sheet sets so that no other camper needs to know about any mishaps.

A sub-zero sleeping bag isn’t necessary for summer camp. A Coleman warm-weather sleeping bag from Amazon is perfect.

Tip: If the camp has an overnight camping trip, avoid using the sleeping bag as bunk bedding. The sleeping bag will get dirty, and it will be nice for your child to return to different bedding. If you do use the sleeping bag as bedding, have your child unzip it and use it like a blanket. Sleeping bags in bunk beds can be dangerous because children can’t easily get their feet out if they fall.

Essential Items for Camp — inhaler, Amazon, Target,Amazon

16. Don’t Forget These Essentials

A Hat: Always pack a hat to protect your child from the sun.

A Stuffed Animal: If your child wants a stuffed animal, encourage them to pack one they’re okay with potentially losing. Their absolute favorite should stay home.

A Good Book: A book is one of the best things to have at camp for quiet moments.

Tip: I usually pack medication in the side pocket of a duffle for easy access by a counselor or the nurses’ station. Your camp will likely have specific instructions about medication, so be sure to ask.

What about the pillow?

Attach the pillow to the duffle bag by the straps.

Final Tips:

Life Jacket: Check with the camp to see if they provide life jackets. Our camp does for non-swimmers. We also don’t pack one because swimming is a family prerequisite for attending camp.
Rain jackets are always a good thing to pack at the bottom of the trunk.
When I was preparing my child for overnight camp, I found the book Homesick and HappyBy Micheal Thompson to be incredibly helpful. It eased my nervous motherly heart.

Summer Camp Packing Guide Pin — Pin It and Share It: How to pack your kids for summer camp

Is your child going to summer camp? Please share any tips you have! I’m sending my child this week…cue the tears.