Heading to summer camp for the first time? Whether your child is super excited or feeling a little nervous, making sure they’re fully prepared for the big adventure is key to a smooth and fun experience. But what exactly should you pack for camp? You want to make sure they have everything they need without overstuffing their bags.
At Camp Starfish, we’ve learned through years of experience what is necessary and not when it comes to packing for camp; this allows us to send a thorough packing list to all families after they’ve applied for camp. But some camps don’t produce their own packing list, leaving you to rely on what you find online.
Here are some summer camp packing suggestions for essential items your camper won’t want to go without for their first time at camp:
1. Comfortable Clothing for Active Days
At camp, the focus is on adventure and fun, so pack clothing that’s comfortable, durable, and easy to move in. Think lightweight, breathable shirts, shorts, and activewear. Remember, camp is about exploring the outdoors, so you’ll want to bring clothes that can handle some dirt and mud without any fuss. Don’t forget socks (lots of them) and a jacket for chilly evenings!
DO: Pack comfortable, easy-to-move-in clothes for a variety of activities. Pack items that can be layered depending on the temperature, LOTS of socks, and a few pairs of shoes for the weather!
DON’T: Pack your child’s favorite clothing item that cannot be replaced if it gets stained, ripped, or ends up in the lost-and-found. Don’t pack high-value items like jewelry. Don’t pack unsupportive footwear like high heels or wedges.
2. Gear for Water Adventures
Camp Starfish has swimming, boating, and other water activities, so water gear is a must. Pack a bathing suit that fits comfortably (we recommend one-pieces, swim trunks, swim shirts) without your camper having to worry about things falling, coming untied, etc. Above all, make sure your camper is packing a swimsuit that they can put on and take off themselves – nothing with too many strings to tie or confusing arm straps. Part of summer camp packing is practicing routines; have your camper practice putting on and taking off their swimsuit at home before camp so you’re sure they can do it!
If your camper has sensory sensitivities to dirt and sand, we recommend packing a pair of water shoes that can be worn during swimming and boating. Additionally, some campers benefit from bringing goggles and nose plugs so they feel more comfortable swimming underwater. Having the right gear will ensure your camper is ready to jump into any water-based adventure without hesitation!
DO: Pack simple swim gear that fits comfortably and allows for a full range of motion. Include items like goggles, nose plugs, and water shoes if that makes enjoying the water easier for your camper.
DON’T: Pack complicated swim gear that your camper is unable to put on and take off themselves or restricts their ability to participate in waterfront activities.
3. Sleepover Essentials: Cozy Bedding and Pillows
One of the best parts of camp is the cabin sleepovers with new friends, but make sure your camper is comfy by packing cozy bedding and a pillow. We recommend packing actual bedding instead of a sleeping bag – it feels more like home for your camper, and it’s easier to clean come laundry day! However, you should check with your camp to see what they recommend.
Avoid packing items with sentimental value – we know that things go missing or get dirty all too often at camp, and that’s the last thing you want for your camper’s first camp experience. However, if your camper needs a security item like a blanket or stuffie to sleep, make a plan with them to ensure that item stays in the cabin during the day so that it doesn’t accidentally wind up swimming in the lake or get covered in acrylic paint at arts & crafts.
DO: Pack cozy bedding that can be easily washed on laundry day. Pack a couple sets of sheets and blankets so they can be changed every few days.
DON’T: Pack highly sentimental items that cannot be replaced. If this is unavoidable, talk with your camper beforehand about how these items will stay safe at camp (by staying in their cabin at all times)!
4. Essential Toiletries in a Travel Kit
Don’t forget the basics when it comes to hygiene! We recommend packing an easy-to-carry shower caddy with essentials like toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and sunscreen. Summer camp packing lists vary by session length. Depending on how long your camper session is, you may pack travel-size toiletries, but if your camper is going away for more than a week, we recommend full-size toiletries. And don’t forget bug spray for those outdoor nights!
Keep in mind that bathrooms at summer camp are usually communal and there are many campers trying to use sinks, showers, and mirrors, in a short amount of time. If your camper has a long morning or bedtime routine, you may want to practice a shorter routine with them for the essentials during their session – we definitely don’t need to be curling our hair every day while at camp or applying 10 different types of moisturizer in the morning. Camp is about the memories you make and the friendships that will last with you – not how you look!
DO: Pack toiletries in a shower caddy that your camper can carry. Pack enough soap, toothpaste, shampoo, etc. for the length of your camper’s session.
DON’T: Pack unnecessary items that crowd your camper’s space and will ultimately not be used at camp. Remember that morning and bedtime routines at camp are shorter than they are at home.
5. Sun Protection: Hats, Sunglasses, and Sunscreen
The sun can be intense during summer camp, so pack protective gear to keep your camper safe. A wide-brimmed hat and a high SPF sunscreen will be lifesavers during those long outdoor activities. These items will help your child stay comfortable while protecting their skin from harmful rays. We recommend spray sunscreen, which tends to be easier for younger campers to apply to ensure they’re adequately covered. What we don’t want is half-rubbed in cream sunscreen that isn’t actually protecting your camper from the sun!
DO: Pack protective clothing like hats in addition to sunscreen that your camper can easily apply themselves.
DON’T: Pack sunscreen that is difficult for your camper to apply themselves. Don’t forget protective gear that your camper will actually wear!
6. Camping Gear – What’s Really Necessary?
The one camping item we deem mandatory at camp is a water bottle. Make sure you’re packing a water bottle that holds enough water to keep your camper hydrated during active games and can be easily carried by your camper all day.
You should also pack a mini flashlight for your camper – this will help them read books in the cabin before bed, do some drawing or journaling, and play card games with cabin mates before turning in for the night.
At Starfish, we provide most other camping gear essential for programming such as fishing poles, campfire supplies, boating equipment, etc. Check with your camp – but most of the time – there is no need to pack bulky camping items that your camp already provides.
DO: Pack a water bottle that is easily carried by your camper and holds enough water to keep them hydrated. Pack a flashlight for chill activities before bedtime.
DON’T: Pack bulky camping equipment that your camp likely already provides.
With the right gear and a little prep, your first-time camper will be all set for an unforgettable summer experience! Packing doesn’t have to be stressful—just remember these essentials, and they’ll be ready for everything that camp has to offer.
