Sending your child to a summer camp is exciting and overwhelming at the same time. As a mother, you cant but wonder about the many days your little one will be away from home. Specially because you don’t want to miss anything important to pack. This isn’t the usual grandma’s entourage but about the weeks and months your little one will be away. Its easier to have a packing list handy, benefiting year on year planning for the camps.
For first time parents its even more intriguing, as they have other behavioral aspects like separation anxiety, homesickness and the mighty packing lined up. Its better to start preparing the list as soon as you register for the summer camp. What works best is a handy post-it tucked around in kitchen, study and living. Important collectibles may strike in strangest of times, while you are up with your zumba class or binge watching your favorite show. Better to mark it important and then pen it down in a draft summer camp packing list. Sharing some ideas for preparing a list:
1- Make 6 categories: Clothes, Footwear, Snacks, bedding, toiletries, miscellaneous
2- Make 6 boxes marked with the above
3- Keep adding items in the boxes when you flash any
4- Based on the list start buying and organizing stuff at least 3 months prior to the camp
5- Talk to other parents who have sent their kids for this camp, and take suggestions for the camp requirements
The all inclusive packing list for summer camp includes:
1- Clothes:
Based on the camp requirements pack the clothes. But make sure to pack ample extra clothes. Comfortable and easy to wear clothes must be opted. Check with the climate and weather updates and plan for rainy or windy outdoors. Active wear and extra t-shirts must be packed for contingency. Also put in separate ziplocs marked day wise. Include:
- Jacket
- Jeans
- T shirts
- PJ’s
- Nightwear
- Underwear
- Sweat shirts and sweat pants
- Socks
- Rain jacket
- Wind breaker
- Scarf
- Hat
- Swimwear
2- Footwear: Be sure to pack slip-ons and sneakers too. There would be ample outdoor and rest time indoor so don’t miss these important foot wears. For rainy day muddy puddle fun, pack rain boots. Aqua socks, sandals, crocs, pack a few extra for the kid may loose some.
3- Snacks:
Meals may be provided at the camp. But check with camp organizers for there must be some mid-meal snacks too. Be sure to buy small travel packs. For snacks include:
- Finger foods
- Crackers
- Granola bars
- Cookies
- Fruit snacks
- Cheese bits
- Nuts
- Cereals
- Candies
4- Toiletries:
Toiletries must be very carefully packed, small travel packs must be given. Include:
- DEET based bug repellent
- Towels and paper napkins
- Shampoo
- Lotion
- Sunscreen
- Comb
- Body wash
- Feminine hygiene items
- Powder
- Body spray
- Hair accessories for girls
- Plenty of bobby pins or hairbands
[Also Read: First Lego League and robotics camp]
5- Bedding:
Read the camp registration kit and information on their website. Bedding must be very nicely organized and packed as a good nights sleep is critical for happy and healthy day ahead. Include camp mats for outdoor kind of place. Checklist covers:
- Bed roll
- Bed sheets
- Pillow
- Pillow covers
- Mattress and mattress pad
- Fitted sheets
- Sleeping bags
- Moon light
- Torch
6- Miscellaneous:
Miscellaneous items include all the other items related to health and safety of our kids. Also include amusement and fun toys for the child. Checklist covers:
- Medical kit including band-aids
- Q-tips
- Neosporin or other anti itch/ wound cream
- Petroleum jelly
- Books, magazines, diary, camera
- Writing pad, pen, pencil
- Family pictures
- Wet wipes
- Sanitizer
Do label everything you pack, in your child’s name
Be sure to check summer camp safety tips.
It is normal to be anxious about the summer camp our kids will be attending. Just keep listing down and be prepared with a master list, if you prepare an all inclusive list once it will sure help you in years to come.
Enjoy reading our wonderful stories and resources on Summer camps, you sure don’t want to miss the listings. Campnavigator; your preferred partner for your camp related insights.
-By Minu Manisha
