Summer camp is just a few weeks away and now is the time to start thinking, how to make it even more exciting, scintillating, dazzling and invigorating. Sharing some fun things to bring to camp for making it memorable. This is not the packing list we, as parents would be worried about. But its more what our children are up to, while we are making lists for summer camp packing. Equip your child with some really cool stuff, to enjoy the enriching camp experience even further. Let them self-pack the details under this category. And remember, these things are not just tag alongs, but they will be the most cherished of the memories from camp.
Don’t be amazed at what all things your little one deems important for the camp. While we were busy with the essentials, our kids were already sure for these fun little additions. They have their toys, games, accessories and others already set for the summer camp. Just make some more elaborate gestures and help them pack these too. Of all the luggage items you may have decided, spare one or half of the suitcase for these items, let your child mark them and organize them. Even if they are Elementary or Kindergarten goers, they can do it beautifully. Trust their instincts for they can visualize the camp, in advance, way better than us. They have been thinking about it more than us.
[A must read: The All Inclusive Packing List for Summer Camp]
Fun Things to bring to Camp for making it memorable
1- Water Proof Camera:
Specially if your little one will have some water splashing fun along with the summer camp, water proof camera is a must. Make sure to send adequate rechargeable batteries and charger. Do keep one set fully charged and set in the camera ready for capture.
2- Walkie-talkie:
A cute little walkie-talkie makes summer camp fun even more exciting. The two way wireless thing is super involving and fun. We cannot imagine how much the kids can explore this toy. Give it and see the stories that come along with it. Don’t forget to add batteries and send extra rechargeable ones along.
3- Camp Journal:
Double the keepsakes and cherish the memories. Let your little journalists write their day to day camping adventures in an enthralling way. Bring the journals of your little ones choice and make some smart additions with stickers and pens
4- Gel and glitter pens:
Send some gel and glitter pens for writing in the journal. The kids would love to blend art and adventure with literature. Use no spill gel pens and remember about the added warmth in offsite camping locations. Keep the colors covered and nicely set in separate waterproof pouches. Don’t forget to add some paper napkins to wipe the leaks.
5- Stickers:
Add some goofy and cute stickers too, for making them enjoy their writing adventures. Also include some smilie stickers and ask them to put for each day or at regular intervals in their journals. For you would want to know how they felt during their camp. Also make them use these during their writing of experiences at summer camp or in camp journal. This is a real fun and witty addition for shaping their experiences ahead
6- Tattoos:
Now lets face it, we have disliked the idea of tattoos on our little ones, but that does make them happy and excited. So add some temporary water based tattoos and help them enjoy even further. If they are in a gang of friends, get contrasting or matching picks for everyone. Make their gang a different one with these similar tattoos.
[A Must Read: First Time Camping Tips and Tricks for Beginners]
7- DIY art and craft kit:
For those times during the day when they are let free for play. These little art and craft kits can be a good change. Add some butterfly sun catcher or anything that goes with summer. This will be a very lovely daytime activity for these little ones.
8- Friendship bands or bracelets:
Buy or let your child use some DIY craft to make these cute friendship bands. Many beautiful friends are made at summer camps and most friends are made for life. This will be a real cool addition to their summer care stuff packing.
9- Indoor Camp games:
There are ample camp games specifically designed for camps the kids are up to. Buy these and make some really nice games a part of this enrichment for summer. Mad Libs is a personal favorite word game which is specific for camp time. Ker Plunk also involves a large group with some exciting exchanges.
10- Glow in the dark sticks:
This probably is as hilarious and fun as it sounds. Let the fireflies shimmer at night with glowing sticks all around their hands, neck and legs. Add wands and tiara too for some added fun for little girls.
11- Autograph and slam books:
This has to be a part of every child’s packing list. For anywhere they would go from the age they start reading till….well! i still have my middle school slam books as a keepsake in my treasure store. Use some more funny ideas with gifts and exchanges for their friends and camp organizers.
12- Summer camp specific beddings:
Use camping special pillows, bedsheets and blankets. Some wonderful collection is available online and at stores. Make these cute additions to add the fun quotient for the camp.
13- Summer Camp tees:
Buy a few camp scribbles tees for your little ones. they look great and make their summer camp even exciting. Also if theres a gang of your little one, buy specific similar ones for all.
14- Outdoor games:
The best and most exciting one which is easy to pack and easier to organize is ring toss. I have always found the game reaching altogether different level of madness with bigger crowd.
15- Specific for own sake:
Like Rubik’s cube, A little binocular and Bug magnifying glass : For those lovely little times, your child must have a quiet witty addition for his own. Rubik’s cube and big magnifying glass would make it exciting for their own sweet time. And binoculars will help them during their daytime excursions.
[Read: Life at Summer Camps]
Summer camp must be more fun and enrichment then just an yearly agenda. Add some spice and sugar to the packing with summer camp care stuff and make this years summer camp even more exciting. The above compilation on Fun Things to bring to Camp for making it memorable, is based on my own ideas and experiences and some readings. Enjoy your summer camp experience through your child’s collectibles from camp, using the above and stories out of experiences. For this shall be the most valuable time for them
Check campnavigator for more details on camps in your area. If you still haven’t then be sure to opt your wonderful pick for your little one.
Keep sharing and sending us your feedback, we love to hear from you!
By Minu Manisha
