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It's almost time to pack for sleepaway camp! While each camp requires different clothing and bedding that are specific to their camp, all kids may need similar "comfort gear" and accessories when they're at camp. These “extra” items aren’t included on the official camp packing lists, but they can help enhance your kid’s camp experience so they’re worth considering!
Figuring out what those extra comfort items are can be overwhelming, but don’t worry, since I’m your Type A Mom friend I’m here to help! I’ve researched and compiled a list of ideas based on my experience, my kids’ experience, and my friends’ experiences, for you to consider packing for your kids. Hope this list helps simplify your camp packing and prep, and helps your kids have an amazing experience!
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COZY BUNK ITEMS
Their bunk (bed) is the main personal space the kids have while away from home, so it needs to be a home-away-from-home of sorts. Think about sending items you know your kid will love to see and feel when they’re taking some time to themselves! Things like:
Cute blankets to cuddle with when hanging out on top of their sleeping bag/comforter
Stuffies that they can hug (a cute idea is to send a special one they don’t know about with a sweet note from you they can read when they unpack)
A cozy big arm lounge pillow to sit with and color/write letters/relax
Family pictures and art they can tape up on the wall next to their bed
Photo album with family pictures inside
Clipboard to write letters/color on (this one has an area to store paper, envelopes and pens, this one is personalized, and this one is already filled with writing materials)
Fun markers or colored pens or colored pencils
Screen-free, wi-fi free, music and audio book player (this is the one camps usually recommend)
GAMES/ACTIVITIES
Kids may want games to play, or crafts to do, or items to trade, with other kids during downtime. Items like:
Friendship bracelet making kits
Stickers and sticker albums (StickerBeans seem to be the brand kids love) to keep them in that they can trade with other kids
Disposable cameras – send a few of these and then develop them after camp!
STATIONERY
Whatever stationery you choose, it’s a good idea to pre-address the envelopes - that way it will ensure it arrives to you! There are many types of camp stationery to choose from:
Fold-over-and-seal with a sticker
CROCS/JIBBITZ
Crocs are the ultimate camp shoe right now. And, at many camps, trading Jibbitz is a camp rite-of-passage. So be sure to get Crocs that fit and then send many different kinds of Jibbitz so your kid has lots to trade with other kids - it’s a great way to make friends!
LABELS
These are a necessity and usually required to be put on every item you send. I love Mabel’sLabels and have used them for years and found them to be indestructible on water bottles, in clothing, on bags, etc. I also love their stamp for the inside of clothes.
CRAZY CREEK CHAIR
These chairs are all the rage with kids at camp! A colorful Crazy Creek chair is great, but there are also airbrushed personalized ones that kids love!
FLASHLIGHTS/LANTERNS/HEAD LAMPS
Flashlights are usually a required item for camp! I like to get a few different sizes for different needs.
Larger one for walking to and from evening activities
Small ones that can fit easily inside sleeping bag pockets or in bed (I always stash these in my kids’ sleeping bag pockets and in the small pocket of their backpacks)
Lanterns/glowing bulbs for cozy lighting in bed or while walking around camp
A headlamp for walking to and from cabins at night (my kids are obsessed with their headlamps)
BATTERIES
Send too many batteries so kids can keep using flashlights, fans, twinkle lights, etc.!
COSTUMES FOR SKITS
There are a lot of fun camp dress up days and skits! Consider packing items like:
Fun/quirky items that can be used for different events
Tutus area big hit for girls and easy to pack
Cowboy hats are fun too!
Hair glitter that washes out easily is always so fun for kids to bring!
Also, if the camp session is during4th of July, pack red, white and blue accessories
CABOODLE
Yes, the same Caboodles we all had (or wanted) when we were young are back in demand for kids today! Kids use these as a makeshift side table/vanity that they keep in their bunk or on their dresser, and they fill it with hair ties, Chapstick, personal trinkets, and more! They’re available in tons of colors.
SLEEPING BAG
In my kids’ experience, the sleeping bag MUST be a “stuff sack” style which means you simply stuff it into its bag - it is so much easier than rolling the bag and trying to make it fit into a small bag. Also, look for a sleeping bag with a small pocket inside of it right at the top (like this sleeping bag) so that your kid can put a small flashlight there (and so you can pack a note to them before you send it to camp that they can find and feel loved when they read!)
WATER BOTTLES
Kids need water bottles at camp that won’t leak and are easy to keep clean! They also like to use the handles on the water bottles for making friendship bracelets.
This Owala one comes in many colors, doesn’t leak, and can be used without the straw so it’s easy to clean
This one has a strong handle for friendship bracelet making
This Stanley one has no straw, is easy to open and close, doesn’t leak, and fits in cupholders and in the sides of backpacks
BATHROOM ITEMS
All camps have their own towel and toiletry requirements (and campers have their own personal toiletry needs). But, there are some items that campers may want to bring that may not be listed on the official camp packing list like:
Towel wrap (an easy way to stay covered out of the shower if a robe is too hot)
Mesh shower basket to carry toiletries
WATER SHOES
My kids have used this brand (Keen) of water shoe for many years and love them. They are easy to put on, have a durable toe so they don’t stub their toes, have tread so they don’t sleep on rocks, and are great for running around in and out of the water! Available in tons of colors.
BAGS/PACKING ITEMS
Camps have different packing requirements – some ask you to send specific trunks ahead of time, and some ask you to pack duffle bags the kids bring with them. These are items you may need to get to help with packing your kid (and make the unpacking easier for them!):
This North Face durable duffle bag (waterproof, won’t rip) that can be carried as a backpack which is a bonus if your kid has to carry their own bag!
This Patagonia backpack with water bottle holders on the sides, many pockets to organize items, durable material, and has are movable laptop sleeve for kids to use for school if needed
Packing cubes to pack clothes in an organized way, and for kids to keep using as makeshift drawers/organizers in their cabins
Super sturdy bag tags so their bag doesn’t get lost
I hope these ideas help you when you prep for your kid’s sleepaway camp experience!
🩷, Amanda, your Type A Mom friend
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