.svg){kind=small}
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 sending my kids to sleepaway camp, and asking my friends' kids lots of questions, for you to consider packing for your kids. Hope this list helps simplify your camp packing and prep so your kids have an amazing experience!
.webp)
SLEEPAWAY CAMP "EXTRAS"
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
GAMES/ACTIVITIES
Kids may want games to play, or crafts to do, or items to trade, with other kids during downtime. Items like:
UNO in a reusable tin for easy storage
Friendship bracelet making kits
Rainbow Loom bracelet making kits (easier than the string 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
.png)
STATIONERY & ART ACTIVITIES
Whatever stationery you choose, it’s a good idea to pre-address and stamp 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
Remember to pack stamps!
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
Small storage box for markers
.png)
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!
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 slip on rocks, and are great for running around in and out of the water! Available in tons of colors.
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)
A booklight for nighttime reading in the bunk
Battery powered alarm clock so they can track what time it is
BATTERIES
Send too many batteries so kids can keep using flashlights, fans, twinkle lights, etc.!
COSTUMES FOR SKITS, THEME DAYS, LEAGUE COMPETITIONS
There are a lot of fun camp dress up days and skits! Consider packing items like:
Face crayons for skits and theme days (pack some wipes so they can easily take off the paint when done!)
Neon bandanas will add fun to any outfit
Fun/quirky props that can be used for different events
Tutus are a big hit for girls and easy to pack
Cowboy hats or sheriff's accessories are fun too!
Inflatable Rock Band is funny!
Hair glitter and a face/body glitter stick that washes out easily is always so fun for kids to bring!
Also, if the camp session is during 4th of July, pack some fun costumes and athletic accessories, and 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. There are also personalized ones that kids love!
FANS
Fans are definitely needed since cabins are not usually airconditioned! Make sure they are battery powered and don’t require a plug since camps don’t typically offer plugs.
A fan that has a spray mist that kids can carry around with them really helps cool them off!
A fan that clips to the side of their bunk helps kids stay cool when relaxing and sleeping in their bed.
MUSIC PLAYER & CAMERA
Camps often allow personal music players and digital cameras if they don’t have screens.
This Mighty Music Player has no screen and is small so is easy to pack. You load it with songs ahead of time for kids to listen to (like an old iPod).
Headphones (wired no Bluetooth so no charging needed)
This camera is digital but has no screen - it's fun for kids to bring and use to capture their experience!
Disposable cameras are another screen-free way for kids to take pictures at camp!
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
Toothbrush covers in case toothbrushes fall on the floor
SUNSCREEN & BUG SPRAY
Sunscreen and bug spray are very important! Make sure to test these on your kid before sending in case they have an allergic reaction.
Sunscreen from Supergoop has always worked well for my kids – they love this larger stick to easily apply it anywhere, and the spray is easy for them too
Bug repellant spray that is natural and a continuous spray (non-aerosol and not a squirt spray) is easy for my kids to apply
This bug repellant roll-on stick from quitch is really easy to use
These bug bite patches from quitch help soothe itchy bites in a cute fashionable way
These bug repellant bracelets are easy for kids to wear
BAGS/PACKING/ORGANIZING 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!):
Simple cross body bag/fanny pack for kids to carry items around camp
Draw string backpack to carry a few things around camp
Hanging toiletry bag to organize personal items & bathroom supplies
Toiletry bag with compartments to organize toiletries
Shoe bag to hang at the end of the bed
Laundry bags for dirty laundry are a must!
This North Face durable duffle bag (waterproof, won’t rip, avail in many sizes and colors) that can be carried as a backpack which is a bonus if your kid has to carry their own bag!
Soft Sided trunk with compartments to stay organized
This Patagonia backpack with water bottle holders on the sides, many pockets to organize items, and durable material is great for day adventures (and has a removable 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 (try labeling the outside of these so kids know how to unpack it all/can keep their items organized by type)
Small containers to organize accessories
Super sturdy bag tags so their bag doesn’t get lost
LABELS FOR CLOTHING/GEAR/ EVERYTHING
These are a necessity and usually required to be put on every item you send. I love Mabel’s Labels 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 - especially for socks, underwear, and t-shirts!
I hope these ideas help you with your sleepaway camp packing, and that they give your child an amazing camp experience!
For a complete sleepaway camp packing checklist with clickable links for each item, click here for boys and click here for girls.
🩷, Amanda, your Type A Mom friend
*Some of the above links are affiliate links (through the Amazon Associates program and ShopMy), which means I earn a small commission if you click and then buy. Thank you for supporting my work!
