June 10, 2020
3 min read
Whether you are packing your child for summer camp for the first or the tenth time, a practical checklist comes in handy. Your child will have everything they need, and you can wave goodbye with peace of mind. The type of camp matters
Did your child choose a summer camp focused on arts, sports, or perhaps horses? What you pack will depend on that. The basics always remain the same, but if you know that they will be wading through mud every day, pack clothes you won't mind getting dirty and extra rubber boots. If, on the other hand, they are heading to a ballet camp, don't forget their sports gear and dance shoes. Always consult specific requirements with the camp organizers.Which luggage to choose?
A proven choice is a classic travel bag, ideally with wheels, so the child can easily move it from the bus to their temporary accommodation. A suitcase with wheels is also suitable, as clothes get less wrinkled in it. A less demanding child will usually easily get by for a week-long camp with a size M suitcase.
How to pack?
Ideally together with your child – so they take things they like to wear and also know where to look for things in their suitcase or bag. Packing can also be made easier with practical packing cubes or clothing and shoe covers, which allow you to organize things better. Also, for safety, attach a luggage tag to the bag to avoid any unwanted mix-ups. Tip: For younger children, it is better to label clothes you wouldn't want to lose. Simply write their initials on the inner label with a permanent marker or draw a symbol or picture you have agreed upon in advance.Summer camp packing list (for one week)
Luggage: ✓ suitcase or travel bag with the child's name tag ✓ small backpack for trips Clothing: ✓ 5x short-sleeved t-shirt ✓ 2x long-sleeved t-shirt ✓ 3x shorts ✓ 2x sweatpants ✓ 2x sweatshirt ✓ 1x windbreaker, nylon jacket ✓ 1-2x swimsuit ✓ 8x underwear ✓ 8x socks ✓ 1x warm socks ✓ pajamas ✓ baseball cap ✓ raincoat Footwear: ✓ rubber boots ✓ closed sports shoes intended for outdoor activities ✓ closed hiking shoes (comfortable for longer forest trails) ✓ sandals ✓ non-slip slip-ons suitable for the pool or shower ✓ indoor shoes (if required by the accommodation facility) (Note: Do not give the child new, unbroken-in shoes.) Toiletries: ✓ toothbrush and toothpaste ✓ shower gel, possibly a washcloth ✓ hair shampoo ✓ sunscreen (at least UV factor 30) ✓ lip balm ✓ tick and insect repellent ✓ paper tissues, possibly a roll of toilet paper ✓ medium towel and a small towel for hygiene ✓ larger bath towel suitable for swimming ✓ comb, possibly hair ties and clips Other camper essentials: ✓ portable flashlight with new batteries ✓ high-quality water bottle (at least 1 liter capacity) ✓ bag or sack for dirty laundry ✓ sunglasses ✓ bandana/scarf ✓ writing supplies ✓ bed linen (if required by the chosen accommodation facility) ✓ favorite pillow or stuffed animal ✓ stationery, envelopes, stamps, postcards (ideally pre-addressed to parents, grandparents, and other recipients) ✓ favorite book, board game, cards ✓ small pocket money In case of camping in a tent: ✓ tent ✓ sleeping bag and sleeping pad ✓ bed sheet, blanket, pillow ✓ warm pajamas ✓ mess kit, metal mug, cutlery, dish towel ✓ clothes hanger, clothesline and a few clothespins, tent organizer Don't forget: ✓ DOCUMENTS or their copies (health insurance card, vaccination record if applicable) ✓ regularly taken MEDICATIONS (including a schedule of when the child should take them) ✓ declaration of the child's health status/non-infectiousnessWe have a practical summer camp packing list available for you to download and print.
You can find the PDF version for printing HERE.
Is there anything else you never let your kids go to camp without? Let us know in the comments!
