I have spent 12 summers of my life at Summer camp [1] as a camper, volunteer, or counselor. I can tell you firsthand that attending camp [2] can help children learn new skills, make lifelong friendships, and grow as people. All that fun and growth requires a lot of preparation — before they can hop in the lake or learn how to ride a horse, you've got to pack their bags.

When packing a child's trunk for camp, remember they are going to get dirty, so nothing should be packed that can't withstand a little dirt and grime. Think in layers that will serve your child throughout the day. At the camp I attended, it might be a nice 85 degrees during the day, but dip into the 40s or 50s at night. It's better to be over- rather than underprepared.

Since cabins and tents are notoriously unkempt, find a way to label everything, even if it's with a simple and colourful dot on the tag so that your child can better distinguish their stuff. Lastly, make sure to clear any possibly restricted items with the camp before it makes its way into their luggage. Below is a list of everything your child will need to have a great experience at Summer camp, so they don't have to worry about their clothes, and they can focus on having fun and making memories [3].

Clothing

• Socks
• Swimsuits/trunks
• Shorts
• T-shirts
• Hoodie and/or sweatshirt
• Warm hat
• Baseball cap
• Sunglasses
• Long pants
• Jeans
• Jacket
• Raincoat
• Dress clothes for a dance or candlelight dinner (if there will be one at your camp)
• Underwear
• Warm pajamas
• Tennis shoes
• Hiking shoes
• Slip-on shoes
• Sandals (check with the camp to see if they restrict open-toed shoes)
• Dress shoes (check with the camp)

Toiletries

• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Body wash/bar soap
• Bath towel
• Beach towel
• Waterproof sunblock
• Bug spray or wipes
• Brush
• Hair ties, if needed
• Deodorant
• Shaving products
• Feminine products
• Band-Aids
• Lip balm
• Any medications your child needs
• Laundry detergent, if a washer is available

Cabin Gear

• Sleeping bag
• Sheets
• Blanket
• Pillow
• Books to read
• Stationary
• Flashlight
• Water bottle
• Deck of cards
• Clip-on fan
• Disposable or digital camera, if phones are not permitted
• Any special equipment they may need to participate in activities
• Money for the store, unless your camp wants you to make payments directly

What Not to Bring

Unless otherwise stated on your camp's website, below is a list of things that are commonly either advised against or outright banned.

• Anything that you wouldn't want to get dirty, lost, stolen, or damaged.
• Open-toed shoes
• Perfume or cologne
• A cell phone, tablet, handheld gaming system, or computer
• Food items (unless your child has a strict diet, in which case all food items should be cleared with the camp beforehand)
• Nonprescription medications