What To Pack For Your Week At Summer Camp

Summer camp is an exciting time filled with adventure, new friendships, and personal growth. The anticipation of a week at summer camp brings a flurry of emotions – excitement for new adventures, curiosity about meeting fellow campers, and a touch of anxiety about being away from home. Proper preparation can ease those nerves and set your child up for a memorable experience.

Packing wisely is more than just throwing clothes in a bag; it’s about ensuring they have the essentials for comfort, health, and fun. Whether your child is an outdoor enthusiast or someone who enjoys quieter activities, having the right gear can make all the difference.

Mount Shepherd offers a diverse range of activities, from hiking and swimming to arts and crafts and evening campfires. Being well-prepared means your child can fully participate and enjoy all that camp has to offer without worrying about missing something important. 

Whether it's your child’s first time or they’re a seasoned camper, packing the right items is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. This comprehensive packing guide will cover everything from clothing and personal hygiene items to activity-specific gear and miscellaneous essentials, helping you get ready for an unforgettable week.

How To Make Sure You Pack Everything Your Child Needs For Summer Camp

1) Pack Clothing For All Weather Conditions

Weather can be difficult to predict, so it's important to pack for a variety of conditions. Here's a list of clothing items you should consider packing for your child:

• T-Shirts: Pack a mix of short-sleeve and long-sleeve t-shirts to adapt to varying temperatures.
• Shorts And Pants: Pack a few pairs of each to ensure comfort during different activities.
• Sweatshirt Or Hoodie: For cooler evenings or unexpected chilly weather.
• Rain Jacket: A lightweight, waterproof jacket is essential for those rainy camp days.
• Swimwear: Bring at least two swimsuits for swimming in the pool or lake.
• Underwear And Socks: Pack enough for the entire week, plus a few extra pairs.
• Sleepwear: Comfortable pajamas or sleepwear for restful nights.
• Hat And Sunglasses: A wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses are essential for protection from the sun.
• Sturdy Shoes: Pack both a pair of comfortable sneakers and a pair of waterproof sandals or flip-flops.

2) Pack For Personal Hygiene And Health

Maintaining personal hygiene and taking care of their health is important for your child during their stay at camp:

• Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, and a hairbrush or comb.
• Sunscreen: Choose a high-SPF, water-resistant sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
• Bug Repellent: Keep mosquitoes and other insects at bay with a good bug repellent.
• Towels: Pack both a bath towel and a beach towel.
• Personal Medications: Pack any prescription medications in their original containers, along with a copy of your prescription.
• First Aid Kit: A small kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any other personal health items they might need.
• Hand Sanitizer: A travel-sized bottle of hand sanitizer to use before meals or after activities where you might get dirty.
• Lip Balm: A good SPF lip balm to protect their lips from the sun and keep them moisturized.

3) Pack Camping Gear

Depending on the camp's facilities, they might need to bring some additional camping gear. Here's a list of essential items:

• Sleeping Bag: A warm, comfortable sleeping bag appropriate for the season.
• Pillow: A small, portable pillow for a good night's sleep.
• Flashlight Or Headlamp: Essential for navigating the campsite at night, along with extra batteries.
• Water Bottle: A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.
• Backpack: A sturdy backpack for day trips and carrying essentials around the camp.
• Multi-Tool: A small multi-tool can come in handy for various tasks around the campsite.
• Camping Chair: If space allows, a lightweight camping chair can be great for sitting around the campfire.

4) Pack What Your Child Will Need For Specific Activities

Different camps offer a variety of activities, and some of them might need specific gear. Here are some ideas of what to pack:

• Swim Gear: Goggles, swim cap, and flip-flops for lake activities.
• Sports Equipment: If they plan on playing sports, they may need to bring items like a baseball glove, soccer cleats, or tennis racket.
• Art Supplies: If your child enjoys arts and crafts, pack some basic supplies like sketchbooks, pencils, and markers.
• Musical Instruments: If they play an instrument, consider packing a portable one, like a guitar or ukulele.
• Books Or Journals: For quiet time, pack a book or journal to read.
• Fishing Gear: If the camp allows fishing, send them with a rod, reel, and tackle box.

5) Pack Miscellaneous Items

These miscellaneous items can make your child’s overnight camp experience more enjoyable and comfortable:

• Camera: Capture memories with a small, portable camera.
• Chargers: Don’t forget chargers for any electronic devices they bring.
• Laundry Bag: A separate bag for dirty clothes to keep your clean clothes fresh.
• Snacks: Non-perishable snacks for a quick energy boost between meals.
• Money: A small amount of cash for camp store purchases or outings.
• Notebook And Pen: Handy for writing notes, playing games, or drawing.
• Comfort Item: A small item from home, like a stuffed animal or a favorite book, can provide comfort if your child might feel homesick.
• Emergency Contact Information: A list of important phone numbers and addresses in case of emergencies.

6) Pack Effectively

To ensure a smooth and stress-free packing process, follow these tips:

• Label Everything: Use a permanent marker or labels to put your name on all your child’s belongings. This helps prevent loss and mix-ups.
• Pack Smart: Use packing cubes or zip-lock bags to organize their items by category, making it easier to find what they need.
• Check The Camp’s Packing List: Refer to Mount Shepherd’s specific packing list for any additional items or restrictions.
• Create A Packing Checklist: Write down everything you need to bring and check off items as you pack them to ensure you don’t forget anything.

Register For Mount Shepherd Overnight Camp

Packing for summer camp doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With this comprehensive guide, your child will be well prepared for their week at Mount Shepherd.

Remember to pack for various weather conditions, prioritize personal hygiene, bring essential camping gear, and include activity-specific items to make the most of your experience. Organizing and labeling your belongings will also ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay.

​Don’t let your child miss out on an unforgettable summer camp experience. Register your child for Mount Shepherd today and let them embark on an adventure filled with fun, learning, and new friendships. Reach out to us for more information about our overnight camp, mini camp, or one of our day camps!