Summer Camp Packing Guide

According to a Gallup survey, 30 million youth participated in structured summer programs and camps in 2024. While kids are looking forward to spending the day and night hanging out with friends and doing activities they don’t normally get to do during the school year, parents are busy fretting about how and what they are going to pack for their child.

Below are tips from moms Nicole Puzzo and Joanne DiCamillo, founders of befree, about streamlining summer camp packing and little steps that can make a big difference.

Pack the necessities first.

This might seem like a no-brainer to start with packing kids’ toothbrushes, toothpaste, first aid supplies and underwear first, but sometimes during the rush to pack everything these common items can be forgotten. So, start with the basics first and have a checklist that you are following to make sure you don’t miss anything. Make piles to help organize everything and see what you are packing before putting it in a suitcase. This will help you avoid overpacking or under packing for your child.

Leave the nice stuff at home.

Your child might beg you to let them bring their favorite article of clothing or shoes, but don’t do it. A good rule of thumb to live by while packing for summer camps is if it’s an item that your child will be devasted if they lost or it got ruined, do not pack it. If you need cheap articles of clothing to pack, head to a Goodwill or another thrift store to see what you can find. For shoes, pack their old, beat-up sneakers that are in the corner of the closet. Worn in, but sturdy shoes are best for the all the activities kids will be getting into.

Layer up.

Summer weather can be fickle, especially if your child’s camp is in a wooded area. Make sure you pack them plenty of layers like zip up jackets, hoodies and pants they can just zip on and off without taking off their shoes or having to strip their clothing, like zipOns from befree. These items can help ensure your child stays comfortable during their time away and won’t be distracted from their activities because they are too hot or too cold.

Don’t forget stationery, entertainment.

While you are busy making a clothing and necessities packing list, don’t forget stationery items so your child can write home along with books, magazines, coloring books and other activities that they can do during downtime in the cabin.

Go label crazy.

Most kids share their items at summer camp or just throw their t-shirts and shorts on someone else’s bed, which means items are going to get misplaced or mixed in with other campers’ items. Go old school and label each item with your kid’s name or initials. This will help not only your child come home with the items you sent them away with, but it can help camp counselors as well since they will be able to easily identify whose item is whose.

About befree

befree is the creator of zipOns adaptive pants for children and adults. The patented design includes full length zippers on both sides to make dressing and undressing easier, safer and more comfortable. For more information, visit: www.befreeco.com