In this post I am sharing the ultimate kid’s camp bag list all kids need for a good summer time.
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We are fast approaching the summer months and with that, comes the choice of what to do with kids. Whether you’re a homemaker or a working mom, summer camps may be coming up on your calendar.
The kids get to be outside, with new or existing friends. They do lots of activities and sometimes field trips. Learn new skills and remain mentally and physically active.
It’s a great option, especially if it’s close to home and hopefully doesn’t break the bank.
Signing up to camp must have happened several weeks ago, if not months. But getting ready for them may not yet have happened. I usually start my search with the local Rec Centers and see what options and activities they have.
Organizations like the YMCA also have tons of options for member and non-member families.
Always look for what works best for you and your kiddos.
Our older boys (14 and 8) have been going to a summer camp for the past 3-4 years already. Mostly because we both work and cannot stay at home and find other activities to entertain them.
The last thing we want is to have them locked up in the house all day.
Two years ago, we joined the YMCA as a sport center, and decided to give the camp a try. We have not looked back since. They love their friends, the camps location and outdoorsy style, and look forward to going back every year.
So after a few years of packing bags for camp, and some trials and errors, here is a list of all the items we purchase to make sure their camp experience is great.
What to Pack for a Full Day at Summer Camp
Download a Free Copy of this list below to either print or use digitally, so you and your kids always know what to pack in the bags the night before!
Depending on where you live, summer camp may be happening in the warmer or colder month’s of the year. But we’re in Florida, so we are working with extremely warm and humid temperatures for the most part.
So when I am planning for camp, I am thinking about how to keep my kids cool and refreshed all day long.
The camp they go to is mostly outdoors and full of outdoor activities.
1. The Bag
After the first few years, we realized that a lighter, more practical bag/ backpack was the best option. So I got them THESE from adidas in different colors and we have had them for the past three summers.
They are super lightweight, and easy to open and close. Plus if they get wet with water or anything spills in them, they’re so easy to turn inside out and clean.
They have been such a practical option for us, that we’re still using them now. And as lightweight as they are, they have held up great so far.
2. The Towels
Inside the backpack, I make sure they always have one of THESE cooling towels. I saw them in a YouTube video of someone going to Disney World, and thought they were genius.
Our eldest ties it like a bandana around his neck and occasionally has to make it wet through the day. Our youngest just uses it when he feels very hot to wipe over his face.
The best part is that we can use them to outings to parks, the zoo or the beach. When it gets extremely hot, the last thing I want is for the kids to get overheated and sick.
The pack comes with four, and so far, each one (our thirteen year old, seven year old and three year old) all love them.
I should probably get another pack so my husband and I each get one LOL
The I also add THESE very practical and compact drying towels in case they get into the pool. They don’t have to get into the pool if they don’t want to, but the boys still wear their swimsuits and take these just in case.
Their complaint is that the changing room area gets busy with little kids and is a mess, which is a silly reason. However, they did avoid the pool most days last year, and decided to use most of that time to play Gaga ball.
That’s another new activity I knew nothing about until they started camp in Florida. But it’s been their favourite activity as of now.
By the time we pick them up, they’re so dirty from the gaga ball pit that they towels come in handy to wipe some of the dirt off of them. So it’s a great multiuse towel anyway.
3. Water Bottle
Then we have a large water bottle. Our go-to are THESE from Gatorade because they’re easy to drink out of and don’t easily spill in their bags.
What I like about them is that they’re truly very sturdy but they don’t weigh a ton themselves. I will lay them sideways in the freezer with some water in them, and they will stay nice and cool for them at least for the better part of the morning.
They can always refill their bottles at camp, which has water fountains and refill stations scattered throughout.
4. Snacks/ Food
The camp also provides breakfast if they arrive before 9 am and lunch daily, which is a perk! But I still like to pack them some snacks.
Sometimes they also ask for sandwiches, so we will make them peanut butter and jelly or Nutella sandwiches to go in their bags.
Previously we used to use Ziplocs or Tupperware, but for this year I am trying something different and packing them THESE small lunch boxes and fill them with their favourite snacks.
This makes it easier to buy snacks in bulk from Sam’s Club (or Costco, whatever membership you have) and fill these myself.
This also prevents any plastic or one-time use bags of chips, nuts or snacks ending up being left at camp, or me forgetting to trash them out of their bags at the end of the day.
Plus I like that we can change the layout of these boxes depending on what snacks they are taking for the day.
I will update you guys on how these worked for us.
5. Sun Protection
If you read my previous post, you will know how important this item is to me.
And because I am so particular about sunscreen, I make sure I put THIS sunscreen on them in the morning before they leave the house.
This allows me to make sure they’re covering every spot of skin that is exposed so they do not get sunburned.
The camp makes sure that they reapply sunscreen when they have smaller breaks, and especially when it comes time to go to the pool.
So in addition to putting the cream sunscreen on them in the morning, they each have a bottle of THIS spray sunblock in their backpacks. It’s a spray, so it’s easier for the instructors a camp to apply it on them, or they can do it themselves.
Our seven year old Jonah is very pale, so I tend to make sure and notify whoever is his “leader” that he needs to reapply sunscreen and wear his hat at all times outside.
Which takes me to my next sun protection item.
Similar to the bags, we were in an Adidas phase and decided to get THESE caps. And they’ve worked great.
They each got one in a different color, and take them to camp daily.
Ethan, our eldest, also has longer hair, and this helps keep it off of his face when he’s doing activities.
I have washed these in the washing machine and hung them out to dry, and they have held up incredibly. The boys get them wet with water, sweat, mud and even color, but the caps are still looking great.
This is again another item that they can easily use in other occasions, even though they have a daddy who likes to collect caps and gives them plenty of options to choose from.
Last but certainly not least, is a sun shirt.
I feel like this is a standard household item universally at this point. Everyone has them and wears them everywhere you go.
We have gotten the boys THESE ones before, but then also purchased additional ones from Target and then THESE ones from Amazon, so they would have multiple options.
Also because I did not want to be stuck having to wash their shirts daily just so they could wear them (even though I do it anyways because we’re talking about smelly boys).
These ones are another Florida and summer must have, since they are outdoors playing all day. And with two boys on the paler end of the scale, one can never be too careful.
What are some things you pack your kids to go to camp? Are there any essential items you think I am forgetting? Leave a comment below and let me know!
With love,
Yara
Grab your Free Copy of the packing list HERE!