My first “summer camp” experience was on an overnight school trip at Camp Olympia, a sports camp near Lake Livingston in Texas. I was around nine years old, so my main concern was bringing cute outfits that definitely didn’t prepare me for the outdoors.
To sum it up, I brought way too much cotton and not enough dry-fit.
Since my parents aren’t the outdoorsy type, they didn’t know much about helping me pack better-suited clothes. But if I could speak to my younger self, I’d suggest bringing quick-drying, breathable clothing for hot days, plus something warm for chilly nights in the woods.
Our summer camp essentials checklist will help you prepare your kids for whatever the outdoors throws at them. We’ve included everyday must-haves like sunglasses and swimwear as well as cute clothes your kids will love to wear.
Clothing
While bringing one or two cotton t-shirts won’t hurt, lightweight and breathable clothes are best for spending all day in the sun. Below are some of our best picks for hot summer days.
Hot days
While bringing one or two cotton t-shirts won’t hurt, lightweight and breathable clothes are best for spending all day in the sun. Below are some of our best picks for hot summer days.
Transitions from soccer to swimming are made quick and easy with the Patagonia Costa Rica Baggies Shorts. Growing girls will feel comfortable thanks to the elasticized waistband and adjustable drawcord.
The quick-drying NetPlus material is made from recycled fishing nets, so she’s helping reduce plastic pollution in the ocean while having fun.
These cute, practical shorts also have a chemical-free DWR finish, making them waterproof and windproof.
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Made with soft, breathable fabric, the Under Armor Knockout Tank Top will become her favourite shirt. The four-way stretch construction and anti-odour technology make this top perfect for sports and camp activities.
Moisture-wicking (sweat-evaporating) material dries fast in the summer humidity, and the shirt is easy to wash – just throw it in the washing machine with similar colours.
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Though slated as a fishing piece, the Columbia PFG Terminal Tackle Short is perfect for all outdoor activities. The material is stretchy with small pockets to hold valuables.
If your kid doesn’t remember to wear sunscreen, the UPF 50 fabric will help protect their skin. These shorts are also water-repellant and high quality, so they’ll last a long time.
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The versatile Sandy Shores Long Sleeve Sunguard can be used in the water or during active play. UPF 50 material protects from the sun but is still lightweight, and moisture-wicking fabric draws away moisture and sweat to keep them cool.
Kids will also enjoy the thumb hole details that help keep sleeves in place during play.
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Nights and colder days
While days at summer camp are hot and sunny, temperatures can drop at night. So it’s always a good idea to pack those “just in case” items that are warm, lightweight and breathable.
Help your little adventurer prepare for cold nights by the fire with the Patagonia Micro D Snap-T Jacket. It’s made of soft microfleece and comes in colour-blocked light pink, gray, and blue.
The full-zip design and fitted hood make this the ideal light jacket to throw on if it gets chilly.
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Keep your kid warm without adding bulk with the Columbia Boy's Zing III Fleece Jacket.
It’s super comfortable and comes in several colourful designs to make them feel like the “cool kid” at camp. There are also zippered hand pockets and a high neck for added warmth.
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Water shoes
There’s nothing worse than stepping on a sharp rock when going swimming in the lake or ocean. The Keen Moxie Sandals (Big Kids; Little Kids) will protect their feet without weighing them down.
The sturdy rubber outsole, cushioned EVA footbed, and secure quick lace system make these shoes perfect for everyday wear, too. Kids will love the Keen Seacamp II CNX Shoes if they want a similar shoe in more neutral colours.
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Rainwear
Don’t let rainy days at camp slow your kids down with the handy Reima Lampi Raincoat. This brightly coloured coat has waterproof and welded seams to keep rain and dirt out.
Kids will love the detachable hood, while parents will appreciate the reflective details that help keep little ones safe.
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For a more packable rain jacket, check out the Marmot PreCip Eco Jacket. The material is fully waterproof and breathable, and there’s a storm flap over the zipper. It’s perfect for staying dry in a heavy downpour!
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Sunscreen
Parents might forget the all-important sunscreen while packing clothes, shoes, and rainwear for summer camp.
Keep kids safe with an organic sun cream like Druide Sunscreen SPF30. It offers UVA and UVB protection, smells good, and contains no harmful particulates.
Druide Sunscreen SPF30 for Baby contains a similar formula but also has skin-soothing Aloe Vera
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Bug repellent
All day bug-free comfort is a must at camp: choose the all-natural Druide Ecotrail Eucalyptus Lotion. It repels mosquitos, biting flies and ticks with a lemon-eucalyptus formula.
It’s perfect for kids three years old and up who will be camping around lakes, trees, and other buggy areas.
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For parents with smaller children, Watkins Insect Repellent Icaridin Spray works well for the whole family.
The icaridin provides 12 hours of insect repellent against mosquitoes and ticks, without containing harsh chemicals like DEET. It’s not greasy and won’t damage clothes, either.
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Headlamp
Another important item on your checklist? A reliable headlamp, like the Black Diamond Wiz. No more stumbling into a thorny bush as kids go to the bathroom at night with this simple, lightweight headlamp.
It has a child-safe screw closure and fun-coloured straps that your child can choose from. Plus the 30 lumens lamp is very bright and works with two AAA batteries.
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Beach towel
What’s better than a beach towel? A 5-in-1 Chawel Jr. Hybrid Towel that has a hood and arm holes to keep kids warm as they dry off. The towel packs up tightly, dries quickly, and has a fleece liner to keep kids cozy if there’s a breeze.
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Parents wanting a simple travel towel to pack for their kids will love the PackTowl Personal Body Towel. It dries quickly and stays soft and towel-like even after multiple washes. There’s also a handy hang loop for drying and an odour-control treatment to keep it smelling fresh.
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Swimwear
Your daughter will feel secure and confident in the water in the Color Kids Colorblock Bikini. This quick-drying swimsuit is breathable and offers 4-way stretch for more freedom of movement. Its high UPF fabric makes it ideal for water sports in the hot sun.
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If you’re looking for kid-sized swim trunks that will stand up against rough play, the Miles The Label Print Swim Trunks are a great choice.
The elasticized waistband and 4-way stretch make them comfortable, and the UPF 50+ material protects their skin.
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Sunglasses
Sunglasses aren’t just a fashion statement - they’re a must-have for long days in the sun. Thanks to the nose grip and curved temples, the Julbo NOLLIE Sunglasses actually stay on the face during active play and sports. These work perfectly on all face shapes.
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For a more affordable option, check out the Roshambo Baby Ice Ice Baby Mirrored Sunglasses.
These “unbreakable” shades are super-durable and have polarized lenses that protect kids from strong sun rays. They’re lightweight, and every purchase helps support the autism charity Surfers Healing!
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What you should NOT bring
While kids may be tempted to bring their whole toy collection, many camps have specific items that they ask kids not to bring, including:
- Electronics. If it has a screen, don’t bring it. Tablets, iPads, video games, and laptops should be left at home. They could get damaged, and summer camp is a place to unplug.
- Food and snacks. No matter how much your child begs to bring candy or chips, these items should be left behind. Bugs and wildlife could try to come into the cabin or tent if they smell food in bags.
- Knives (etc.). Though it probably goes without saying, any knives (or other potentially dangerous items) should be left at home. The camp will provide all the gear needed for the activities unless otherwise stated.
Every summer camp will be different. Be sure to look up the rules for the camp your child is going to and avoid bringing anything that isn’t necessary.
The bottom line
Packing for summer camp is not the same as packing for a vacation, so kids might need some help before their departure. Make sure to check off the must-haves on this checklist so no essential item gets left behind.
Before your child’s departure, be sure to check with the camp to make sure you’ve packed all they need. Once everything is prepped, the only thing left to do is for your little ones to enjoy their camp experience, and for you to get some much-needed quiet time.
Summer Camp Essentials
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