Summer Camp Checklist

Summer camp is an ideal opportunity for your child to learn more about their world and enjoy the great outdoors. To help your child prepare for summer camp, here are some important items your child may need to bring along.

What to bring to summer camp

  • Proper summer clothing that’s also comfortable and easy to clean
  • Extra underwear
  • Extra socks
  • Sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher
  • Child-safe insect repellent
  • Sun accessories such as sunglasses and a hat with a brim
  • Footwear such as sneakers or sturdy sandals
  • Rain gear
  • Swimwear and goggles, if applicable
  • Tissues
  • Any necessary medication, in its original container with dosage instructions
  • A small knapsack

If your child is attending an overnight camp, you will also want to pack bedding, towels, and toiletry items such as a toothbrush, toothbrush container, toothpaste, and a toiletry bag.

What not to bring to summer camp

  • Valuable items such as electronics
  • Breakable items
  • Items that your child considers irreplaceable, such as a favorite stuffed animal
  • Cell phones
  • Clothing that is impractical, uncomfortable, or difficult to clean

Tips for packing for summer camp

Our summer camp checklist is a basic guideline, featuring the most common items a child may need to bring along. However, it is a good idea to ask your child’s summer camp as well; they will likely have a list of essential items that they can give you. They may also provide items such as insect repellent, antibiotic ointment, and sunscreen.

Because summer temperatures can vary throughout the day, you may want to dress your child in layers. If the day gets warm, they can remove the outer layers and store them in their knapsack for a later time.

You may want to also send along an extra pair of shoes, depending on the outdoor activities your child will be experiencing during summer camp.

It’s a good idea to write out a list of everything you’re sending to summer camp with your child and give it to a staff member when you drop your child off. If your child is bringing medication along, you may need to give it to the camp staff along with the dosage instructions.

When packing for summer camp, be sure to give yourself enough time, and have your child help you. Packing for summer camp together is an ideal way for you and your child to bond while helping them feel a sense of ownership over the experience.

Summer camp is an exciting way for your child to learn new skills and discover the world around them. With this summer camp checklist, you can be sure your child will have all the important things that they need.

For more about summer camp, read about the fun and educational activities children experience at KLA Schools Summer Camp.