Kid's summer camp packing

The list adapts to you

Answer the questions and only the items you need stay on the list. Your answers carry over to the app and the file.

• Will there be swimming? NoYes

Items on the list: 23 of 23 · Show all

Work through the list in order. Hide the notes when you know what to do.

1. Paperwork: booking, consent form, ID copy

   Booking confirmation, parental consent, a copy of the child's ID. Ask the camp for their full list — it varies.

2. Medical forms — mind the validity windows

   Camps require a recent medical clearance, and some certificates are valid only days before arrival. Time the doctor's visit precisely.

3. Label ALL belongings with a fabric marker

   The cabin will have ten identical black t-shirts. Labeled things come home; unlabeled ones don't.

4. Clothes per the camp's list — with spares

   Pack clothes you don't mind ruining: paint, campfires and grass stains are forever. There's probably no laundry.

5. Socks and underwear — one per day plus half again

   The thing that always runs out. No one ever regretted an extra pair of socks.

6. Warm hoodie or fleece

   Campfire evenings and post-rain nights are cold even in July.

7. Rain poncho

   A light poncho packs smaller than an umbrella and can't break. Camp activities don't stop for rain.

8. Sun hat or cap

   A cap or sun hat — required for outdoor time in the heat. Bring two: one will get lost.

9. Shoes: two pairs + flip-flops

   Main sneakers and a backup pair (the first will be soaked by day one), flip-flops for the shower.

10. Toiletries: the full set in a wash bag

    Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap in a case, shampoo, sponge, shower and foot towels, comb. All in a carry-friendly wash bag.

11. Insect repellent and sunscreen

    Mosquitoes are the enemy of sleep, the midday sun — of skin. Teach your kid to apply both on their own.

12. Small daypack for outings

    For hikes and day trips: water, poncho, hat. The big suitcase doesn't go hiking.

13. Water bottle

    Unbreakable, leak-proof, labeled.

14. Flashlight

    Night walks to the bathroom and after-lights-out stories — the flashlight covers all critical needs. Spare batteries too.

15. A little pocket money

    Small bills for ice cream at the kiosk. Check camp policy — some hold cash with the counselors.

16. A copy of the packing list — inside the suitcase

    Your kid will repack by this list and leave nothing behind. Works better than any phone reminders.

17. Medicines — only via the camp nurse

    Hand regular medicines to the camp nurse with the doctor's instructions. No meds in the suitcase — that's a safety rule for the whole cabin.

18. A small comfort item from home

    A small toy, photo or lucky charm. The first nights away are noticeably easier with it.

19. A card game for the cabin

    A compact game is the fastest way to make friends on night one.

20. Check the camp's phone policy

    Some camps collect phones and allow an hour a day. Agree on call times in advance — and don't panic over silence.

21. Swimsuit — 2 of them Yes

    One dries after the morning swim while the other goes to the afternoon one.

22. Beach towel Yes

    Separate from the shower towel — this one lives on the beach and in the sand.

23. Water shoes Yes

    Pebbles, shells and hot sand stop being a problem.