Cool for Camp: What to Pack this Summer
Are you ready for summer camp?
This week I packed up and sent off three (lucky!) kids to Catalina Island Camps for two weeks of classic kid fun in the sun. For my son, it was his first summer camp experience and I wanted to pay extra attention to his gear, packing plenty of activities, stationary and clothes he’d love.
Packing three bags was a bit of a scramble, but it was also a fun trip down memory lane. Many of the items I chose for their bags were the same as the items I packed in my own camp trunk many years ago.
But there were a few new ones!
Seeking some cool ideas for what to pack? I’ve collected some of my best ideas and some recommendations, including a couple of inexpensive DIY projects to pack up.
PS: See if you can spot my own camp reading materials from “back in the day” in the slide show after the jump!
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Cool Duffel
Pack it all up in style. Everything fits in this well organized rolling Mother Lode bag from Ebags. ($164)
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Cool Game
Pack some simple games like Cuponk to play with new bunk buddies. ($16.95)
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Custom Caps
Trucker hats are where it's at! Design your own custom cap at the Lids site or in a mall near you. (from $20)
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The Camp Classic
Isn't this a summer camp essential? Don't forget to pack the Mad Libs! (from $2.50)
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More Camp Classics
Remember these? If you've forgotten how it works, perhaps your camper will remind you how to make lanyard creations (from $5.99)
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Camp Quizzes
Better than truth or dare... Coke or Pepsi books are packed with fun questions to get to know your bunkmates better! ($7.99)
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Camp Sleeping Bags
Sure we want them to be cozy but lets face it, camp sleeping bags tend to get trashed. These Target sleeping bags are an affordable option. ($29.00)
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Beach Gear
Got sun and sand? You'll want to pick up a few essentials like sunscreen to protect skin and baby powder which makes the sand slide right off! (from $3.00)
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Reading Material
Back in my day it was comic books but nowadays graphic novels like the Wimpy Kid series rule. My son couldn't wait to get his hands on this book.($13.95)
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Loads of Labels
Label it or lose it! Our favorite labels for camp come from Mabel's Labels. ($39.95)
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Clever Kits
Friendship Bracelets? Cat's Cradle? Chinese Jumprope? Jacks? There's a Klutz book for that. All gear and directions ready to go for these classic pastimes and more. (from $12.95)
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Card Games
When all else fails, a deck can save the day. Don't forget to pack cards and book of simple card games. ($12.55)
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Backpack & Water Bottle
This day pack from CamelBak does it all - doubling as both day pack and water bottle for hike day comfort. (from $55.00)
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DIY Camp Stationary
Don't spend a fortune on stationary when you can make DIY Camp Stationary at home. Don't forget to stamp and address envelopes! (from $5.00)
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Animated Hoodies
Lightweight, UPF solar protective and FUN hoodies are a camp fashion must! ($29.99)
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A Familiar Friend
It's nice to see a familiar face at camp so be sure to pack a favorite like this Webkinz Wooly Mammoth small stuffed toy. ($15.95)
Disclosure: I have reviewed a couple of these items/brands (Mouthman, Ebags, Mabel’s) for assorted other sites in the past but have received no samples or compensation in exchange for or consideration of this post. All photos are of the items that actually went to camp with my own kids, hence the “beat up” look of some of these well loved faves.
Sending daughters to camp? You might want to read the debate about scheduling pre-camp waxing appointments.
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Thanks for the list. I always feel overwhelmed while packing and always end up sending too much of the wrong things and not enough of the right ones.
What fun! I never really got the camp experience (other than the overnight school trips). Feeling like I missed the boat on fun!
My kids loved going to summer camp. The only bad part? The stinky clothes when they come home!
I don’t know how you do it with all those kids. I can barely cope with packing for my one (and since she’s a teenager, you would think she could handle most of it herself).
love the bag!! Looks like a can fit everything
Cute bag!
Mabel’s Labels are the best. My son’s camp counselor even remarked that she’d never seen anything like them.
And other great ideas here. Yay camp!!!
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