For those parents sending their children to camp, be it for a day or a week, a packing list is essential. Here is one to cover both situations, courtesy South Mountain YMCA Camps and its staff members.
Day Camp - To Take
- Close-toed, comfortable walking shoes
- Clothing that can get dirty (and a change of clothing, because camp happens)
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Clean cloth mask
- Swimsuit (worn to camp)
- Beach towel
- Sunblock
- Water bottle
- Small backpack/bag
- Nut-free packed lunch and snack
- You may also consider: swim goggles, flip flops/sandals, bug spray, jacket or sweatshirt
Overnight Camp - To Take
(suitable for a week)
- 1-2 pairs sweatpants/jeans
- 5-6 pairs shorts
- Rain poncho/jacket
- 3 pairs thick hiking socks
- Jacket or sweatshirt
- 6 pairs cotton socks
- 6-10 pairs underwear
- 2-3 long-sleeved shirts
- 5 t-shirts
- Hat
- Sneakers, flip flops
- 2 swimsuits
- 2 bath towels, beach towels, washcloths
- Laundry bag
- Pillow and pillowcase
- A set of twin sheets, blanket
- Pajamas
- Sleeping bag with sack
- Water bottle
- Flashlight/headlamp
- Shampoo, conditioner, soap
- Brush/comb
- Toothbrush, toothpaste
- Sunscreen, Chapstick, bug spray
- Reading material
- Stationary, pre-addressed stamped envelopes
- Inexpensive camera
Tip: Be sure to label your items with your name!
Leave It
- Cell phones and tablets
- MP3 plays, computers & video games
- Smart watches
- Knives, weapons
- Fireworks
- Aerosol spray
- Wheeled shoes, skateboards, inline/roller skates
- Trading cards, sentimental collectibles, toys
- Money
- Jewelry
- Alcohol, drugs
- A bad attitude – camp is what you make of it!
