The ultimate checklist for summer camp
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Summer camp season is officially here in NYC, which means a whole lot of thoughts on what do my kids actually need for the next 4-8 weeks?!
Whether you’re new to the process or a seasoned pro, I’m rounding up a quick grab and go list as well as our Amazon Summer Camp Essentials for both Daycamp & Sleepaway to keep your kiddos organized all summer long!
Daycamp List:
- Backpack
- Water bottles
- Wet bag or Ziplock bag for wet items to come home in
- Mesh bag or Ziplock bag for dry clothing
- Swimsuits, towels & goggles (*tailor this to your specific camp if water sports are not offered)
- Footwear (sneakers & waterproof shoes)
- Back up set of clothing
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen & bug spray
- Special costumes or clothing for themed days
- Insulated bag for lunch or snacks (*if required)
- Personalized Name Labels & Name Stamp
Sleepaway Must Haves:
- Trunk & large duffle (with inventory list & family photo taped inside!)
- Packing cubes and/or ziplock bags
- Fitted sheet, sleeping bag/blanket & pillow
- Hanging organizer for bed
- Lightweight backpack
- Water bottles
- Clothing (plenty of socks & underwear, and approximately 1 week’s wroth of clothing: pjs, tees, long sleeved shirts, shorts, pants, themed/event clothing, sweatshirts, weather specific items, etc.)
- Footwear (sneakers, waterproof shoes, boots, event shoes)
- Swimwear (swimsuits, goggles, towel, etc.)
- Sunscreen, bug spray & bug bite cream
- Rain gear
- Hat or sunglasses
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Shower caddy that drains
- Toiletries & shower items (towel, shampoo/conditioner/body wash, toothbrush, toothpaste, plastic cup for rinsing, hair brush, hair ties, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, aloe vera, etc.)
- Laundry bag
- Extra batteries
- Medications (*check with camp policy regarding who collects and handles these)
- Personalized Name Labels & Name Stamp
Sleepaway Nice to Haves:
- Snacks (*check policy on food and care-packages)
- Bunk decor (photos, string lights, etc.)
- Tape or sticky tact for hanging photos or decor
- Pens, pencils and a notebook
- Stationery, stamps and a list of names and addresses (Pro tip: pre stamp and pre address envelopes!)
- Clip-on battery operated fan
- Bunk junk: small cards, games, fidget toys, binder for trading cards, etc.
- White t-shirts and bright colored shirts (for tye dye or color war)
- Waterproof watch
- Books
- Polaroid or disposable camera
- Camp chair
