HOW TO PACK FOR SUMMER CAMP
June 13, 2023
The school year is coming to an end, and summer vacation is just around the corner. It's time to empty those schoolbags and pack for camp.
Summer camp is a wonderful opportunity for your child to have fun, learn new skills, and make new friends. But before you send them off, you need to help them pack their bags. Packing for camp can be a daunting task, especially if it's your child's first time away from home. You want to make sure they have everything they need to enjoy their summer adventure, but you also don't want to overpack or underpack.
To help you out, we've compiled some tips on how best to pack for camp, based on our experience and expertise. We'll also show you how ZIPIT backpacks can add fun and functionality to your child's summer experience.
Choose the Right Bag
The first step is to choose the right bag for your child's camp. Some camps require a trunk or a hard-sided suitcase, while others prefer a rolling duffel bag or a backpack. Check with your camp before you buy anything, and make sure it meets their size and weight limits. You also want to consider how easy it is for your child to carry and store their bag, especially if they have to transport it themselves or share a small cabin with other campers.
A trunk or a hard-sided suitcase can protect your child's belongings from rain, dust, and bugs, and can also double as a table or a seat in their bunk. However, they can be heavy, bulky, and hard to maneuver on uneven terrain. A rolling duffel bag or a backpack can be lighter, more flexible, and easier for your child to carry around. However, they can be less durable, less secure, and less organized than a trunk or a suitcase.
Whatever you choose, make sure you label your child's bag with their name, address, phone number, and camp name. You can also decorate it with stickers, patches, or ribbons to make it stand out and express their personality.
Decorate Their Bunk
Even if they're staying only for a week, any child will love decorating their bunk to show their personality and make them feel more comfortable. You can let them bring some items from home that remind them of their family, friends, or pets, such as photos, posters, stuffed animals, or pillows. You can also let them bring some fun accessories and store their essentials in ZIPIT boxes and pouches that will brighten up their space and impress their cabin mates.
However, don't let them go overboard with their bunk decor. Remember that they have limited space and that they have to share it with others. Don't let them bring anything that is too valuable, too fragile, too noisy, or too messy. And always respect the rules and preferences of your camp and your counselors.
Pack the Right Gear
Going to camp means doing lots of outdoor activities that require special gear. Depending on what kind of camp your child is going to and what kind of activities they're interested in, they may need some of the following items:
- A sleeping bag and a sleeping pad for overnight trips
- A flashlight or a headlamp for nighttime adventures
- A water bottle or a hydration pack for staying hydrated
- A hat or a bandana for sun protection
- A rain jacket or a poncho for rainy days
- A swimsuit and a towel for swimming
- Sunscreen and a bug spray for skin care
- Hiking boots or athletic sneakers for walking
- Flip-flops or sandals for showers or the pool
- Sunglasses or goggles for eye protection
Of course, you don't have to buy everything new. You can borrow some gear from friends or family members who have been to camp before. You can also check with your camp if they provide some gear for rent or loan. And don't forget to label everything with your child's name so they don't lose it or mix it up with someone else's.
Bring Some Fun Activities
Camp is not all about scheduled activities. Your child will also have some free time to relax and have fun with friends. You pack some items that will keep them entertained and creative during their downtime, such as:
- A book or a magazine for reading
- A journal or a sketchbook for writing or drawing
- A camera or a phone for taking pictures (if allowed by your camp)
- A deck of cards or a board game for playing with friends
- A musical instrument or a speaker for playing music (if allowed by your camp)
- A craft kit or a DIY project for making something
- A ZIPIT backpack for storing and carrying everything
If you're looking for a perfect backpack for your child's camp, look no further than ZIPIT backpacks. These backpacks are not only fun and colorful, but also durable and washable. They can withstand any adventure your child has in mind, and they can easily be cleaned after a long day of activities. ZIPIT backpacks are also versatile and multifunctional. You can use them as a daypack to carry your child's essentials, as a travel bag to pack their clothes, as a pillow to rest their head, or even a toy to play with. ZIPIT backpacks are more than just backpacks. They are your child's ultimate summer camp accessory that will make them stand out from the crowd and always be there with a friendly smile.
Pack the Right Clothes
Clothes are probably the most important part of your child's packing list. You want to pack clothes that are comfortable, practical, and suitable for the weather and the activities they're going to do. You also want to pack clothes that make your child feel confident and happy. Here are some tips on how to pack your child's clothes for camp:
- Check the weather forecast for your child's camp location and pack accordingly. Pack clothes for hot, cold, and rainy days.
- Check the dress code for your child's camp prior to departure. Some camps may have rules about what your child can or cannot wear, such as no shorts, no tank tops, or no logos.
- Pack enough clothes for the duration of your child's stay, plus a few extras in case of accidents or emergencies. A good rule of thumb is to pack one outfit per day, plus two extra outfits.
- Pack clothes that are easy to mix and match, so you can create different looks with fewer items. Choose clothes that have neutral colors or simple patterns that go well with each other.
- Pack clothes that are easy to wash and dry, so you can reuse them if needed. Choose clothes that are made of synthetic fabrics or cotton blends that don't wrinkle or stain easily.
- Pack clothes that are easy to fold and pack, so you can save space and avoid wrinkles. Roll your child's clothes instead of folding them, or use packing cubes or compression bags to organize them.
- Pack clothes that are appropriate for the activities your child is going to do. For example, pack shorts, leggings, or capri pants for daily activities; jeans or skirts for evenings or free time; swimwear and cover-ups for swimming; pajamas or onesies for sleeping; etc.
Pack the Right Toiletries
Toiletries are another essential part of your child's packing list. You want to pack toiletries that will keep your child clean, healthy, and comfortable during their stay at camp. You also want to pack toiletries that are eco-friendly and safe for the environment. Here are some tips on how to pack your child's toiletries for camp:
- Pack only the toiletries that your child really needs and uses regularly. Don't pack anything that is too expensive, too bulky, or too unnecessary.
- Keep it compact and use travel-sized containers or reusable bottles that are leak-proof and easy to refill. Don't pack anything that is in glass containers or aerosol cans that can break or explode.
- We always recommend packing toiletries in a clear plastic bag or a waterproof pouch that is easy to see and access. Don't pack anything that is loose or unwrapped that can spill or get lost.
- Keep to the 3-1-1 rule if your child is flying to camp. This means you can only pack liquids, gels, creams, or aerosols that are 3 ounces (100 ml) or less per item; you can only fit them in one quart-sized (1 liter) clear plastic bag; and you can only have one bag per person.
- Pack toiletries according to the green rule if you're going to an eco-friendly camp. This means you should only pack products that are biodegradable, organic, natural, or vegan; you should avoid products that contain chemicals, fragrances, parabens, sulfates, or microbeads; and you should dispose of them properly.
Some of the toiletries that you may want to pack for your child include:
- A toothbrush and a toothpaste for oral hygiene
- Shampoo and a conditioner for hair care
- Soap or a body wash for body care
- Deodorant or a body spray for odor control
- Moisturizer or a lotion for skin care
- Lip balm or a sunscreen for sun protection
- A first aid kit for any eventuality
To sum up, packing for camp can be a fun and exciting activity for you and your child. It can also be a great opportunity to teach them some valuable skills, such as planning, organizing, and prioritizing.
And remember to start packing early. Don't wait until the last minute!