So this year Iris is going to her first-ever sleep away camp! While every camp has their own packing list that you’ll want to adhere to, I wanted to gather all the tips from seasoned pros to make sure Iris has the best possible time.

One particular recommendation that I’m trying to keep in mind is, pack less than what you think they’ll need. Let me say that again, so that maybe it will sink into my over-planning, over-prepared brain. Pack less than what you think they’ll need. Okay, I think I’ve got it. Along these lines, another bit of insight that stuck with me is, don’t fret when you see photos of them wearing the same shirt every day, paired nicely with their shoes that were meant for the shower. They are at camp to create memories of a lifetime and our job here to just try and make it easy for them to do that.

With that in mind, here are the packing tips that I’ve gathered from near and far (very likely to be updated after Iris has her own experience and after I, inevitably, over-pack).

PACKING TIPS FOR OVERNIGHT CAMP
– Pack everything in a trunk with wheels (pay special attention to the height requirements so it can be tucked under the bed). We bought this affordable one from Academy.
– Label EVERYTHING (and don’t send anything to camp that you’ll be upset about losing). While the iron on labels are cute, they don’t always stay on. Instead, you can grab a pack of fabric markers from a craft store or just use a good, old fashioned Sharpie. I was hoping for something more in the middle, so I ordered a personalized wooden stamp with her name on it, along with a fabric ink pad. If it works, that’s something she can use for a long time.
– Organize outfits for each day in Ziploc bags (including any theme night outfits). You can also sneak in little notes for them to find.
– Two pairs of pajamas (with no air-conditioning, they can get sweaty at night but let’s face it – without parents telling them otherwise, they are probably fine to sleep in the same thing every night).
– Send clothes that are comfortable over cute! I stocked up on moisture-wicking athletic wear from Target).
– Include a long-sleeved shirt just in case it gets chilly.
– Send all the bedding in a laundry bag, then when their bed is made they can use the bag to toss all their dirty clothes in. This will help keep up with their items, and make it easier when it’s time to pack up.
– Toiletries: keep it simple yet efficient with a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, hair brush, hairbands, & body wash.
– Shower caddy so it’s easier to take everything to the bath house.
– Shower shoes & a loofa sponge (they dry quicker than a wash cloth).
– Two bath towels, two pool towels.
– A few swimsuits so that they always have a dry one (be sure to check requirements for them – many camps only allow one pieces for girls).
– Swim goggles for the pool if needed.
– Bedding: pillow, fitted sheet, flat sheet, & a light blanket (don’t bring your favorite pillow or a special blanket in case they get lost or gross).
– Clip on fan for the bed, with extra batteries or an extension cord. For what it’s worth, this is one of the top recommendations I’ve come across!
– Flashlight & book.
– Disposable camera (be sure to sharpie their name & your cell # on it).
– Pre-addressed/stamped envelopes, paper, & pen for writing home. Someone suggested even doing a fill-in-the-blank page to make it easy & quick for them to write.
– A journal.
– A lovey or something to comfort them at night, especially something that might have a smell from home.
– A unique water bottle so they’ll always know which is theirs (but one that is not special, because once again – it might not make it home).
– Drawstring backpack to carry the things they need around camp.
– Comfy, broken in sneakers & shoes that are fine to get wet, but still good for adventures (ex: Chacos, but maybe some knockoffs instead).
– As fun is the top bunk is, the bottom bunk will be cooler.
– Have your kid decorate the trunk, including photos of loved ones.
– Depending on the camp, have your kiddo wear their swimsuit to camp. Many of them have swim tests on the first day. And no one wants to waste time changing right when you get to camp!
– And last but not least, you might feel like doing it all, but let your camper help with the packing. Being away from parents for a week will empower them to be more independent, so why not let them get a jump start before they go? Plus, if they’re involved in the packing process it may teach them a little responsibility and they’ll be more familiar everything once they’re at camp.

I’ll update this list as I hear of more tips, so if you have any please send them my way!