Summer Camp Packing List: Getting Ready for Sleepaway Camp

Margaret will be venturing off to summer camp in a little over a month! Even though this will be her third time away – her second at a three week long session- I still can’t believe we actually do “this”. I’m a sucker for those “18 summer” videos and hate the idea that with what little time we get to have our children at home, that I’m “sending her away” for part of it. But I also can’t believe how much Margaret loves it, which is enough for us to let go and invest in this unique adventure for her for as long as we can. Her camp is a historic, all girls camp in North Carolina with the most incredible and diverse schedule of activities. Leading up to our decision to apply for camp, we knew of its’ stellar reputation but weren’t sure how it’d go for Margaret. She was interested, but nervous – and for many reasons, we were too especially since at the time our sweet girl had never even felt comfortable enough to do a sleepover. She was admitted to the week long program they call Junior Camp for the summer after second grade. It was a great way to test the waters and while I could have seen her calling us to come get her after night one, the only correspondence we got were notes about how much fun she was having. We’re taking the same approach for Catherine, and though she is eligible to attend this summer (after first grade) she didn’t make it off the wait list. She’s understandably disappointed but we feel like it’s a blessing in disguise, and that she’ll be much more prepared to dive in with one more year of school under her belt. Our thought is that at that point, if Catherine likes her Junior Camp experience and is up for a three week session, then she’ll join Margaret the following summer and they’ll be in the same session. The last decision we’ll face is whether or not to send them for the five week option called Main Camp. I have a tendency to jump ahead and play mental gymnastics with the “what ifs” but I have faith that we’ll be able to cross that bridge confidently enough when we come to it. The bottom line – we know Margaret thrives at camp and we can’t imagine denying her the opportunities it brings. She gets the chance to mix and mingle with girls from all over the country, she has so many electives and activities to choose from that she otherwise would not have access to experiencing, and the self assured independence we see after she’s been away is astonishing. Not to mention, as a Christian camp, we appreciate how organically discussions of faith and scripture are intentionally woven into each and everything they do.

If you stumble upon this post in preparation for your own child to venture off to sleepaway camp, then I am excited for you! I’m hopeful that it turns out to be as enriching of an experience as it has been for Margaret and our family. I also hope you are ready for some major packing, because there is nothing quite like packing for summer camp but, we’ve got this! If there’s one thing I love, it’s a good packing list (my ultimate Disney World packing list is my own personal passion project and evidence of this haha) A lot of summer camps provide their own lists, tailored to their unique offerings, traditions, climate and culture. However, if they haven’t, or if you’re just looking for some referential inspiration, below is a look into our process.

Summer Camp Packing List: Clothing

Camp clothing gets the stress test of a lifetime, so I try to keep that in mind while packing. Margaret does bring special pieces with her – especially for the Sunday church service – which I’m okay with this because I want her to feel good in and confident about her selections. It is also an opportunity to experience natural consequences, for example – last year she packed a new (pricey) bathing suit that was unsalvageable after a festival day that involved wrestling in chocolate syrup. Perhaps it would have made it if she’d rinsed it off in their cabin’s sink and hung it to dry outside. Instead she balled it up into a wet bag and forgot about it until laundry day which is why on top of the stain we saw a *lovely* accumulation of mold and mildew on it. She was bummed but I’d bet this summer she remembers this moment and she’ll think twice about which suit to wear for what as well as how to handle her wet clothes. One of the most time consuming steps of the packing process is trying on everything before it makes the cut to minimize any fit issues or unwanted surprises once she’s in the thick of camp. We break this part of the process up over the course of a few weeks prior to leaving. We send lots of casual T-shirts, especially camp tees and tees from places that are meaningful to her, as well as athletic bottoms.These are SO cute, like the “norts” us millennials used to wear but with sweet seersucker and floral print touches. Margaret is also a fan of“butterfly shorts” which if you’re a tween girl mom, I am sure they’re already on your radar. Boy moms, here are some great quick dry shorts that aren’t too long, and are just $15. I love the fun summer color options of these $6 girls’ t-shirts and this $8 girls’ graphic shirt is super cute as well! For casual shorts, this pink and purple gingham pair is adorable, as is this classic red and navy pair. I also purchased this girls’ active skort, which is very affordable and comes in tons of color options, and this new gingham skort is definitely getting packed too.

Another thing to keep in mind is the weather. A lot of camps are in places that can get chilly at night, which is quite the change for us Floridians. Be sure to add in a jacket and some cozy sweatshirts/sweat sets to the mix, as well as a truly water repellant rain jacket and rain boots. Often campers have early morning outdoor activities, and they see the low temps, even if the high of the day creeps up into the 80s. My girls are big fans of these lightweight children’s sweatshirts, so a few of them will definitely be coming along.

A few other clothing items I recommend adding to your summer camp packing list are: a “nicer” outfit or two – something a little more put together than athletic shorts and a tee – depending on your camp’s recommendations of course. Obviously you’ll want to pack essential undergarments including socks, underwear, bras and sports bras. Comfy and cute pajamas are a must for our girl, especially since they sometimes elect to wear them to their evening programming. (I’m packing this summer shorts set and these cute girls’ pink pajamas for Margaret). Our camp asks for four swimsuits for the three weeks and I pack a few extra with a mix of long sleeve one pieces, traditional one pieces, and pullover long sleeve rash guards. This girls’ striped swimsuit and this one are some of our budget friendly favorites, that also come in girls plus sizes. Both my girls also love this sweet colorful swimsuit. This floral one piece option is under $20 and has already proven to wear and wash well. And then each year we make sure to have rash guards like this one and this one on hand to pull over regular swimsuits.

Edit: I’ve always thrown in fun costumes and accessories for their various theme nights and festive celebrations, but this year Margaret plans to round up even more silly gear than ever before!

Summer Camp Packing List: Shoes & Accessories

You will want to send a good pair of sneakers that will comfortably get them through all of their outdoor adventures. Our camp asks that they bring two pairs, just in case! Additionally, a pair of sandals for water activities – they ask for Chacos or Tevas. Margaret has been very happy with these Tevas so far. You might want rainboots and shower shoes, and for our camp they also need shoes for church on Sunday.

You’ll definitely want to include a hat or two and sunglasses for all of the outdoor activities, as well as sunscreen and bug repellant. We send her with a dedicated TRVL design bag with her sunscreen and bug spray so she can easily grab it and go. Something that helped her last year, though it is in the “overkill” category, was that she had the sunscreen/bug repellant kit that she kept at her cabin, as well as a mini kit to stay inside her Kavu bag, so that it was always with her when she was out and about. We also include a wet bag and goggles for her to have for water activities. Since Margaret wears glasses, we special ordered prescription goggles this year, as well as prescription sunglasses. Keep that in mind in case you’re also in the corrective lense category so you can factor in a few extra weeks to get those ordered ahead of your child’s session. Our camp asks for many, many beach towels and these have held up year after year.

For summer 2026, Margaret’s schedule will include some horseback riding so she will be packing boots to wear for that. it also seems like we’ll be significantly beefing up her shoe packing in general, as she noted that a lot of the girls had Crocs and slip-on Birkenstocks to thrown on, and she’d also like to bring some slippers to wear inside their cabins.

SUMMER CAMP CLOTHES & SHOES

Summer Camp Packing List: Cabin and Bunk Supplies

Most camps will provide a list of the specific bedding items you will need to bring as well as what they’d prefer you do not bring. We decided last year to order a bedding package to be delivered to her bunk so then all we had to pack was her quilt, blanket and I threw in a decorative pillow and pillow case for a little flare. She brings her favorite stuffed animal too. We cover a cork board with pictures of her favorite people, fun quotes and bible verses, and other mementos that she can keep nearby in her bunk. I put 3M mounting squares on the back so they’re ready for her to peel off and apply to her bunk wall when she gets there. I also pack extra 3M mounting squares in case she needs to reapply them throughout her session.

Some additional items for the cabin include: a laundry bag, a small clip-on fan to attach to the bed, and some fun activities for your child to do during any rest time. One of the activities we’re sending with Margaret is this personalized letter-writing set for campers. It has adorable color options and I know she will love being able to send some snail mail to friends and family. If you have the Paper In A Pinch subscription, you can access their personalized camp library for digital downloads! Whatever you do, be sure to write out addresses and place stamps on the envelopes before your child leaves home!

Because they have fun nighttime activities at camp, we included a flashlight and a kids’ headlamp or flashlight to your summer camp packing list.

For summer 2026 Margaret has requested that we add: a back rest pillow for reading during quiet time, a clip on reading light, and a bunk bed organizer to help keep things handy and contained.

Summer Camp Packing List: Bathroom Supplies

Most of the bathroom supplies that you send for summer camp are the same ones that you’d pack for any vacation. These include all toiletries, a hairbrush, hair ties, etc. However, there are a few extra bathroom essentials you’ll want to pack. Our camp requires attendees to bring their own bath towels and washcloths. Her first year, I was able to get these bath towels monogrammed quickly and they quality is great – she’s packed them every year since! I also highly recommend a portable shower caddy basket. This will make it so much easier for your camper, whether they have to transport their supplies from room to room, or as an easy way to keep items corralled. You may want to consider packing noise canceling headphones or ear plugs and a sleep mask, in case your child needs a little extra buffer from the noises that come with sharing a cabin.

Cabin, Bunk, & Bath

More Essentials for Summer Camp

We send two water bottles and hope they get cleaned out frequently! The more insulation the better for keeping their water cool! We make sure the mouth is wide enough that it is easy to fill up with ice. These have been great with their handles for easy carrying and the spout that tucks in for sanitary reasons.

Personally, I also think sending a camera with your child to camp qualifies as being essential. I can’t wait to see all of the fun pictures Margaret snaps with her new camp friends! Make sure your camerais compliant with your camp’s rules as many programs are device and screen free.

If there are sports on the camp schedule, you’ll want to pack accordingly. For example, we’ll be packing Margaret’s tennis racket and dance shoes. Anyone doing riding will want to be sure to pack boots and pants.

Our camp asks that the girls bring a Crazy Creek chair and these cross body backpacks are the go-to option for the girls to carry their things around between activities.

camp essentials

Bags to Take to Summer Camp

There is quite a variety of bags that I’ve been collecting for Margaret to take to summer camp. I think it’s so much easier to pack and also for kids to stay organized if they can sort their items in a way that makes sense. The big ticket item of course is the trunk. This is the one she has, that you’ll see most commonly recommended for a reason. It is well made and designed to last from the first day of camp, to the very last day – which could easily span 11 years, or longer if they decide to work as counselors. We used this Etsy store to customize a large sticker with her name on the top. We also are allowed to pack two other duffles – which of course we take advantage of – and this is the one we have.

I highly recommend using one of these large or medium roadie bags (or both!) If you’re not familiar with roadie bags, they’re great for holding “all the things”. We use them to store everything from daily activities (paper, crayons, etc.) and snacks to sunscreen and swimsuits. They’re wonderful and the personalization options are adorable! We use packing cubes to help keep things like costumes (yes, costumes!) separate from the primary clothing.

And last, but not least, wet bags for your kid to store wet swimsuits, towels, etc. Be sure to also stick waterproof name labels on all bags and loose items.

Summer camp bags

Summer Camp Packing List

I know reading all of these details takes time and let’s face it, as parents we’re almost always short on time. Here is a more succinct summer camp packing list to look over if you’re in a hurry!

Packing for Summer Camp

If you’ve found yourself gearing up to send your child to sleepaway camp like we are, I hope you’ve found this summer camp packing list to be helpful! My best advice is to do everything you can to be prepared and then after that, don’t sweat the small things. I have to remind myself that the camp counselors and leadership team are very well-prepared and that everything will be okay, even if you happen to forget something!

If you’ve previously packed for summer camp and have a packing tip or an essential that I forgot, please leave it in the comment below. Not only will it be helpful to me, but it could also help others prepare for camp! And if you’re looking for additional packing tips and tricks be sure to check out the Ultimate Disney World Packing List, my lunch box favorites, and beach and pool bag must-haves.