Whether you’re sending your kid to sleepaway camp for the first time or they’re a seasoned pro, this ultimate list of Summer Camp Hacks is a must! From free printables, to summer camp packing lists, to camping tips and tricks, there’s something for every little camper who’s going away for a few weeks. This list of summer camp ideas will have you all set to go for your outdoor summer adventure away from home.
Summer Camp Hacks & Tips
Last year was my first official experience with prepping for summer camp, and it was a crazy time! My girls had their first sleepaway camp experience, spending two weeks away from home. One of my girls had never even had a successful overnight out of the home without a family member. So, since I was already quite anxious about her being away for two whole weeks, I began the process of doing everything I could to prepare the girls for summer sleepaway camp. I wanted to gather all of the best camp tips to make their experience as comfortable and fun as possible!
What should you NOT bring to summer camp?
We’re about to dive into all the things you should bring to summer camp, but first, make sure to leave these items at home. Camp isn’t anything fancy, and you should only bring what you really need. We don’t recommend that you bring…
- Valuable or expensive items, like jewelry or nice watches
- Anything so sentimental that you don’t want to risk it getting damaged or lost
- Food (Many camps don’t allow food in to keep critters out)
- Phones, laptops, etc. (Summer camps are all about unplugging and having fun without your devices!)
How do you pack a summer camp trunk?
When you’re packing all your things away for the summer, make sure that your kids’ necessities and everyday items are towards the top, while less frequently used items are towards the bottom. This will help them access everything easily. Also, it’s a good idea to pack their towels and sheets at the very top of the trunk. These will be the first items they need to use when they are setting up their bunk.
Camping as a family or with the girls? Take a look at our Girls Clamping Ideas as well as our Camping Hacks and Tips. Also make sure you and your little girls watch American Girl Story Summer Camp (for free with Amazon Prime) before you go!
Summer Camp Packing Tips
You’ve got to be smart about packing for summer camp! Check out these summer camp packing tips and tricks to make the most out of what you bring.
First, you need a camp trunk — not a suitcase. I learned this a little late in the game. For our first mommy/daughter camp we went to, we brought a suitcase and it was quite a challenge to get through the mountains.
We learned our lesson on that first trip. Having a trunk to open and close every day was much more efficient for our girls. Camp Trunks are so affordable on Amazon.
This is the summer camp trunk that we got. The price was great! If I had to change one thing, it would be to get a trunk that’s a little bit larger, but now their trunks are totally personalized with stickers so they’re here to stay. stickers.
I thought I did amazing things with my girls’ trunks, but woah — Ashley has done something even greater! This frugal-friendly, customized summer camp trunk tutorial will make your kid’s trunk just as unique as they are. | Lil Blue Boo
Summer Camp Packing List
We have a freebie for you. Download and print this kids Summer Camp Packing list by being a member of our email list. This is primarily for sleep away summer camp but you can, of course, leave off the things not needed for overnights (like sleeping bags) if you are going to a day summer camp.
To get all of our free printables including this Summer Camp Packing List, subscribe and look for a link and password in our inbox. The password allows you to access and download any of our free printables. Don’t forget necessities like a reading light, laundry bag, spending money, bug spray, a rain jacket, flip flops and more.
I am happy to share printables. When sharing with others, please lead them to my website instead of emailing them the file(s). It takes time, effort and money to put the freebies forth and I earn when you visit. Thanks for visiting and thanks for sharing with others!
Camp Hair Don’t Care! Keeping your hair in check is quite hard when showering in the mountains, so we’ve learned some camp tips for hair the hard way. Make sure to pack hats, a lot of hair ties (for getting lost sharing a big cabin) and bandanas. Don’t forget to pick up the Camp Hair Don’t Care tees!
Every VSCO girl and summer camper needs a metal Hydro Flask water bottle to refill with their name in Sharpie underneath. Camp VSCO stickers allows kids to personalize their canteen. For your camp water bottle, grab small stickers during your travels and add them on or grab camp Hydro Flask stickers from Amazon. They have some really cute options! You can use these stickers to personalize your camp trunk too. | Source
Friendship bracelets are one of the best activities at summer camp! Use your water bottle as a base for friendship bracelet making. Make sure to pack Embroidery Floss for yourself and a lot extra for friends. It will be very popular! | Source
Summer camp schedules keep the kids pretty busy, but there’s more downtime than you might think. For a fun and memorable camp experience, have your child bring some printables to complete during their free time. We love these printable Mad Libs from Woo Jr. You could also grab this summer camp Mad Libs book.
Remember that free time we spoke about? Pack a book (or two for bookworms or long stays at camp). My daughter worked on the Camp Confidential series while she was away at camp.
Tip: Curious about the book rating or what other thing, visit Common Sense Media to search book titles.
Most of the time, when the counselors say “lights out” they mean it. However, having a battery operated book light can be good for girls who want to read later into the evening before the official “bedtime hour.”
We also suggest bringing battery operated string lights – such a cute touch to a bunk and cabin.
Make sure you have a battery operated fan. The evenings can be extremely hot (or extreme cold – pack a sweat shirt) and plugs are hard to come by. A battery operated fan should give you enough life to get through your summer camp stay. If staying for a prolonged time, make sure to pack extra batteries. | Camp Greystone
It is inevitable kids get home sick. Sleep away summer camp is sure to busy them and exhaust them so they fall straight asleep, but having little photos from home will remind them of their loved ones. Allow your kids to bring some things to personalize their space including photos, lovies, or little mementos. Washi tape will help them hang their prints. | Camp Greystone
For our two-week summer camp, the parents have the ability to email! Letters are printed out and delivered to the kids. However, the children can’t send emails back, so snail mail it is. Make sure to pack your child summer camp stationary. Do not forget the stamps and an extra pen or two.
This is the stationary set that we ordered. It came with an address book for collecting addresses for friends. It comes in two styles.
Camp Letter Printable
We also have a free printable letter from camp! This one comes in a cute newspaper design and guides your kids with things to write – things you would likely ask them and want to hear about!
Get all of our free printables including this Summer Camp Letter Template. Subscribe and look for a link and password in our inbox. The password allows you to access and download any of our free printables.
I am happy to share printables. When sharing with others, please lead them to my website instead of emailing them the file(s). It takes time, effort and money to put the freebies forth and I earn when you visit. Thanks for visiting and thanks for sharing with others!
Our camp uploads photos of the kids to albums. Each day parents can visit to see what the kids are doing. I save those photos and then turn them into a fun little postcard that I get mailed from Postable. This lets them see the fun things they have done and gives them something to hang on their bunk.
If you want to ship a postcard form Postable, sign up today. You can $5 off any order of $20. Use promo code MRK8UR86JF at checkout.
How to Make a Postcard for Summer Camp
Below is a tutorial of how to make a postcard for summer camp using Postable and PicMonkey.
- Sign up for Postable
- Sign up for Picmonkey.
- Using Picmonkey, create a collage of photos (I chose to do something with the size ratio of 5×7.)
- Save your collage.
- On Postable, go to “upload your own” on the top menu of the website.
- I chose size flat vertical 5×7 (you could also do horizontal layout or a folded card.)
- Upload your saved Picmonkey collage.
- Write your message
- Address your card.
- Checkout. You can $5 off any order of $20. Use promo code MRK8UR86JF at checkout.
My kids are at summer camp for two weeks, so I get these postcards made early in their stay so that they get it in time before leaving. Postable also has options (like the hiking card above) if you wish not to make your own photo collage online.
One of my top summer camp tips? Label it all! Label all clothing, all accessories, all shoes, etc. Even label your kids underwear. We picked up a pack of Mabel’s Labels Camp Labels.
Looking inside of a trunk can be very overwhelming. Organize clothes by day of the week or type/style using Ziploc Gallon Bags or Packing Cubes (my choice!) | Kelly Elko
The KAVU Rope Bag camping backpack is great and very popular for summer camping. It can be pricey so I monitored it during the off season and gifted it to my girls for a spring holiday.
There are so many patterns on Amazon. I went through all the patterns and looked for those that were most discounted. I added those to my cart and then selected my favorite at the end. If you want something more frugal-friendly, Ambry makes a similar discounted Rope Sling Bag.
Kids get so excited to receive care packages from home! Hit up the Dollar Tree and wrap really small items or go for a bigger package with larger treats. We also came up with this Summer Camp Candy Notes (though many places will not allow you to send in candy anymore.)
Speaking of backpacks Grab a white pillow case, white t-shirt or white backpack (like we did) and download this Straight Out of Camp Iron On. Perfect for friends to sign at the end of the week!
Also enjoy these outdoor backyard games. Perfect for youth groups, summer camps and other activities under the sun! Mix it up with these Minute to Win it games for a quicker pace.
Eliminate boredom with these Summertime Boredom Buster Activities. Pin to Pinterest.
Also save this Visual Summer Bucket List for Kids. Pin to Pinterest.
WHAT’S TRENDING? Looking for a few engaging activities? Grab Minute to Win it Games – Traditional, Holiday, Group, and more! Use these fun activities in the office, classroom, or at your next birthday party.
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