Are Your Kids Going to Sleepaway Camp This Summer? Here’s How to Pack

kids at summer sleepaway campLast summer, my 9 and 11 year old boys went to sleepaway camp for the first time. They had 6 nights at a camp in Missouri and participated in lake and sports activities, and costume parties.

I had a lengthy packing list provided by the camp but I had no idea how to pack all of the recommend items. 

While we used older clothing items and shoes, we had a few items we needed to purchase to make a week away a little easier.

We opted to send a trunk and a large duffel bag. I also purchased travel sized bottles for toiletries, inexpensive water sandals, iron-on and stick on name labels for everything, and a portable seat back chair for the chapel sessions they attended

I’ve continued to use them for sporting events this past year, and have been very happy with them.

Sleepaway Camp Packing Basics:

  • Roll items and place them vertically in rows so that they are easier to spot
  • Utilize packing cubes for smaller items such as socks and underwear
  • Roll outfits together 
  • Place items needed right away such as towels, sheets, and blankets together so the won’t destroy the trunk looking for them.
  • Zippered pouch with travel sized toiletries and toothbrush, bug spray, sunscreen, flashlight, notecards/pens, etc.
  • Make sure your child knows where items are in their trunk so they can easily grab what they need.

We packed duffel bags with their pillows, camp chairs, Bibles, and medications so I could hand them over to the camp nurse. 

When they returned I realized that they wore a minimal number of clothes as they spent the week in their swim trunks, so make sure you don’t spend too much on clothes or underwear to send with them.

My boys had a great time on their first sleepaway experiences and are looking forward to another week of summer camp this year!

Amy Foster
Amy is a lifelong Wichita-area resident, with the exception of her college and grad school years. Amy has worked as a pediatric physical therapist for a local non-profit organization during her 22 year career. She married Brett, a youth pastor turned special education teacher and coach, and can be seen supporting Andover Middle School with her two boys, aged 13 & 11, only 18 months apart! They keep her occupied in athletic activities . When she isn't busy momming, she likes to walk her dog in her neighborhood, and do embroidery by hand.