The Overnight Camp Packing List

For the last three summers, my husband and I have had the pleasure of sending the kids off to sleepover camp. Last two years, we sent all three kids. I did not say that too enthusiastically, did I? We probably held on too long to agree to send our daughter and then easily sent our youngest as soon as they would accept him. 

However, there is a lot of preparation to get the kids out the door, even for the 6 days of freedom. While most overnight camps provide a packing check list, we thought we would highlight tips for sending your kids off to camp. 

 

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The Overnight Camp Packing List

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PACK SMARTLY:

Our overnight camp provides a checklist and suggested packing list, so thanks to a tip from a friend, I label large Ziploc bags with their items. For Example 5 t-shirts, 5-shorts etc. This way when they pack up at the end of the week, the child and camp counselor will know what should be in there.

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LABEL LABEL LABEL:

Of course, most kids have the same brand name clothes at this age and unless you label them correctly, you are bound to bring home the kid in the bunk next to your child’s instead of yours. When I was growing up, I remember my mom having to tediously iron on all the labels.

Thanks to Mabel’s Labels, their customizable products are laundry, dishwasher & microwave-safe and 100% guaranteed. Of course not guaranteed to get the things back that you labeled, just to stay on!

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This year we ordered the Limited Edition Camp Label Pack for the kids. You can easily customize them by color, logo and font. We went with a neutral color so both my sons and daughter can use them to differentiate their stuff.

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Don’t just label clothes

We use camp labels for everything on our Camping list. Mabel’s Labels are perfect for clothes, swim gear, backpacks, shoes, toiletries, sleeping bags, and even laundry bags. We label our sunscreen, bug spray you name it.

 

This set comes with shoe tags as well as a metal bag tag perfect for kids backpacks all year long.

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Overpack the essentials:

Send more sunscreen than you think. I rather have them bring full bottles home than bring home a horrible sunburn.

Bring a large garbage bag when you pick them up from Camp:

You can never be too sure what will be waiting for you when you come for pick up. Have an extra garbage bag to throw any severely dirty or wet items home. (Not for use on your kids)

 

Print one of these adorable camp packing list printables we found on Pinterest.

summer-camp-packing

Girls Camp Packing List

Summer Camp Packing list 

General Camp Packing List 

What is on your camp packing list? 

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16 Comments

  1. I can’t wait to take my kids camping some day. I haven’t been since we’ve had kids. My husband and I went with our dog years ago but haven’t been since. These tips will help me since I’m so rusty!

  2. I can’t wait to take my kids camping some day. I haven’t been since we’ve had kids. My husband and I went with our dog years ago but haven’t been since. These tips will help me since I’m so rusty!

  3. I like the idea of camping but dont know what I need or how to pack. Now I have an idea!

  4. I like the idea of camping but dont know what I need or how to pack. Now I have an idea!

  5. I love the packing list. I make a list when I go away, but we don’t have one for the kids.

  6. I love the packing list. I make a list when I go away, but we don’t have one for the kids.

  7. ‘Sleepaway Camp’, as it was called when I wasa kid, was one of the best experiences of my entire life!

  8. ‘Sleepaway Camp’, as it was called when I wasa kid, was one of the best experiences of my entire life!

  9. Aw this makes me miss going to summer camp! Labelling is such a good idea because I can definitely think of a few times where I ended up with someone else’s socks or shirts.

  10. Aw this makes me miss going to summer camp! Labelling is such a good idea because I can definitely think of a few times where I ended up with someone else’s socks or shirts.

  11. I sure can’t wait for the day when I can send my kids to overnight camps. Right now we just do day ones of VBS or soccer, but even in those it is important to label everything!! I have never tried mabels labels, but have heard great things about them. Have a great summer and time away from your kids 🙂

  12. I sure can’t wait for the day when I can send my kids to overnight camps. Right now we just do day ones of VBS or soccer, but even in those it is important to label everything!! I have never tried mabels labels, but have heard great things about them. Have a great summer and time away from your kids 🙂

  13. I have never been camping before, I keep saying I want to go but then wuss out.

  14. I have never been camping before, I keep saying I want to go but then wuss out.

  15. Maria – your daughter looks just like you! Great idea about using the labels – they’re also good for playing sports. Lots of time we had to search for my daughter’s water bottles and other items.

  16. Maria – your daughter looks just like you! Great idea about using the labels – they’re also good for playing sports. Lots of time we had to search for my daughter’s water bottles and other items.