Summer camp season is here, and I'll be honest, this year feels different. Last summer, our camp community experienced an unimaginable tragedy. My 5th grader lost a friend at Camp Mystic, and the grief that followed touched every family connected to that place. As a mom, there is nothing that prepares you for holding your child through that kind of loss or for the months of conversations, tears, and hard questions that come after.
Sending my girls back this summer was not a decision I made lightly. It took months of honest family conversations, a lot of prayer, and truly listening to my girls. And what I kept hearing from them was this: they wanted to go back. So we're going with full hearts and a few extra tissues in my purse for drop-off. 💗
If you're also navigating the complicated emotions of this season, whether you're connected to Camp Mystic or just a mom who knows that loving your kids means letting them go, I see you. This is hard. And it's also beautiful.
So. Whether it's your child's first time at sleepaway camp or they're basically a bunk bed pro, I've put together the most complete summer camp packing list to help you feel prepped and ready — even when your heart is not quite there yet. 😭
Why I Take Summer Camp Supplies Seriously
When my oldest first begged to go to overnight camp at 10, we both counted down for weeks... until drop-off. She cried. I cried. I practically had to nudge her into the cabin, then ugly cried in the car while my younger two told me to "please chill." Fast forward seven days, and she ran into my arms declaring it the best week of her life. She now goes with her sister, and watching them come home with inside jokes, camp traditions, and memories just for the two of them is everything. 🥹
Of course, I still ugly cried at drop-off. My youngest told me to "get it together," which is completely accurate and also deeply unhelpful. 😂
The right summer camp supplies make a real difference, for your kid's comfort, their independence, and honestly for your sanity as the person doing the packing. I've tested and refined this list over multiple camp seasons so you don't have to.
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Sleepaway Camp Must-Haves: Everything to Pack
These are the must-pack items for camp that help your child stay organized, dry, and happy—plus a few extras that make their bunk feel a little more like home.
Camp Trunk or Duffle Bag
- Rhino Camp Trunk: My tween used this trunk last summer and it was the perfect size! If you want a cheaper option, try this trunk (heads up it doesn't come with wheels).
- Duffle Bag: Pack a large duffle bag for the last night at camp!
Summer camp supplies for girls 👆
Organization Must-Haves
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Mesh Shower Caddy Bag: Keeps all your kids shower supplies organized and the breathable mesh helps everything dry easily.
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Bunk Bed Organizer: Keeps essentials within arm's reach, has 8 pockets and is easy to attached it to any bed rail using its sturdy velcro straps.
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Mesh Zipper Pouch Bags: Game-changer for organizing outfits by day or type—especially when kids dress themselves!
- XL Laundry Bag: The perfect size laundry bag for summer camp! They are big enough to fit at least two full size loads of laundry & come in several colors and patterns.
Shower & Hygiene Gear
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Toothbrush Holder: Simple but essential. Keeps toothbrushes clean.
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Shower Shoes: These have drainage holes and dry fast—no more soggy flip-flops. These shower shoes are great for tween & teen boys.
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Towels: I ordered these personalized towels for my girls but if you need a cheaper option, we love these towels too. Great for showers or water activities.
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Quick Dry Towels: I send my girls to camp with two types of towels. I love these for water activities. Lightweight so easy to carry around camp.
Summer camp supplies for boys 👆
Camp Fun + Comfort Items: The Best Kids' Accessories for Sleepaway Camp
These small extras make a big difference in comfort, creativity, and keeping your camper connected to home.
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Plastic Storage Clipboard: Fill this with fun pens, activity books, and stationery for afternoon downtime.
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Labels: Label everything! Seriously. Stick them on clothes, shoes, water bottles, and more. These sports labels are fun too!
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Sunscreen: For those new around here, I love sunscreen! I slather myself & the kids daily, so my kids have been practicing how to apply sunscreen on their own. Check out this post for my complete list of family favorite sunscreens.
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UV Detection Stickers: If you don’t know when to reapply sunscreen, these are a game changer.
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Mosquito Patch Stickers: These citronella essential oil insect patches are a summer must-have and are perfect for kids who hate bug spray which makes them great for summer camp!
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LED Scrunchies: These are so fun for evening events
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Fake Mustaches: My friend said these were a huge hit with the boys at camp!
Need even more ideas for what to pack in your kids trunk? Check out my complete list here of essentials, fun activities, and more!
What not to pack at camp
Let’s keep your kid’s experience fun, safe, and distraction-free. Here’s what I don’t recommend sending:
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Electronics: Thankfully most camps don't allow them but if they do, let your kids enjoy their time without phones or devices.
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Valuables: Leave jewelry, watches and other expensive items at home. I do send my girls to camp with an extra set of inexpensive earrings just in case they lose one
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Snacks or Food: These attract animals and are often not allowed. Most camps do trunk checks for this exact reason.
- Sentimental Must-Haves: If your kid can’t lose it without heartbreak, don’t pack it.
FAQ: What Moms Really Want to Know About Packing for Sleepaway Camp
How many towels should I pack for summer camp?
I recommend 2 bath towels, 1 beach towel and 1 quick dry towel per week. The quick dry ones are great for lake days or pool time, while the thicker bath towels feel more like home after showers.
Do I need to label everything?
Yes. Every. Single. Thing. Clothes, socks, shoes, towels, flashlights, even the laundry bag. Camps have hundreds of kids and lots of lost stuff. Use waterproof name labels and save yourself the headache later.
What kind of bag is best—trunk or duffle?
We use both because that's what our camp asks of us. The trunk holds most of the week’s clothes and essentials, and the duffle bag is for the last night when everything has been packed away. If your camp doesn’t allow trunks, a rolling duffle is your best bet.
Should I send toiletries in a shower caddy or a zip bag?
Go for a mesh shower caddy. It dries quickly and keeps all their shower stuff organized. (Bonus: it's easy to carry back and forth from the cabin.)
Can I send my child with snacks or treats?
Double check with your camp, but most don’t allow it due to allergies and critter concerns. If you want to send a little surprise, try a fun note or a glow bracelet instead!
What do I do if my child gets homesick?
It’s totally normal! I like to slip in a note in their bunk organizer and add many photos inside their trunk. Most camps also encourage parents to send emails or letters—they might not write back, but they do love getting mail.
What should I pack for sleepaway camp?
Pack the basics — a trunk or duffle, labeled clothing, shower shoes, a mesh caddy, quick-dry towels, sunscreen, and a bunk organizer. Then add a few fun extras like LED scrunchies or a clipboard with stationery to make their bunk feel like home. The full list is above! 🏕️
What are the summer camp must-haves every kid needs?
The non-negotiables: waterproof name labels (label everything), a bunk bed organizer, shower shoes, a mesh shower caddy, and an XL laundry bag. Everything else is bonus — but the fun extras are what your kid will actually talk about when they get home.
