As a mom of a 5 and 8-year-old, I know that getting out the door for camp can feel like Mission Impossible. After a few seasons of sending the kids to outdoor camps in Maine summer weather, I’ve learned that the secret to a great day at camp is staying cool, hydrated, and sun-safe.
Here is my tried-and-true packing list to help your child have the best week at camp:
The “Big Two”: Hydration & Sun Protection
Water Bottles: I love packing two bottles. One small, lightweight one for the lunchbox (this can be a simple squeeze bottle with a pop top), and a larger, durable one that can travel and be banged about or have a strap/carabiner attached for easy carrying. If they can drink the whole thing in one go, it’s too small! Straps are a huge bonus for carrying. Camps will encourage your kid to refill, so also make sure they can open the lid themselves (and put it back on). I prefer lids that are all-inclusive – it’s really easy to lose a lid and then have a water bottle that’s not super functional the rest of its life.
Sunscreen: Aim for sunscreen they can apply themselves! Solar Buddies applicators are great for wasting less sunscreen and giving kids the independence to apply sunscreen themselves. Mineral sunscreen lasts a good long while – but be 100% sure it’s waterproof (think: Sweat! Pool! Ponds!).
Hats: The best hat is the one they actually keep on. Look for breathable, comfortable options like a full-coverage brim, a quick-dry swim hat, or a favorite baseball cap that you know they are comfortable wearing. Straw hats are breathable but easily crushable, so keep that in mind.
Clothing & Footwear
The “Maine Layer” Strategy: Pack light-colored, loose, full-coverage T-shirts to keep them cool without the sun exposure. On rainy days, send them in rain pants and boots, but always have shorts and a tee underneath for when the sun inevitably breaks through! Bonus- lighter-colored t-shirts not only reflect the sun better, but they also are less likely to attract blackflies.
Stay Dry: Send kids in quick-dry clothes and pack a full change of clothes. Used clothing stores are great for summer shorts and tees that are bound to get a little destroyed during outdoor learning through play – they will get muddy!
Smart Shoes: Full-coverage sandals (like Keens) are ideal for protecting toes against roots and rocks in the woods. Sneakers and socks are great for the sports field. Just ensure they aren’t too loose (lost in the mud!) or too tight (blisters). Most camps (including Ketcha) do not allow crocs at all and require closed-toed shoes for hiking, climbing, and ropes courses.
Swimming Essentials
The Suit: Two-piece swim shirts and shorts are game-changers. They provide SPF coverage and make those quick bathroom trips so much easier for younger kids.
Towels: Skip the expensive pack towels and giant beach towels. A Turkish towel or a microfiber yoga towel is lightweight, absorbent, and dries fast.
The Wet Bag: Put all swim gear in a waterproof “wet bag” or a large Ziploc that kids can use after swimming to keep the rest of the backpack dry.
FOOOOOD
Overdo the snacks! If they have a favorite, pack multiples. (My youngest loves olives… they are actually a super easy snack to pack!).
Easy Access: Use containers that are easy to open and avoid loose packaging (like chip bags)—it gets windy at Ketcha, and things blow away! A zippered or velcro reusable lunch bag is perfect for keeping the seagulls out, and make sure it’s insulated with a really good ice pack if you’re sending dairy or meat.
Protein is Key: Meat sticks, pepperoni, cheese, and fresh fruit go a long way. I usually skip the chewy dried fruit or fruit snacks (they take forever to eat it and skip everything else!) and go for the real thing or applesauce. On cold days, oatmeal or mac n cheese in a thermos is a favorite. My oldest is chicken-nugget obsessed, so I will make extras at dinner the night before and send those (with an ice pack – is it weird he likes these cold?!).
Final Pro-Tips
Label Everything: I use sticker labels that I get with BOTH kids’ names on them for everything from sunscreen bottles to hats – that way I don’t have to relabel for hand-me-downs from one kid to the other. They don’t wash off in the laundry and help counselors get lost items back to you.
Avoiding Bugs: Clothing as bug coverage and natural sprays leave a smaller footprint on the environment. Keeping kids cool and hydrated also repels bugs (mosquitoes sense heat and CO2!). Comfy shoes help- kids who are moving are less likely to be found by mozzies, as well. For ticks in the summer, the BEST protection is tick checks. Natural sprays are great too, but they don’t protect 100%, so checking kids every night before bed is crucial. I recommend looking behind the ears!
Pack Together: Have your camper help pack their bag. They’ll know where everything is, and it’s the perfect time for them to tell you, “Noo not that hat!” before they leave the house.
With that said, there are days when they just want to wear their favorite princess dress (I let them) or decide they no longer like their favorite snack (I try to find something else), or days when I forget to apply sunscreen before we leave the house. We try to take those days in stride, but want ya’ll to know – YOU ARE NOT ALONE! 🙂
In caregiving solidarity,
Lucia M. Stancioff
Mom of two & Executive Director, Ketcha Outdoors
