What to Pack for Summer Camp

Ah, summer. That magical time when bedtimes get blurry, popsicles become a food group, and kids everywhere trade school bells for bug spray. And of course, no summer is complete without the ultimate adventure: summer camp! Whether your little camper is headed off to a wild week in the woods or a local day camp full of crafts, kayaking, and questionable cafeteria food, packing the right stuff can make the difference between “best week ever!” and “please come get me.”

So, before you wave goodbye and send them off with a peanut butter sandwich and a prayer, let’s talk about what to pack for summer camp – from funny kids’ pajamas to night lights and everything in between.

The Ultimate Summer Camp Packing List

1. A Camp Journal for All Their Owl-some Adventures
   From capturing ghost stories by flashlight to doodling their bunkmate's wild bedhead, a summer camp journal is the ultimate way to collect memories. Bonus points if they save space to jot down new bestie’s names, inside jokes, and yes—even a checklist of what they definitely forgot to pack. It’s the kind of keepsake that will still make them laugh ten years from now.
   
   
2. Pajamas that are Campfire-Approved
   There’s no better way to end a long day of hiking, swimming, and canoe-tipping than sliding into some soft, funny kids’ pajamas. Our kids' pajamas and PJ sets (like flapjacks or classic long sleeves) are perfect for telling ghost stories, roasting marshmallows, or practicing your best Bigfoot call. Don’t forget to toss in some cute and cozy critter slippers for added flair—they’ll be the most stylish camper this side of the forest.
   
   
3. Cute Comforts & Campfire Companions
   New places are exciting… and sometimes a little intimidating. Pack a few comfort items from home, like a favorite plush Critter Pet or a cozy blanket that smells like mom’s dryer sheets. Got a kiddo who’s fashion-forward? Add a fun accessory or two, like hair clips or a mini backpack full of essentials. Pro tip: pair their favorite bedtime book with its plushy character sidekick for the ultimate sleepytime duo.
   
   
4. Pre-Stamped Notes for Home (Because You Miss Them Already)
   Make it easy for your camper to write home by pre-stamping some postcards or prepping envelopes. You might even get a “Dear Mom, please send snacks” love letter. When they return, tuck their notes into a scrapbook, shadow box, or just stick ‘em on the fridge to keep the summer magic going.
   
   
5. A Night Light That Doesn’t Scare the Bears
   Cabins can get dark. Like, “Did that shadow just move?” dark. A flashlight or headlamp is essential—not just for finding the bathroom, but also for late-night hide-and-seek. Toss in some glow sticks or bracelets for extra giggles (and for locating your kid when they’re disguised as a blanket burrito in the dark).
   
   
6. Icebreakers & Entertainment
   First-day jitters? Break the ice with familiar card games, a funny joke book, or even a bug-catching kit to share. Little things like binoculars or a magnifying glass can turn into full-blown nature missions. Bonus: bringing something to share is a surefire way to go from “the new kid” to “the cool kid with the glow stick stash.”

Final Tips for Camp-Ready Packing

Send them with comfy day clothes, their favorite PJs, a little piece of home, and supplies to write, read, and relax. The best summer memories are made when you’ve got your cozy gear, a few silly games, and something squishy to cuddle, and we’re all about making memories in comfort. Whether your camper is off to the wild woods or just pitching a tent in the backyard, we’ve got their pajama-packed adventure covered. So grab the bug spray, kiss ‘em goodbye, and don’t forget the s’mores!