Our 6 Must Haves for Summer Camp

Summertime is the perfect time for family vacations, endless opportunities for adventure, and one of the best memory-making activities ever: summer camp! As the temperatures rise and school bells give way to the freedom of long, lazy days, families everywhere are gearing up for the ultimate summertime tradition: summer camp. Whether it's a week-long adventure in the great outdoors or a day camp filled with exciting activities, there's no denying that summer camp is a highlight of the season for kids and parents alike. But before you bid farewell to home and head off into the wilderness, it's essential to make sure you're fully prepared for the adventure ahead. So, grab your sunscreen and bug spray, because we're diving into what to pack for summer camp!

What Kids Should Bring to a Summer Camp

If your kids are heading off for their first sleepaway camp or summer camp experience soon, you’ll want to add these six items to your summer camp packing list:

1. Summer Camp Journal: Keeping a camp journal is one of the best ways to keep track of summer adventures and memories. Kids can use notebooks to write down lessons learned, funny moments, contact info from new friends, and even leave pages open to add photos later and turn the journal into a memory book! In addition to being a fantastic keepsake full of personal memories there can also be a page dedicated to making a list of what was forgotten so it won’t be left again the next time they head off to summer camp. Summer camp journals give kids a chance to reflect, collect “owl” of their thoughts, and prepare for their next big adventure!
2. Your Favorite Pajamas: A comfortable, cute, and cozy pair of pajamas will be a must for your kid! All that fresh air, sunshine, good food, and play make for a drowsy, dreamy summer night. Not only should you consider a suitable sleeping bag and pad for the best sleep, but a great set of PJs is also essential. We recommend checking out our kids long sleeve pajamas and pajama sets.



In addition to helping them sleep better, kids look forward to changing into a cute or funny pair of pajamas and then spending time around the fire telling stories, having s'mores, or playing late-night card games in dream-soft sleepwear. Depending on the sleeping arrangements, they might also want to pack their paw slippers or woodland slippers from the Lazy One footwear collection, too!

3. Cute Accessories and Comfort Items: Bringing some items from home is a fun way to share things with new camp friends or cabin mates. Maybe your fashion-forward kid would love to bring a purse filled with hair clips and hair ties. Sending them along with a cute plush can give them something of comfort to turn to if they feel stressed while they are away at camp. Or maybe your little one has a favorite stuffed animal, like a LazyOne Critter Pet they simply can’t be parted from—a cuddly companion is the perfect partner to join them on their overnight adventure! BONUS IDEA: If your little camper is an avid reader, check out our collection of children’s books for quick, easy reads (with stories and characters based on our Critter Pets) that are perfect for an overnight camp. Buy the book and the companion Critter Pet together then pack both in their bags for a special surprise!
4. Postcards or Notes to Send Home: For most kids, summer camp is the first opportunity to send something to a parent at home. Make it easy for them with a little preparation. Get stamps ready and have your kid fill out postcards or envelopes so they are ready to go once they get to camp. In addition to keeping a summer camp journal, this a great way for them to reflect on events each day and feel connected to home. BONUS IDEA: Save the card! When they get back, they’ll have postmarked notes from their time away to add to a scrapbook or display on the fridge for the rest of the summer.
5. Night Light: Pack something to light up the inside of a tent or cabin and a good flashlight for those late-night, early-morning potty trips! Headlamps are a surprisingly fun and functional option to keep hands free, allowing anyone to carry necessities or personal items without having to also juggle a flashlight. Newer handheld and hands-free LED light options also have long-lasting batteries, so there’s no need to pack extras or worry about lights going out in the middle of the night. BONUS IDEA: Throw in a pack of glow sticks, glow necklaces, or glow bracelets for them to share with friends!
6. Icebreakers and Entertainment: Summer camp is all about forging new friendships and creating lasting memories. Ice breaker games provide the perfect opportunity for campers to get to know each other, break down barriers, and bond over shared experiences. These games help shy or reserved campers feel more comfortable in social settings, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie among the group. Bring familiar favorites and easy-to-explain games for everyone to be able to participate. Magnifying glasses, binoculars to spot nature, and bug catching gear can work just as well as card games!

Pack the essentials plus a few extras and your kid will be all set for their trip to summer camp. Make sure they have comfy clothing for both daytime and nighttime, a few comfort items, plus writing utensils for cards and a journal. With our recommended items to add to your summer camp packing list, they'll be ready for a memorable, delightful adventure!