If your child is heading to a sleep-away camp for several weeks, being organized can make the experience smoother for both parents and kids. The goal is to help children become as independent as possible before they leave.
NOTE: Use the camp’s official packing list, then customize it for your child.
1. Start Packing Early
• Begin 2–3 weeks before camp.
• Review the camp packing list and create categories:
o Clothing
o Toiletries
o Bedding
o Shoes
o Camp-specific equipment
o Paperwork
• Purchase missing items early to avoid last-minute stress.
2. Label Everything
One of the biggest camp mistakes is sending unlabeled items.
• Label clothing, shoes, towels, water bottles, flashlights and toiletries.
• Consider iron-on, stick-on or permanent-label systems.
• Take photos of expensive items before camp.
3. Use Packing Cubes
Packing cubes help children find things independently. Choose different colors for different categories if you think that might help.
• Cube 1: Shirts
• Cube 2: Shorts and pants
• Cube 3: Underwear and socks
• Cube 4: Pajamas
• Cube 5: Swimwear
4. Create a Camp Clothing Schedule
For a 6-week camp, make a simple laundry plan:
• Count how many days between laundry services.
• Pack enough clothing for that cycle plus a few extras.
• Place a copy of the laundry schedule inside the trunk.
5. Make a “Where Things Are” Map
Tape a simple inventory sheet inside the trunk lid to help your child find what they need:
• Left side: clothes
• Right side: toiletries
• Bottom compartment: shoes
• Mesh pocket: letters and stationery
6. Practice Self-Care Skills Before Camp
A few weeks before departure, have your child practice the following skills:
• Making their bed
• Folding clothes
• Showering independently
• Managing toiletries
• Packing and unpacking a duffel bag
• Doing simple organization of personal belongings
7. Prepare a Toiletry Refill System
Pack toiletries in:
• One daily-use bag
• One backup supply bag
Use travel containers if possible to save space.
8. Create a Camp Communication Kit
Children will write home more often when these supplies are ready to go:
• Pre-addressed envelopes
• Stamps
• A small address book
• A list of important phone numbers and addresses
9. Pack a “First-Day” Bag
Put the most-needed items together to prevent digging through the entire trunk on arrival day.
• Water bottle
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Change of clothes
• Medication (if permitted by camp procedures)
10. Make a Departure Checklist
The night before camp:
• Medication forms completed
• Trunk packed
• Bedding packed
• Camp forms submitted
• Name labels checked
• Water bottle filled
• Travel documents ready
11. Create a Camp Binder for Parents
Keep this information in one easily accessible place:
• Camp contact information
• Health forms
• Packing list
• Travel details
• Cabin assignments
• Important dates
• Copies of medication instructions
12. Avoid Overpacking
Children rarely use everything they bring.
• Pack enough for the laundry cycle, not the entire camp session.
• Leave valuable or irreplaceable items at home.
• Focus on durable, comfortable clothing rather than “favorite” items.
A Few Days Before Departure
Do a practice run before they leave for camp. Have your child unpack and repack their trunk themselves. If they know where every item is before leaving home, they’ll be much more likely to stay organized once camp begins. Independence before camp leads to a more confident and enjoyable camp experience.