Most sleep-away camps will provide parents with a list of the things their child will need while away from home. If the camp doesn’t provide a packing list, ask for one! Some day camps also may require supplies and it’s best to ask in advance so your child can have the best camp experience.

Plan ahead and label everything (if you ever want to see it again).

Here are some sleepover camp packing tips from the American Camp Association:

Clothing: T-shirts and tank tops, shorts, jeans, a jacket or hoodie, sweatshirts, swimsuit, sleepwear and underwear and plenty of socks are the mainstays. If the camp is located in a place where it rains often, pack a lightweight raincoat. Don’t forget headgear like a sunhat, sunglasses and swimming goggles if your child will be swimming and needs them. A sturdy pair of sneakers, hiking boots and some sandals or flip flops usually suffice for footwear.

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Camps expect more ‘normal’ operations this year
Academic and STEM camps
Arts camps
City-run camps
Faith-based camps
Foreign language camps
Library hours
Sleep-away camps
Sports camps
Swimming, surfing and sailing camps, plus junior lifeguard programs

Sports equipment: Is your child attending a sports-oriented camp? Ask the camp in advance about specific gear, clothing or sports shoes they might need such as a tennis racket, yoga mat, baseball mitt or cleats.

Supplies: It’s handy for the camper to have a reusable water bottle, a laundry bag and a flashlight with new batteries. Depending on the state of the pandemic, your child also may need to wear a mask at summer camp.

Masks: Ask the camp in advance about their masking policy so your child can pack plenty of masks as needed or arrive at day camp with a mask. Or, does the camp supply masks for the campers, if they are required?

Bathroom and bedding: Your child will need a hairbrush, shampoo, soap, hand sanitizer, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, bug repellant, sunblock, shaving supplies and feminine products. Inquire ahead of time if the camp supplies things like bug repellant and band aids. Also ask the camp in advance whether towels and bedding materials are provided of whether your child needs to bring their own sleeping bag, sheets, blanket, pillow, shower towel and pool towel.

Cellphones and tablets: Many camps do NOT want their campers tethered to electronics while at camp. Talk to the camp director in advance about the camp’s cellphone and electronics policy and what, if any, electronics are allowed at camp. Some sleep-away camps may not have Internet service or WiFi but will allow mobile phones so campers can use the camera.