How to Pack a Child for Overnight Camp

Packing your child's bags for an overnight camp can be a daunting task if you're not prepared. The process of gathering their personal items and then packing them into appropriate luggage can be simplified by following these basic guidelines.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Permanent marker
• Shoes and flip-flops
• Cameras and accessories
• Shower bag
• Luggage
• Clothes and robe
• Toiletries
• Linens and towels
• Zip-top gallon bags

Getting Started

1. Check with the campground and your child's group leader (if they're traveling with a group) for an up-to-date list of recommended items as well as the type of sleeping and bathing arrangements available. It will also be helpful to know the local weather and terrain.

2. Consult with the group leader for a list of luggage regulations if traveling with a group. Some leaders have a limit on the number of bags allowed per person.

3. Clear a large area such as a spare room or bed to spread out all the items your child will be taking with him.

4. Begin gathering the items she will be taking with them at least one month before the trip. Place them in the designated area mentioned in step 3. Refer to the "Overall Items You Will Need" list.

5. Apply the instructions in the following sections to begin packing one week before your child leaves.

Gathering Clothing

1. Decide how many changes of clothes are needed per day, including pajamas based on the recommendation of the camp. Most camp trips will require two changes of clothes each day, especially if your kid needs to put on fresh or more formal clothes for evening activities.

2. Determine if it's appropriate for your child to wear the same evening clothes the following day. This will allow them to only need one change of clothes per day of camp. Lay each set of clothes in the designated packing area.

3. Gather accessories to match each set of clothes, such as socks, shoes, and undergarments.

Gathering Toiletries

1. Write down what your child uses during their morning and evening routines approximately one month before traveling.

2. Decide which toiletry items on the list are absolutely necessary. It's better to make morning and evening routines as short as possible while at camp.

3. Purchase travel size quantities of all possible items. Select travel-size empty bottles and containers for the items that you can't purchase in travel sizes.

4. Place items in the designated packing area.

Gathering the Odds & Ends

1. Gather the rest of the items on your list of things to bring. The most common are cameras (still and video), batteries, film/memory card, sunscreen, a flashlight and insect repellant.

2. Place items in designated packing area.

Choosing Luggage and Packing

1. Find out how many pieces of luggage your child is allowed. There is usually a limited amount of space for personal items while at camp. It's good to pick luggage that's easy to access. For example, if there's a closet or hanging rack, then a hanging bag is often easier to access than a suitcase or trunk.

2. Choose a small bag or backpack that your child can carry with them during the day for items like pens, notebooks, cameras and water bottles.

3. Use large zip-top bags to pack everything, especially toiletries that might leak. Rolling a set of clothes tightly often helps prevent wrinkles better than folding them square. Place one rolled set of clothes and matching undergarments in the zip-top bag, pressing out the extra air before sealing.

4. Place the heaviest items at the bottom of the luggage after all the items are in zip-top bags.

5. Place linens and towels in a separate bag. These can be placed in a large trash bag. Be sure to place an extra trash bag inside the bedding so your child has a bag to bring home the bedding.

Tips & Warnings

• Place a notepad and pen in the packing area. As you pack your child's things, it will be easier to write items down that you remember at the last minute rather than stopping in the middle of packing to go on a scavenger hunt for forgotten items.

• Try to select clothes that can share accessories, like shoes and belts.

• Many people buy new socks and undergarments to send with their child to camp. If appropriate, plan to leave the new items at home, and pack the old. Then he can throw away old undergarments at the end of each day. This will lighten the return home packing process.

• Try to select clothes that won't wrinkle easily and aren't too bulky.

• Check the weather forecast for the camp so that you can pack appropriately. Don't forget to send a rain jacket or plastic poncho.

• Do a literal head-to-toe checklist for each set of clothes to make sure you haven't forgotten anything. Ask yourself the following questions. "What does my child need for his head/hair?" "What does she need for her face?" "What does he need for his neck?" Ask yourself this question for each part of your child's body, down to the feet.

• Plan to send your child in their heaviest pair of shoes while traveling to the camp so that their bag will be lighter.

• Pack a couple of sets of old clothes that your child can wear for messy activities.

• If you're concerned that the travel size items won't last the entire time your child is at camp, then have them use the items a few weeks before he leaves to see how many days each bottle will last. Then you will know what quantity of each travel size item to purchase. Refill the bottles if you can, instead of buying new ones.

• Try to purchase containers that close securely to prevent leaks.

• Most camps do not provide linens and towels. Be sure to check and see if you need to send these items.

• Place two pillow cases on their pillow on the chance that the outside one gets dirty. Also, they can turn the pillowcase inside out.

• Placing items in clear zip-top bags allows your kids to find things in their luggage quickly without unfolding clothes and disrupting an organized bag. The zip-top bags also help you pack tightly by removing excess air in the luggage.

• If he is traveling with a group, place an easily identifiable marker on his bag, such as colorful tape or luggage straps, so that they can quickly distinguish their bag from others.

• Label all of your child's items with their name in case they are misplaced at camp.

• Pack a robe and flip-flops for use in the shower area. A bag that can hang on the shower faucet is a handy place for your child to place their shower toiletries.

• Do not wait until the night before she leaves to begin packing. If you have forgotten anything it may be too late to purchase. It is best to get a good nights sleep before sending your child off to camp.