Summer Camp Packing List
At L.L.Bean, we believe all kids deserve the chance to have a meaningful summer camp experience. But ensuring they have everything they need at camp can be stressful! So we created this packing list with all the things to keep them feeling comfortable, confident, and protected, leaving them to focus on discovering just how great the great outdoors are.
3 Min. Read | Kids
For Day Campers:
- Shirts
- Shorts
- Pants
- Rain jacket
- Hoodie
- Hat
- Swimsuit
- Water shoes
- Sunscreen
- Hiking shoes
- Bug spray
- Water bottle
- Towel
- Backpack
A Few More Things for Overnight Campers:
- Sleeping bag
- Pillow
- Pajamas
- A favorite stuffed animal
- Toiletries
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Journal
- Stationery for letters home
- Luggage
Let’s Get Packing!
TOPS:
When it comes to dressing kids for the outdoors, comfort is key. Summer weather can be unpredictable, so layers and weather-resistant gear are crucial. From rain jackets that keep kids dry in wet weather to soft, moisture-wicking tees that help them stay comfortable on hot summer days, packing a variety of tops will cover all your bases. And when the sun goes down and the marshmallows come out, long-sleeve tees and lightweight hoodies help keep bugs away while keeping kids warm after dark.
PANTS & SHORTS:
Running, jumping, climbing, skipping – kids do it all and need clothes that do too. Send them off to camp with pants and shorts (or, better yet, pants that zip off to become shorts) made to move. Look for breathable, durable, abrasion-resistant fabrics with a touch of stretch so kids stay comfortable, and their clothes stay intact from one adventure to the next.
SWIMWEAR:
Time spent in and on water is one of the best parts of summer camp. Whether you’re packing a bathing suit or a swim shirt for your camper, opt for items with UPF 50+ rated fabric so your kids have built-in sun protection that never wears off.
WATER SHOES:
A good pair of water shoes means you’ll worry less (even if it’s only slightly) about your kid’s safety. Send them off with sturdy, quick-drying shoes that feature good traction so they can run from beach to trail safely and comfortably.
HIKING SHOES:
When the time for more traditional hiking expeditions rolls around, a good pair of hiking shoes gives kids the support of hiking boots with the comfort of sneakers. Plus, dual-purpose shoes take kids seamlessly from the trail hikes to everyday play, keeping them protected without sacrificing comfort.
TOWEL:
Big, plush, quick-drying towels make all the difference – no one wants to come back to a damp towel after being in and out of the water multiple times a day. Our tip? Add a monogram to your camper’s towel for some fun personalization and a chance the right one might even come back home at the end of camp.
SLEEPING BAG:
It’s hard to find an experience that screams summer camp quite like sleeping in a sleeping bag and, for our overnight campers, a good quality sleeping bag will keep them cozy year after year. Choose a bag with a stuff sack so your camper can easily pack it up when they need to, and adding a monogram will make it even harder to lose.
BACKPACK:
Though no one wants to admit it, summer camp means the school year is right around the corner, so it’s important for kids to have a backpack that is just as great on outdoor adventures as it is in the classroom. Whether they’re stuffing a packable jacket into the front or adding water bottles and sunscreen to the side pockets before for a hike, make sure their durable pack can easily take them from outdoor adventures to school lockers, year after year.
DUFFLE:
Last but not least, a rugged, weather-resistant duffle is perfectly suited for summer camp life. Our advice? Add a monogram here too, because the chances are your camper won’t be the only one with one of these summer camp staples.
Summer Camp at L.L.Bean
Less screen time. More green time. Our camps for kids and teens are focused on getting kids to fall in love with the outdoors, creating hundreds of happy campers (and happy parents) in the process. Learn more about the summer camp experiences we offer through our Outdoor Discovery Programs here.
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