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Summer Camp Packing List
Clothes, bedding, toiletries and the small extras for an overnight camp stay.
A real, editable checklist below — tick, tap a line to rewrite, drag to reorder.
Tick the circles, tap any line to change it, drag the dots to reorder.
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Start earlier than feels sensible. One parent packing two first-timers says it took a couple of months to find, order and label everything. Camp Cody's staff say some parents help their child pack weeks ahead and others a few days before; either way, work from a list. Some camps limit luggage: one allowed two bags plus whatever campers carry themselves. Program-specific equipment depends on the camp and the activity, so this list only flags it. Ask before you buy, and check your camp's own list for what's allowed.
Why these items are on the list
- Trunk or duffel. Check the luggage limit first. One camp allowed two bags plus whatever campers carry themselves.
- Lindenmere: 10 to 12 tees, tanks. Pick comfortable, breathable tops that wash easily; camp days are full of outdoor activity.
- Lindenmere: 7 to 10 pairs shorts. Lined or athletic styles both suit active camp days.
- Lindenmere: 2 to 3 sweatshirts or hoodies. Weather changes often in New England, and summers can hit the 90s. Layers cover both.
- Lindenmere: 2 to 3 pajama sets. Camp nights can be chilly, so one parent recommends long pajamas.
- Underwear and socks, two weeks. Camp Lindenmere says enough for two weeks, so count pairs before you pack.
- Lindenmere: 2 or 3 swimsuits. Both camps list more than one suit, so plan for spares.
- Raincoat or light jacket. Weather can turn fast, so keep a raincoat or light jacket in the bag.
- Old sneakers. Shoes can get muddy or ruined, so pick a pair you don't mind wrecking.
- Water shoes or flip-flops. Needed for the pool or shower.
- Lindenmere: 2 bath, 2 swim towels. Both camps split towels by use: bathing and swimming.
- Twin sheets and light blanket. Lindenmere asks for twin-size sheets and a light blanket or comforter.
- Pillow and pillowcase. Pillows can get lost, soggy or pick up camp crud. Send one you won't miss.
- Hanging laundry bag. Choose one that hangs on the corner of the bunk.
- Headlamp, spare batteries. Rest time with lights off: campers told one parent a headlamp beats a flashlight.
- Toiletry bag and shower caddy. Basics are toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant and shampoo. Put a name on whatever you can.
- Spare toothbrushes. One parent sent a toothbrush pack, with orders to toss any that touched a floor or toilet.
- Sunscreen and SPF lip balm. Outdoor days call for both. Camp Lindenmere lists lip balm with SPF and sunscreen separately.
- Bug spray. Both camps list it; pack it alongside the sunscreen.
- Reusable water bottle. On both camp lists, so label it with your child's name.
- Stamped, addressed envelopes. At one package-free camp, pre-addressed letters and stamped envelopes were a parent's only way to get a note home.
- Extra zip-top bags. Muddy or drenched clothes and shoes need somewhere to go. Spares also keep the trunk dry.
- Books or board games. Rest hour needs filling. Camp Cody lists both; craft kits also worked for one parent.
- Photo, note, or stuffed animal. A slice of home: photos, notes or a stuffed animal.
- Name labels, as many as possible. Use first and last name; many campers bring identical items.
- Medication, flagged to staff. Tell camp staff ahead of time what you're packing, where it is, and any allergies.
- Program-specific equipment. Tennis racquet, baseball glove or soccer cleats may apply; ask the camp.
- Leave phones and valuables home. Both camps ask for it; phones, video game devices and jewelry stay home. Board games are fine.
Tick items into the bag on your phone as they go in. Share it with the other parent or the camper so you can both see what is packed.
When to use it
Use it in the weeks before an overnight summer camp session, once the camp's own list arrives.