It’s that time of year – dig out the sleeping bags, bug spray and swim trunks. I’ve got some summer camp tips beyond the camp checklist that might help put your anxious mom brain a little more at ease while your kids are gone. When I initially created my tips for summer camp list, my son was a lot younger, so some of them don’t apply to him anymore, but they are still good for rookies or younger campers.
Pack clothing by day in reuseable bags:
Yes, this may seem a bit extreme, but I have heard stories of kids who wear the same underwear all week. And at my son’s camp this year, several boys were noticed wearing swim trunks all week. Ick!!! Granted, it generally happens in the younger ages, but kids will be kids. I also used to pack extra clothes in bags and clearly label them. Thankfully, I don’t need to do this anymore, but it was a smart option when my boys were little. They can also reuse the bags for wet and dirty clothes.
Make it more glamping than camping:
There are a couple of creature comforts you can add to the list inexpensively to make it a little more “luxurious” for your campers. Cheap, foam mattress pad definitely makes plastic-covered bunk bed mattresses more comfortable. Your kids will be busy and active from early morning til late at night, so a good night sleep is really important. These $10 finds are at Target, Walmart, and Amazon. Personal, battery-operated fans are another nice-to-have, especially if you’re in a hot climate. My son really appreciated one while camping in 90+-degree heat this summer.
Pick up camp clothing at re-sale shops:
This was a tip given to me by a seasoned summer camp mom. If you need to pick up extra clothing to have enough for camp (most week-long camps do not have laundry facilities), hit up the local Once Upon a Child, Goodwill or other resale shop to grab some cheap shorts, shirts, shoes, etc. that you won’t mind if they get stained beyond repair or ripped. Plus, it is a great way to remind both kids and adults about the importance of reusing and recycling.
Nix the ticks:
Depending on the part of the country you live in, ticks can be tricky. My son typically wears ball caps at his camps to try to keep ticks out of his hair, but this year has been an especially icky, ticky season. My friend who was the camp nurse said she was playing “Tick, freckle or dirt?” with her campers. Have kiddos take a fine toothed comb to comb out their hair a couple of times a day. I forgot to send Nate with one, but sent one with his dad, who volunteered at camp for a few days. It might be tougher for girls, but sending some detangling spray with a comb can be really helpful.
Stash some cash (or a note) in their luggage:
I have no doubt that Nate’s first week away at camp was harder on me than on him when he first went at 8-years old, but even so, I tucked a couple of notes from me, my husband and his brother in his duffle bag. What’s really appreciated, especially by older kids, is a couple of bucks that can be spent at the camp store. Candy > notes from mom.
Incorporating a few extra summer camp tips and items that might not be on your summer camp list can make your kids’ experience even better, save some mama stress and ensure that you don’t get swampy underwear when your kid unpacks.
