
Last week we shared our tips and packing list for prepping and packing for overnight summer camps. This week, we’ve got some ideas for you for those upcoming day camps. While this list is definitely not as long as the last one, there are a few things here you may want to provide and do for those fun local day camps.
By the way, if you’re still looking for day camp options for your kids this summer, check out our Summer Day Camp guide here!
Label it all
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again- label, label, label! Things like water bottles, lunch boxes, even the Day Camp T-shirt all need a label. Everything will at some point get left behind, lost, or accidentally traded with other kids. Put a cute lil personalized sticker on everything and you’ll be good to go.
Let them be
Pro tip for when your kids come home from a full day at camp- leave them alone for a while. Sure, you want to hear all the details- did they have fun? Did they make a friend? In all likelihood they’re going to be overstimulated and exhausted. Give them space. They’ve used up all their words and social energy for the day. Let them kind of zone out for a while and they’ll be ready to fill you in on the details later.
Encourage them to try new things
It’s okay to push our kids to try something new every once in a while. It can be good to get out of your comfort zone! Has your child never shown an interest in music lessons but you hear them sing in the shower every night? Give opera camp or theater camp a try! More of an indoor bookworm/gamer? They can still try out a sports camp or horseback riding. Even if they don’t come away from their camp with a new lifelong passion, it can still be a fruitful experience and help them become more well rounded individuals.
Don’t forget the necessities
Hopefully your day camp provided a list of what your child will need to bring each day, but if not, we’re here with a good ol’ packing list recommended by our moms just for you:
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray
- Journal
- Swim Towels
- Goggles
- Water Bottle
- Chapstick with SPF
- Close Toed Shoes
- Custom Name Stickers
- Baseball Cap
- Sunglasses
- Hygiene products for girls as needed
- Prescription medications
Here are a few more of our Houston Moms recommended faves specifically for day camps:
Hand Sanitizer Keychain
Keep the germs away while you play. This cute little keychain can attach to their back pack or lunch box to keep the hand sanitizer ready for use throughout the day.
This watch is perfect for kids to take with them to camp- comfortable, waterproof, has an alarm, a calendar, and comes in so many fun colors and styles.
Cooling Neck Tube
This soft little tube freezes right up and lasts a long time, keeping your kids cooler and maybe a little more comfortable in that intense Texas heat.
Lightweight Drawstring Bag
Lightweight and waterproof, this little bag is a great way to carry around your things at camp. Pro tip- get two and keep one on the ready for wet clothes to come home.
Water Bottle Sling
Make staying hydrated easy-peasy. These mesh sling water bottle bags are adjustable and ideal for hands-free water bottle carrying. Perfect for kids at camp.
Mosquito Stickers
Keep the bugs away without the mess of bug spray. These easy to peel, all natural, adorable stickers are great for kids.
We hope your campers have a fun, safe, and adventurous summer- learning, growing, and trying new things!
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