Packing for summer camp is always exciting, and having the perfect wardrobe is important for keeping kids comfortable while they are away from home. Although they want to be stylish, camp is not the time to worry about wearing their most expensive or trendy clothing because it’s a guarantee that your child will be engaged in a lot of outdoor activities. As you prepare your packing list, here is what you need to know about putting together a wardrobe for summer camp that will cover every activity while still showing off your kid’s personal style.
Choose Practical Daily Wear
Summer camp is a time where kids toss aside their school wardrobes, and swimsuits become normal daily attire. Since your son or daughter will be hiking, fishing and going on overnight camping trips, it is important to choose simple clothing that is durable enough to survive a little bit of extra dirt. Shorts, t-shirts and tank tops are perfect for your kid to wear every day, and your camp will tell you about how many of each to bring so that your kid can have something clean to wear between laundry days.
Select Appropriate Water Clothing
Water sports are another important part of camp that will require some careful attention to the choices you make with your child. While your daughter may have her eye on that trendy bikini, it is not going to survive a white water rafting ride or provide much protection from the sun. Instead, opt for a one-piece, and look for fabrics that include sun protection. For boys, a sturdy pair of swim shorts with a button or shoestring tie will help keep them on during those daily water skiing lessons.
Add Something Warm for Evening Activities
Kids usually stay warm during the day as they enjoy their outdoor activities, but the evenings can get a little cool. Make sure they have a warm jacket or sweater to wear as they gather around the campfire in the evenings or go for a late afternoon trek through the wilderness. A robe is also an excellent choice for kids to wrap up in while they unwind in their cabins before bed.
Focus on Footwear
Proper footwear is important for kids to get the most out of their camp experience. Flip flops make great shower shoes and will give them something quick to throw on as they walk through the cabin. However, they will also need to bring skid-proof tennis shoes or hiking boots that can withstand long distance treks on uneven terrain. If your son or daughter will be participating in a sport, then make sure that you also prepare to send cleats and other types of gear that pertains to their athletic interests.
Have Fun with Camp Brands
Summer camps also offer branded items that can be ordered for kids before they arrive for the season. These items usually fit easily into a camp-friendly wardrobe, and having a new shirt or hat touting their camp’s name builds camaraderie among the campers. For many families, this offers an option for adding something new to the wardrobe that is budget-friendly yet has enough of the cool factor to make kids happy.
Always remember to check your kid’s camp packing guide to find out if any special items of clothing are needed. But keep in mind that this is one summer vacation where the “keep it simple” rule is important to follow. By carefully putting together your kid’s wardrobe, they can comfortably participate in their favorite activities while knowing that they have exactly what they need to wear no matter what new adventure is on the schedule.
If you're considering sending your child to an overnight summer camp, be sure to visit our site to learn about Camp Walt Whitman. Located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Camp Walt Whitman offers a safe, nurturing environment in a beautiful mountain setting. Our camp is a coed sleepaway camp, with separate areas for boys and girls. The kids have a blast, and make friendships that can last a lifetime. Learn what campers say about summer camp at CWW: http://www.campwalt.com/about-sleepaway-summer-camp.html
