Packing my Kid for Sleepaway Camp + Downloadable Packing List

This is not a sponsored post, but does contain affiliate links. I’m linking to products I used so it may help you pack for your child. I do get a small commission if you buy through my links, but it doesn’t affect your purchase price.

Check out my Amazon Storefront Idea list with so many items your kid will need for sleepaway camp.
https://amzn.to/4bCidwf

So my middle child is off to sleepaway camp soon. As in a few weeks! Since I go on a business trip that day and frankly I am known for being a last minute packer, I figured it would be a lot easier to be organized this year. Last year she only went for 5 days and this time she’ll be there for 4 weeks. EEK! That’s so MUCH more to pack! Here’s my post on packing My Kid for Sleepaway Camp + Downloadable Packing List.

But first — get labels from Mabel’s Labels!

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Packing my Kid for Sleepaway Camp | The Mama Maven Blog

Check out my video:

Here’s how I did it:

Duffle Bag vs. Rolling Duffle Bag:

I did stress about what to put her stuff in. I figured I’d get a great big rolling duffle bag. I polled my facebook friends and then found a non-rolling duffle by Gonex that I ultimately picked (off Amazon). It was a terrific size, but I quickly realized it was not going to hold everything (the 8 beach towels and 4 sets of sheets that were requested were already taking up most of the non-rolling duffle).

Set up a Command Station – One Central Place to Pack

I took the packing list and used her bed as a command station. We live in an apartment and I needed to be able to pack quickly and then store the packed bags. I gave myself an afternoon to get this done. We had just washed everything so I knew that I could pack most things right then and there. I took out my new package of Mabels Labels and a sharpie pen. I alternated between the both and labeled everything (except socks). I placed sets of each item into plastic zipper storage bags. Note: you may want to buy the better brand of storage bags so you know they will be able to close and stay closed.

Keep Track of What is Actually Packed

I took the camp packing list and added some things onto it. Then I checked off what I had packed and wrote notes to remind myself what still had to be done. I didn’t have all her shorts washed yet, so I noted that I had only packed 4 of them. I also didn’t pack her robe and two dresses, so I made a note to pack them also.

When I had finished, I took the packed bags and stored them in our huge closet, keeping my list so I knew what still has to be finished or bought. I am almost ready for her to go – well, luggage wise. Emotionally, that’s a whole different story.

Read my post about my daughter going away for 5 days last year (and how I almost lost my mind) here.

Perfect Camp Packing Items Used:

Gonex 100L Foldable Travel Duffle Bag, Extra Large Luggage Duffel 12 Color Choices – buy on Amazon.

These are similar to the rolling duffle that we had – https://amzn.to/2Ww2wzu or https://amzn.to/3sHu9YX

Beach towels (I am now into microfiber towels – they take up much less space!)

Mabels Labels – I have gotten labels from them in the past and when I saw a deal on $ off for their camp labels, I ordered for my daughter and my younger son (who is going to day camp). In fact, I’m such a fan that I just became an affiliate (which means if you order through my link I get a small commission).
Current deal at Mabels Labels:

Sharpie Markers

Plastic Zippered bags or Packing Cubes – since I was going on a trip myself, I didn’t want my daughter to use my packing cubes. I love the 2 gallon size but only had one of those bags at home – I need to order more!

Bug Spray (a must for the woods) – I had https://amzn.to/2XvBwBj and https://amzn.to/2I6Nz2S in the house already. I do look for DEET free.

Shampoo and conditioner

Any hair products for styling

Body Wash

Toothpaste and Toothbrush

Uno — everyone loves quiet bunk games and Uno is the best! This super cute Emoji edition will definitely break the ice!

How to Pack Your Kid for Sleepaway Camp | The Mama Maven Blog

Download my Packing List here.

Packing List for 4 Weeks of Camp

Remember to label all items!

1 blanket
1 pillow (you do not want to use the camp issued pillows or blankets)
4 twin sheets
4 pillow cases
8 beach towels (microfiber ones are also terrific)
3 washcloths
2 hand towels
Bathrobe (optional)
2 pairs of Shower shoes/flip flops (your kid should wear them in the shower and then have a dry pair to walk back to their bed area).
Heavy sweatshirt/jacket
Hiking boots or sturdy hiking shoes – Merrell is a good choice.
16 pairs of socks (make sure 2 pairs will cover up to calf or knee for hiking)
4-5 bathing suits (picks for girls and boys)
3 pairs of light pajamas
2 light colored pants for hikes
Leggings/jeans/sweatpants
1 lightweight shirt for hikes
16 pairs of underwear
For girls – 16 undershirts/sports bras or 3 regular bras
10 pairs of shorts
1 rain jacket or poncho with a hood (and no, a windbreaker isn’t going to cut it). A poncho will keep them dryer since the rain at camp is no joke.
1 pair rainboots
14 t-shirts
3 long sleeve shirts
2 white shirts for Shabbat (if at a Jewish Camp)
2 zip up sweatshirts
1-2 hats
Sunglasses
Soap, body wash, shampoo, and conditioner
Toothbrush and holder
Flashlight with extra batteries
Laundry bag
Reading material/quiet games (like Uno)/Mad Libs
Pens/pencils
Digital Camera or disposable camera (optional)
Pre-addressed postcards and stamps
Softball Glove (optional)
Sleeping bag
Sunscreen (facial and body)
Insect repellant (non-toxic if possible)
Reusable water bottle (I would pack a fold up one and a sturdy stainless steel one). Bonus if there’s a handle strap or a water bottle bag to hold it.
Packable drawstring bag or light backpack for hiking