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.

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! 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 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). I decided to use two bags and not pack them to the gills. It was a large packing list and I figured I would need the room.

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/2WtKjlO

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: Celebrate World Ocean Day with 25% off Small Rectangle Labels with Ocean Designs!

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.

Suave Flavor Factory Shampoo and Conditioner – I had the Marshmallow one packed, but the Watermelon Slushie Shampoo and Tropical Smoothie Conditioner also smell amazing.

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!