Photo:
iStock
While many parents look forward to summer’s lazy schedule — sleeping in, leaning into brunch over breakfast, and playing fast and loose with bed times — camp parents know there’s still work to be done. Shuttling kids out the door with a full water bottle (chilled and ready to withstand the heat of a day), a healthy snack in hand, and every accessory in place is a miracle on any day, but it’s especially true in summer when we’re supposed to be able to breathe a little.
To ease you into the new routine (and hopefully help you pull off a few more miracles before summer’s over), I’ve curated some camp accoutrements that should elevate your child’s summer experience beyond the everyday. Set them out the night before so you remember to tuck them into your happy campers day pack before making a mad dash out the door in the morning.
- Swim camps: Sunscreen, goggles and a towel are the baseline if your child is registered for swim, sailing or water-themed camps this summer. But if you want to go the extra mile, slip in these thoughtful items that will help keep them dry and comfortable in any waters.
- A waterproof bag to hold a wet bathing suit. (Don’t forget a change of clothes to go with it.)
- A super absorbent swim shammy.
- Nose plugs so they can be hands-free, even underwater.
- Sports camps: Beyond whatever specific gear your athlete needs (shin guards, gloves, helmets … the list is endless, really), adding these items to their pack should help keep them in good spirits, no matter what the score.
- A light breathable jacket for our cool Pacific Northwest mornings.
- `A misting fan because all that activity will make them hot.
- Sports-specific sunscreen that won’t wear off when they sweat.
- Art camps: One word comes to mind for me when I think of art camps. No, not creative. Messy! Help keep your kid clean as a whistle when you pack these accessories alongside their favorite snack.
- A spare shirt or pants to go over whatever fancy outfit they couldn’t live without that morning.
- More than a few wet wipes, so they can clean off every last bit of paint, clay or glue before getting into the car.
- A lint roller because no art camp would be complete without at least a little glitter.
- Nature camps: Does it get any better than roaming through the woods on a balmy summer day in the Pacific Northwest? If an outdoor camp is part of your child’s summer plan, consider packing a few accessories they can pull out as they wander along the trails.
- A magnifying glass so they can look at bugs, leaves and twigs up close.
- A floppy hat to keep the sun off their neck and face.
- A walking stick, if it’s allowed, so they can stay balanced on the trail.
- Overnight camps: Sleepaway camp is a big step for many kids (and parents!). Give everyone peace of mind when these items find their way into your child’s overnight bag.
- Stamped, addressed envelopes and a few pieces of stationary with the first line already started — “Dear Mom,”.
- Card games so they can pass the time and make new friends while they’re at it.
- A special surprise to let them know you’re thinking of them.
Here’s to hoping you can find a little breathing room after you’ve gotten them successfully packed and off to camp!
