Swimming, fun, sun... summer camp has it all. But to make sure your kids are truly happy campers when they head off for their summer adventures, you'd better make a list and check it twice. You've got the usual suspects covered (underwear, bug spray), but these often overlooked summer camp essentials can make the difference between the best summer ever and Camp Wannagohome.
 kali9 | Canva |
Looking for the perfect camp for your kid this summer? We've got you covered. Check out your Macaroni KID summer camp guide for ideas on STEAM camps, overnight camps, sports camps, and more! Because camp life = best life.
1. Plastic zipper storage bags
A secret stash of sealable bags can keep their tiny treasures safe and dry. They worked so hard on the macaroni necklace, it would be a shame if every last noodle didn't make it home right? Bags are also useful for organizing toiletries and keeping ants out of the candy stash.
2. A flashlight
Nighttime trips to the bathroom call for a flashlight. Plus you've got to have one for making those scary faces around the campfire. And don't forget the extra batteries, because they'll forget to turn it off before falling asleep.
3. Labels, for everything
Kids lose stuff. Literally. So much stuff. But these Label Daddy labels are ultra-durable and waterproof so you can label everything. Water bottle? Label it. Swimsuit? Label it. Even better, they're peel-and-stick, so drop the sewing kit and start labeling. Plus, right now, buy from our partner site, CertifiKID, and save $20 on any order of $40 or more.
$20 for $40 Worth of Custom Labels From Label Daddy
— View deal on CertifiKID
Washable, peel-and-stick personalized labels for school, camp, preschool, daycare, sports and more!
4. Pre-prepped postcards
Hopefully they'll be having so much fun they won't be thinking much about home. But if you send them with some pre-addressed, pre-stamped postcards, they might be able to spare two minutes to say hi. Probably not, but we can dream.
5. Shower shoes
Avoid bringing home unwanted guests in the form of athlete's foot or other unsavory characters by sending your kid with a pair of shower shoes. Shower shoes are also helpful for the kid who hates the feel of algae underfoot during lake swims because, ew.
6. Duct tape
With thousands of uses, duct tape can be a camp lifesaver. From fixing ripped sleeping bags to aiding in inappropriate practical jokes, duct tape never disappoints.
@everyavenuelife Every parent dropping their kids at a sleepaway summer camp for the first time has contemplated doing this for at least for a few seconds…. (Follow our IG stories on @ourlittlevoyages and @everyavenuelife to learn more about @camplincolncamplakehubert…) . . . . . . . #summercamp #sleepawaycamp #minnesotacamp #summercampforkids #summercamps #summercamp2023 #minnesotalakes #lakesummercamp #minnesotalife #minnesota365 #minnesotamade ā¬ original sound - ELENA | daily life and travel
7. Games
Stash a deck of cards, some dice, or an UNO game in their bag. If your kid is feeling lonely, finding someone to play cards with will definitely help. And the memories made around a crazy game of UNO at camp will last a lifetime.
