It’s summertime again! And that means that some of us are packing up for sleepaway camp, and others are getting ready to go to a local day camp! But with so many details to think of, it can get pretty overwhelming! So we’ve gathered a list of the top five things that you need to know before going to camp. And whether it’s your first time in camp, or you’re a seasoned pro, follow these tips and tricks to make sure your summer is a blast! (P.S.- moms are welcome here too!)
1. Clothing!
It’s important to look and feel good all summer long! When you go shopping look for light, breathable fabrics, like cotton, so you can stay cool and comfortable all summer long . Also look for clothing that you can mix and match to create lots of cute and different outfits. Here are some essentials:
Basic Tees are called basic for a reason! Stock up on this comfortable cotton wardrobe staple. Since they are also so cheap, you can get lots of different colors, patterns, and prints! But make sure you get some solid colors- they are easier to match.
Flairy skirts are adorable and pretty! Match it with a Basic Tee to make an awesome outfit. And since flairy skirts are, well, flairy- they are cooler and perfect for the summer months. Another great thing about them is that it’s easy to move around in! Flairy skirts don’t restrict your movements, so you can run around comfortably all day!
Sneakers and sandals are the two most important summer shoes! Sneakers, we know, are for running around in, but the right pair can also tie together an outfit! Colorful sneakers may look fun, but solid colors match with more! The second essential, sandals, are cute and summery. There are a lot of choices, but make sure you try them on before purchasing! Sandals can be uncomfortable- and you want to get a pair that looks good on your feet.
2. Packing
This is a big one for all of you leaving to sleepaway camp. Most camps will send out information on what you need, and what you are allowed to bring. Make sure you stay up to date on all the mail you get! But it’s always better to be well prepared; so here’s a packing checklist that we found at sheknows.com:
- Hat
- Glasses/contacts and cleaning solution
- Prescription medication
- Sunglasses
- Goggles for swimming
- Dress clothes and coordinating belts and shoes
- Light jacket
- Jeans
- Raingear or umbrella
- Shorts
- Sweatshirt
- Swimsuit
- Swim shirt with UV protection
- T-shirts
- Tank tops
- Underwear
- Sweat pants or warm up pants
- Pajamas
- Cotton bathrobe
- Bras
- Athletic support (jock strap)
- Boots
- Cleats
- Flip flops
- Shoes plus a spare pair
- Socks
- Bedding — check with your camp checklist for what, if any, to bring for bedding
- Hand towels
- Beach towels — can be used for bath or swimming
- Shower caddy
- Comb or brush
- Deodorant
- Feminine hygiene products
- Bug repellant
- Lip balm
- Nail clippers
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Shaving cream and razors
- Soap in carrier
- Sunblock
- Tissues
- Toothbrush, toothbrush container, and toothpaste
- Camera
- Flashlight and spare batteries
- Laundry bag
- Reusable water bottle or canteen
- Writing paper, pre-addressed envelopes, and stamps or calling card
- Spending money (but check with camp for policies)
- Comforts of home, like a family photo or a stuffed animal; just be sure it is replaceable
- Entertainment, like books, hackey sacks, and deck of cards
- Small backpack or tote for day-trips
Also, always label all your possessions! And when you get to camp, unpack neatly right away before you go off exploring! It will save you the frustration of not being able to find your stuff when you’re in a rush!
3. Sun Protective Swimwear
Now nobody likes a sunburn! And you know what else nobody likes? Changing in and out of your bathing suit, with wet, drippy things all over you bag! These swim outfits are specially designed to look amazing and be comfortable. They are made from a material that offers that most sun protection that you can get- SPF 50+! So no more painful and peeling sunburns! Plus, you can wear it both in the water and out! And since it’s made from bathing suit material, it dries really fast.
4. Hydration
Lot’s of people aren’t careful enough with this, but not getting enough water is actually really dangerous! You may have heard that you need 8 glasses of water a day, but it’s not as simple as that. Here’s some some tips to keep you well hydrated:
- The more active you are, the more water your body loses! 1.5 to 2.5 cups is usually enough to cover any regular amount of exercise. But if you really exercise hard, for a long time, it’s a good idea to also drink a sports drink. When you sweat a lot, you lose sodium, and lots of sports drinks can give your body back what it needs. (We found this info at the Mayo Clinic website)
- If you don’t feel well, or are sick, getting lots of water can be helpful to getting better faster. We recommend to put some fresh lemon, mint, ginger, and honey in some hot water. It’s great for soothing the throat and stomach.
- Did you know? You can get a lot of water from the food you eat! Make sure to eat lots of fruits and veggies like watermelon and spinach to get more water in your diet!
If you don’t get enough water, you may feel tired, dizzy, and confused. That’s not good when you want to have fun in camp! We suggest to keep water near you all the time so that you drink more often. There are lots of cute water bottles that you can get to keep you motivated!
5. Be Yourself!
Wherever you are, stay true to who you are! One of the scariest things about camp can be making new friends. And when we’re nervous, we aren’t showing everyone how awesome and fun we really are! One of the best ways to make new friends is just be friendly. It may seem obvious, but it’s also kinda hard! But just getting to know other people can break the ice, so start conversations discussing things about yourselves and what you like- you will be surprised at how many things you have in common with others!
Also keep in mind that while you may want to dress and act like everyone else, you are giving up some things. One, you might be pressured into doing something that you don’t want to. For example- if everyone is wearing a certain shirt, but you don’t like the way it looks on you, wearing it would just make you self-conscious and uncomfortable. Two, why give up on the things that make you special? Instead of following trends, be who YOU want to be. It’s actually a good way to get people to like you!
We hope you liked these 5 Summer Camp Tips! For more cool articles, check out the rest of our blog!
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