4 Summer Day Camp Packing Hacks

While you do get to return home at the end of every day when attending day camp in the summer, what you pack for the eight or so hours you’re there is no less important. The only trouble is, how do you fit everything you need in your bag? No need to fret, as we have a few solutions for you. Check them out below! 

Bring Extra Plastic Bags

Let’s face it, there’s a lot going on at camp. You could be swimming one moment and playing around in the dirt and grass the next. With this in mind, pack along a few extra plastic bags (think Ziploc) for specific items such as wet bathing suits or thoroughly dirty clothes. This way, you’ll be able to keep everything clean and neat within your backpack, and, most importantly, dry. 

Label Everything

While labels are great for making sure everything in your pack is accounted for, they are also fantastic for ensuring your items won’t accidentally make it into the belongings of other campers. This means labeling anything you deem important, including possessions such as shoes, swimsuits, towels, hats, and anything else you can think of. 

Two methods of labeling we suggest are using a sharpie marker to write names on labels or using iron-on labels for clothing. Taking the time out to label your belonging will allow you to keep everything in the proper order once at day camp. 

Keep Things Fresh

While this tip won’t necessarily help you pack better, it will guarantee a lovely smelling backpack. It’s no secret that camp is a rather active place. When you’re active all day, odds are you’re working up a sweat. Whatever clothes you’re packing into your backpack at the end of the day likely don’t smell like spring flowers. 

Considering this, use dryer sheets in tactful ways to keep your bag from becoming too ripe. You can place some dryer sheets in any pockets you aren’t utilizing or put them in the lining of your backpack. Whichever way you choose to incorporate the dryer sheets, you’ll thank yourself when you’re breathing in the scent of spring mountains instead of nasty camp socks. 

Remember, Leave Favorites at Home

It’s important to remember to leave your cherished clothing items and other belongings at home. While you may have the desire to show your camp friends a cool new t-shirt you got or a neat item you ordered online, there’s always the chance of you losing it, misplacing it, or ruining it while at camp. 

We’ve established that day camp is a place of numerous hands-on activities and distractions, which means there are a lot of variables when it comes to the condition of your favorite items. Therefore, leave these at home to keep them in tip-top condition. 

Join Us at Black Bear Lake Day Camp

With these packing hacks, we hope you find getting things ready a bit easier the next time you’re on the way to day camp. If you’re searching for a camp that has a lot to offer, check us out at Black Bear Lake Day Camp! You can contact us by calling 609-259-1777.