The Ultimate Kids Summer Camp Care Package

Summer camp is a great place for young people to make friends and gain independence, but that doesn’t mean kids of all ages won’t want to have a piece of home with them while they’re away. In addition to the other items on your summer camp packing list, send your camper off into the (supervised) wilderness with a box of treats that will enhance their experience and let them know you care. You can pack these items in advance or mail them mid-summer as part of a surprise gift package (just make sure to reference your camp’s rules on presents).

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1. Canvas backpack with fabric pens

Send your kid off to camp in style with a canvas backpack that’s both functional and stylish. Include a pack of fabric pens so your kid can have their new friends sign it. In addition to holding their essentials (bug spray, sunscreen, journals, treats, what have you), these graffiti’d bags will serve as a great summer memento for kids once camp is over.

Tom Clovers canvas backpack, $29.99 at Amazon

2. Reading light

As much as we’d like to think our kids will obey “lights out” orders, there’s a chance they’ll want to continue reading or coloring after a long day of play. Pack a clip-on light in their care package to ensure their creative journeys don’t interfere with the other campers’ sleep.

French Bull LED book light, $9.99 at Amazon

More: The Most Unique Summer Camps in the U.S.

3. Healthy treats

One of the best parts of summer camp is the food. Who among us doesn’t love a good chili (or, okay, veggie) dog? That said, you want to make sure your child also has a selection of healthy, tasty snacks on hand for when they get hungry in between meals. Pack some favorites, like this delicious nut-free trail mix from Homemade for Elle that includes pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate chips, and dried cranberries.

4. A conversation-starting card game

Making new friends can be intimidating at any age. Help your teen break the ice with this conversation-starting game that asks age-appropriate questions like, “What’s the scariest movie you’ve seen?” If your camper is on the younger side, there’s also a kids version that’s great for kids ages 6 to 10.

TableTopics teen conversation-starting card game, $25 at Amazon

5. Activity books

With all the outdoor activities at camp, you know your kid is going to get plenty of physical exercise. Ensure they’re also working out their brain with fun activity books filled with crosswords and puzzles.

Brain Games for Clever Kids, $7.99 at Amazon

More: The Ultimate Summer Camp Packing List

6. All the SPF

Many summer camps are stocked up on everything campers will need to avoid burns and bites, but it never hurts to pack extra. If your little one is only away for a week or two, travel-size kits like this one from Sun Bum — which includes sunscreen, aloe lotion and SPF lip balm — are great options. Don’t forget to pack bug repellant too.

Sun Bum Day Tripper kit, $19.99 at Sun Bum

7. Waterproof disposable camera

In a world where the majority of photos we take are digital, this suggestion might downright stun your child. But hear us out. Many camps try to limit the amount of screen time kids have, meaning they won’t be able to take photos of their new pals on their devices, which is probably for the best considering how easy it is to break a phone while rock climbing, zip-lining and playing capture the flag. Send your camper off into the wild with a waterproof camera that’s perfect for capturing their greatest adventures while also providing you with some peace of mind. Bonus: It’s always fun to explain ~old~ technology to kids.

Fujifilm waterproof disposable camera, $9.68 at Amazon

8. Journal & pens

Pack a journal with a few colorful pens so your camper can document daily activities, jot down their deepest (or silliest) thoughts and draw the beautiful nature surrounding them. Tuck a handwritten note between the pages for a special touch.

Adventures at Camp journal, $9.95 at Paper Source

9. Glow sticks

Glow sticks are the perfect accessories for everything from late-night dance parties to moonlit hikes, and this party pack comes with enough goodies to share with the whole cabin crew. Camp’s gonna be lit.

Glow stick party pack, $13.99 at Amazon

More: How to Pick Exactly the Right Camp for Your Kid

10. Reusable water bottle

Keep your camper feeling — and looking — fresh with a kid-friendly reusable water bottle. If you’re afraid they’ll forget it while they’re running around, send a carabiner (like this inexpensive option from REI), so they can attach the bottle to their backpacks.

Hydro Flask water bottle, $29.95 at REI

11. Shower shoes

While we love the communal aspect of camp, it’s easy to get squeamish about kids sharing germs on the shower floor. Protect your camper’s tootsies by providing a pair of shower shoes like these printed flip-flops from Old Navy.

Printed flip-flops, $4 at Old Navy

12. Books or magazines

Keep their imaginations growing by tossing in a new book, like a page-turning mystery. Your kid will appreciate having something to read during downtime or before bed. If your child is a real bookworm, encourage them to start a camp book club that they can continue with their friends once summer’s over.

Framed! by James Ponti (paperback), $7.19 at Barnes & Noble

13. Family photo (glitter optional)

A photo of the family or the family pet can mean a lot to a homesick-prone camper. Up the cool factor by sending an acrylic frame filled with sparkling glitter for the ultimate bedside display.

Instax Wide glitter picture frame, $6 at Urban Outfitters

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