What Everyone's Packing for Sleepaway Camp this Summer- The Complete Packing List Camp Guide 2026
- Top That
- May 25
- 4 min read
Updated: May 27
Kids in different camps have different needs. Use your discretion and take whatever ideas here you feel are important.
Some children need more than others. Have fun shopping!
☐ Labels - these are the best clothing labels, they stay on clothes through washes all camp season long (and don’t fade!). The sticker labels are our favorite because they’re quick and easy, but the iron-on labels are a classic too. These are especially great for things with tags or items that are annoying to iron, like bathing suits, towels, sweatshirts, and water bottles. You just stick them on and you’re done. No sewing, no ironing, no extra work when you’re already overwhelmed packing for camp. And they really do stay on through camp laundry, swimming, sports, rain, and everyday wear without peeling off halfway through the summer. Make sure to label basically everything. (Except underwear. Trust us on that one.)
☐ Clothing
Most girls prefer skirts and tops that mix-and-match easily, while others like matching sets or casual dresses that can just be thrown on quickly.
WEEKDAY CLOTHING
○ 6-8 Skirts
○ 10-15 T-Shirts
○ Sleeveless Shells (optional)
○ 6-8 bras/sports bras
○ 12-14 Underwear
○ 12-17 Pairs of Socks
○ Jewelry that you are not afraid of losing
○ 2-4 Sweatshirts/including Zip-Up Hoodie
○ 4-6 Pajamas/Nightgowns
○ Shoes
○ Sneakers
○ Water Shoes - Floafers/Flip-Flops/Slides
○ Rainboots - It rains plenty over the summer and in camp kids walk from place to place with puddles all around, rain boots keep feet dry and avoid ruining shoes.
SHABBOS CLOTHING
○ 4-6 Outfits (don't forget shells, if needed)
○ 6-9 Pantyhose - They rip easily on campgrounds (think wooden benches) - even girls who are usually careful go through more pairs than expected.
○ Shabbos Shoes
○ Jewelry that you are not afraid of losing
☐ HAIR STUFF
○ Brush and Shabbos Brush
○ Hair Iron/Blow Dryer
○ Hair Spray
○ Ponytail Holders
☐ SWIM
Most girls alternate between two bathing suits & shvimklydes so one can dry while the other is being worn.
○ 2 Bathing Suits
○ 2 Pool Towels
○ Bathing Cap (if required)
○ Goggles
○ Plastic Bags (for wet clothing after a trip)
☐ BATH
○ 2 Bath Towels
○ 2 Pool Towels
○ 2 Hand Towels
○ Shower Caddy
○ Shower Bag (mini bag for laundry to put clothes into)
☐ TOILETRIES
○ Shampoo & Conditioner
○ Body Wash
○ Face Wash/Cleanser
○ Deodorant
○ Off Spray
○ Itch Relief / Calamine Lotion
○ Burn Cream
○ Sunscreen
○ Moisturizer
○ Mouthwash
○ Toothbrush/Case
○ Toothpaste
○ Hand Soap
○ Netilas Yadayim Cup
○ Nail Clipper
○ Shaver
○ Lenses
○ Lens Solution & Case
○ Shaver
○ Feminine Products (pads)
○ Tissue Box
☐ Linen
When buying new linens, put aside the old linens for camp. Keep it stored with the camp essentials from year to year.
○ Fitted Sheet
○ Pillows & Pillowcases
○ Blanket
○ Throw Blanket (optional)
○ Mattress topper (optional)
☐ CAMP STUFF:
○ Tide Pods, Fabric Softener, Stain Remover (tide pens/shout wipes), Color Catchers - Camp laundry often mixes colors together. Color Catchers help prevent favorite clothing from turning pink, gray, or tie-dyed by accident.
○ Dryer Sheets - A small thing that makes bunk shelves smell MUCH fresher. A lot of girls tuck dryer sheets between stacks of clothing, towels, sweatshirts, and pajamas to help everything stay smelling clean.
○ Wrinkle Releaser
○ Lint Roller
○ Flashlight with Batteries
○ Clip-On Fan
○ Mini Backpack / Fanny Pack.
○ Camera, Camera Charger, Camera Case, Memory Card
○ Umbrella/ Rain Jacket
○ Plastic Drawers or Containers – Whether drawers or containers is better depends on the layout of the camp room. Some girls prefer to have colored drawers, rather than clear, so that they’re not see-through. You can also buy stackable drawers that pack easier in a duffle bag.
○ Mini Drawers - A neat way to keep their letters, stamps, pens, canteen card, small change, camera, and other little items they have in camp and fit right onto a shelf.
○ Hangers
☐ PERSONAL
○ Siddur (with Shabbos Davening) (with Tehillim)
○ Shema Card
○ Book – Sending 2–3 favorites is usually more than enough.
○ Spare Glasses
○ Makeup (older teens)
○ Medication (if relevant)
○ Canteen Money / Tips
○ Card Games/ Small Games
○ Family Photos – painters tape to hang them up
○ Command Strips/Hooks
○ Sharpies, Pens, Tape, Scissors
○ Extra Labels
○ Ziploc Bags
○ Safety Pins / Mini Sewing Kit
○ Stamps, envelopes, cards to write letters/stationary set, pens.
○ Passport (depending on where camp is)
○ Plastic Container filled with their favorite candy and snacks
Beef Jerky
Noodle soups (make sure your camp allows the kids hot water)
Cereal
Gum
Favorite candies (sour sticks, gummy candies, jolly ranchers, fruit leather)
Favorite snacks (pretzels, chips, cookies, ...)
Water Bottles
Drink Powders or Teas (can make iced tea)
Misting Reusable Insulated Water Bottle
Any questions or recommendations to add to the sleepaway camp packing list email us at topthatwebsite@gmail.com or call/text us at 248-390-4066
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