Are you sending a child away to summer camp this year and wondering what to pack for summer camp for a teenage girl? We are sending our girls away this year for the first time to sleepaway camp, and we are making a long list of the best things to send with our preteen and teenage girls. It is a great idea to get well organized before overnight camp begins, so your kids can focus on having a great time.
Your child’s camp will most likely send along a list of good things to pack for camp. If it’s your first year, consider connecting with other parents to determine the most important things to send along. Some teen girls may really want to decorate their bunks while others may need some fun activities to have for quiet time. Fellow parents or a camp’s Facebook page may give you some really helpful tips. On to our ultimate summer camp packing list for girls!
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Water Bottle
If your camper is heading out over the hot days of summer, a great water bottle is key. Your best bet is to find a larger water bottle that keeps liquids cold. I also prefer a bottle without a straw, particularly during camp, when it may be hard to keep them washed. It is so important to stay hydrated during outdoor activities during a summer camp adventure. A Hydro Flask is a favorite with our kids.
Bug Spray
Wondering what to pack for a summer camp for a teenage girl? Bug spray is essential for campers and camp counselors. It is a good idea to try a few brands of insect repellent out before you pack a specific one for your child to make sure no reaction occurs. If the camp has a camp store, bug spray may be available for sale but it will likely be more expensive than bringing it from home. If you pack aerosol cans, consider sealing them in a plastic bag to prevent leaking.
Sleeping Bag or Bed Sheets
Check with your camp to see what type of bedding is best. In many cases, a set of sheets and a washable blanket may be your best option. I would suggest packing an inexpensive set of sheets, as you may not want to invest too much for camp. If your camper will have A/C in their cabin or tent, it is better to have layers to remove than a super warm sleeping bag.
Battery Operated Fan
Consider packing a battery-operated or charging fan for your camper. If you can find one that can clip or hang on the bunk bed, that may be helpful. My girls are adding this to their list of summer camp essentials. This will help make sure they get a good night of sleep after a long day at camp.
Flip Flops
Remember community bathrooms in college? It is always a good idea to throw some inexpensive flip flops or some type of waterproof shoes in your daughter’s bag. I usually pack water shoes in a plastic bag to keep them separated from other items. They are perfect for a trip to the bathroom, a quick walk to another cabin, or to the pool or lake. I usually just pack an inexpensive pair for my girls so they can just be tossed at the end of the week.
Laundry Bag
Be sure to include a good laundry bag for your teen girls. It’s the best way to corral dirty clothes and throw them into the laundry room when they return home. If your child is going away for an extended time, check and see if a washing machine might be available. If so, check to see if you need to add quarters or a credit card for laundry service.
Duffel Bag or Large Plastic Tub for Packing
You will see different opinions on the best way to pack for an overnight camp. New friends that have attended camp prior might be able to offer good advice on this one. If you opt for a duffel bag, just be sure your camper can handle the weight on their own. You can also find a duffel bag with wheels as an option.
Some campers prefer just packing in a large plastic tub or a camp trunk. They can easily be wiped down and stacked in the corner of the room. Just make sure you use a label like Mabel’s Labels to keep yours well-marked.
Whatever you decide to use, grab your list of items needed and practice packing before your child’s camping adventure.
Bath Towels
Check the camp list to see if bath towels are required. If so, pack thinner towels that can be rolled easily into the bag and will dry more quickly overnight. Sometimes it’s the little things like having a dry towel each night that can make all the difference!
Pool Towels
Pool towels are another item you might to add to your what to pack for a summer camp for a teenage girl’s packing list. Sports camp might provide towels for pools and outdoor activities, but just double-check your provided list of items to see if they will be provided with your camp gear.
Disposable cameras
Disposable cameras are still a fun thing to have with your new best friends at camp! Of course, plenty of kids will probably have cell phones but there’s just something classic about having that instant camera instead of social media. Younger kids will especially have a good time with them!
Simple Games
One of the best tips is to pack something to do during the rest hour. Your child might enjoy some free time playing a game with friends. Pack some playing cards, Mad Libs, Uno, or any type of simple game that can easily be thrown in their bag. It’s an easy way to connect with other campers while chilling in the cabin.
Lip balm and First Aid Kit
Add lip balm to your list of essential items. You could also add this to a list of fun things family members could send to your camper in summer camp care packages. A simple first aid kit is also handy for your kids. Even though each camp probably has a staff nurse and aid available, it’s nice to be able to solve some minor issues on your own.
Check your camp’s rules about how medications are handled for kids. Such items as prescriptions and over-the-counter medications may need to be given by official camp staff. Obviously, it is a safety hazard to have medications out among all of the campers.
Stuffed Animal or Comfort Items
This will vary widely between kids, but if your child will feel better with a comfort item or stuffed animal, be sure to throw it into their bag. It will be a time away from their comfort zone, so a reminder of home will be a great thing to have along!
Necessary Toiletries
Be sure to pack all of the necessary toiletries for the camping adventure. Check the camp’s list for essential items like soap, shampoo, hair products, contact solution, toothbrush and toothpaste and more.
Extra Clothes
Wondering what to pack for summer camp for a teenage girl? Plenty of outfits! Packing clothes and extra clothes in packing cubes or large resealable bags ensure organization at camp. Consider packing similar items together for each of unpacking and returning to your child’s luggage. No one wants to spend too much time unpacking!
I hope this list helps you know what to pack for summer camp for a teenage girl! Happy travels! Be sure to sign up for my free newsletter below and keep reading for more great travel tips.
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