Cool stuff for sleepaway camp has all kinds of awesome Camping gear that are a blast to use and make spending your summer away at camp entertaining, fun, and exciting.
Back in the day, parents would send their kids off to summer camp. But kids are different now. They want better experiences and better memories. Well, you should try sleepaway camp.
It’ll teach them outdoor skills like archery, nature studies, and camping artistry. It will help them become better leaders and citizens of tomorrow.
There are a lot of reasons why it’s cool to go to sleepaway camp! Before I list the cool stuff, you are about to find out. Ready for overnight camp packing tips? Read on…
Why is Sleepaway Camp Important?
Sleepaway camp is a time for children to explore, try new things, and make new friends. It’s also a chance for parents to have a break from their daily routine. With the right support and preparation, summer camp can be a positive experience for everyone involved.
Why is Sleepaway Camp Important? It builds confidence in children. Going away from home for the first time can be a big deal for kids. They may feel apprehensive about leaving their safety net behind and spending time in an unfamiliar environment with people they don’t know well.
The best way to overcome this fear is by engaging in activities that make them feel confident and secure within themselves. Camps offer such opportunities through varied activities like rock climbing, horse riding, white water rafting etcetera which help children develop physical strength and self-confidence while having fun at the same time!
Some camps also organize overnight trips where kids get to learn how to cook food or set up tents on their own without requiring any help from adults! These experiences give them a sense of independence which boosts self-esteem and makes them more confident individuals when they return home after the camp session ends!
What’s the Best Age to Go to Sleepaway Camp?
Children who are ready for sleepaway camp can participate in programs that are designed for them. Some camps offer specialty camps, such as arts and crafts or sports camps, that cater to specific age groups.
Other camps offer general programming that ranges from ages 6 through 16.
If your child is beginning kindergarten or entering first grade, this may be the ideal time to start thinking about going to sleepaway camp.
What Happens At a Typical Day At Sleepaway Camp?
A typical day at a sleepaway camp usually includes three meals and two hours of structured activities in addition to free time. These activities could include swimming, canoeing, archery, or arts and crafts projects.
The number of activities offered will vary by program and location but are often similar across camps within a region or state because of similar environmental conditions (such as weather) throughout the season.
25 Essential Cool Stuff for Sleepaway Camp
As you’re planning a sleepaway camp this summer, don’t forget to pack the essentials. Here’s a list of some of the best stuff to bring with you.
1. A Good Flashlight: Flashlights are an essential item for a sleepaway camp. You never know when the power might go out, and you will likely be very grateful for a flashlight if that happens.
You can find flashlights of all shapes and sizes at your local store, but if you want a sturdy one that won’t break easily (and can take being dropped in the lake), go with a Maglite flashlight.
A flashlight will come in handy if you need to get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom or find something in your cabin (like your cell phone).
2. A Solar-Powered Radio: A solar-powered radio is another must-have for a sleepaway camp. It’s also a good idea to bring along extra batteries for your radio in case the sun isn’t shining (which it won’t be).
3. An iPod or Other Music Player: Music is great for relaxing after a long day at camp, and it can also help pass the time when there’s nothing else going on (like sitting around the campfire).
Bring along a playlist of songs that have been proven to help people relax and fall asleep faster than they normally would — this will help ensure that you get enough rest while away from home!
If you don’t have access to any music players at home right now, try searching online or asking around your school or community center — someone’s bound to have one they’re willing to let go of.
4. A reliable tent: A good tent is one of the most important things to bring on any camping trip — even if it’s just for one night. You need somewhere dry and warm to sleep and store your belongings.
The best tents are easy to set up and have lots of storage space inside them once they’re up.
5. A sleeping bag that keeps you warm: A good sleeping bag will keep you warm on even the coldest nights out in nature — but it’s not just about warmth, it’s also about comfort! Make sure your sleeping bag is comfortable enough for you so that you don’t wake up sore after a full night’s rest!
6. A sleeping pad to keep you comfortable: A good mattress makes all the difference in whether or not you get a good night’s rest when camping out under the stars! When choosing a mattress make sure it’s thick enough so that you are comfortable.
7. Sunscreen: You’ll be out in the sun all day, so protect yourself with sunscreen applied liberally every few hours.
8. Insect repellent: Mosquitoes can be annoying at any time of year, but they’re especially bothersome when you’re away from home in an unfamiliar environment.
9. First aid kit: Accidents happen, so make sure you have bandages, gauze pads, and other first-aid essentials in case someone gets injured on the playground or during an activity.
10. Sunglasses: Sunglasses protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and help reduce glare when looking at screens (like phones). They also look cool!
11. Deodorant: Some camps don’t allow the use of deodorant, but if they do, this is a must-have item. If a camper doesn’t have deodorant, they could get a rash from not shaving. Maybe even worse, they could smell bad!
12. Shampoo and conditioner: Shampoo and conditioner are two things that every camper needs for a sleepaway camp. Even if you don’t normally use them at home, there’s no excuse not to bring them with you on your trip.
The water at camp might be different than what you’re used to so it’s important to keep your hair clean even if it takes a little more effort than usual.
13. Toothpaste and toothbrush: This one is pretty obvious — some people forget these essentials when packing for their first time away from home at sleepaway camp! Certain items are required by most camps but toothpaste is pretty much a necessity everywhere and should always be included on your packing list.
14. Comfortable clothes: socks (one pair per day), underwear (one pair per day), shorts or capris (one pair per day), shirts and T-shirts in layers.
15. Matches in a waterproof container and/or a lighter or matches with flint on them so they don’t get wet if it rains. At least two methods of starting fires in case one doesn’t work (matches/lighter; fire steel rod; etc.).
16. Cooking equipment — stove and utensils: When it comes time for dinner at camp.
17. Hair dryer with multiple heat settings (you’ll need this if you’re going to sleep away camp).
18. Clothesline to hang up your wet swimsuit or towel after swimming (this will save you from having to carry around a wet towel all day).
19. A waterproof bag for your electronics like your phone or iPod (if you bring them with you). The last thing you want is for your phone to get wet!
20. Hand sanitizer: Hand sanitizer is a must at any camp and especially when there’s no running water nearby. It’s easy to get sick at camp if you don’t take the steps necessary to prevent it (which is why we included hand sanitizer on this list).
21. Lotion (for dry skin): Dry skin is another common issue at camp and can be easily solved by bringing along some lotion to keep your skin moisturized. If you have really dry skin like me then don’t forget about chapstick or lip balm either!
23. Chapstick or lip balm: Dry lips are not fun so make sure that you have something on hand for that too! I personally love Burt’s Bees chapstick because it smells amazing and does wonders for my lips!
24. Hair brush or comb (and hair ties): If your hair is long enough, don’t forget to bring a brush or comb and some hair ties so that you can do a quick ponytail when it’s time to get ready for dinner!
25. A backpack to put all of your stuff in: Camping backpacks come in all shapes and sizes but they’re all designed for carrying lots of stuff! Make sure you pick one that fits comfortably on your back and shoulders — if it starts feeling heavy after just a few minutes, try adjusting the straps until it gets comfortable.
Sleepaway Camp Packing Tips
When you are thinking about all the cool things, a lot of the time, sleepaway camps have pretty strict guidelines about what you can bring. And for good reason: You don’t want people bringing in items that are not welcome in camp. But some things are definitely worth packing and others are probably not.
Hence, for sleepaway camp packing tips, here’s a list of things I would recommend bringing to sleepaway camp:
Clothes:
Bring enough clothes for the entire week, plus an extra pair of sneakers or sandals if you’re going to be doing a lot of outdoor activities (and don’t forget your bathing suit). You can always send home the stuff you don’t end up wearing, but it’s nice to have options when you need them.
Supplies:
Bring toiletries like toothpaste and deodorant (just make sure they’re all natural), toilet paper, and hand sanitizer.
Books:
This one is optional depending on how much free time you’ll have at camp and what activities you do during your free time. If they have a library or if it’s summertime and there will be lots of days off, then maybe just bring one book each week so that you can read during your free time.
Final Thought
There you have all kinds of tips for a great sleepaway experience. No matter what kind of trip, whether you’re staying in cabins or out in tents, you’re sure to have a wonderful time and make some great memories.
For me, a sleepaway camp is the ultimate experience of independence. The combination of hot days and cold nights, smores at the fire, midnight swims, and the excitement of new friends make it one of the best trips you can take in your time.
It is like every adventure book you have ever read. And it is a memory that will last you a lifetime.
