24 Summer Camp Essentials

It's scary stuff sending them to camp for the first time, we know. Even though the camp sends a what-to-pack list, you want to know what they REALLY need to make their stay away from home perfect. Here are our picks for what to pack—from sleeping bags to stationary to the right light. Our list of 24 Sleepover Camp Essentials has you covered.

L.L. Bean's promise that their Camp Sleeping Bag is ‘simply the highest-quality camp bag you'll find anywhere' was a bold enough statement that were slightly skeptical. Then we tested it, and…they were right. Proper warmth, great construction and proven longevity. This bag, at this price, can't be beat.

Only a veteran camp mom would know the secret weapon to sleepover camp success. We took a tip from our Editor-in-Chief and won't forget to pack a roll of this do-it-all tape to help kids keep sheets in place on slippery camp mattresses, hang up wet wardrobe items or repair ripped gear. Perfect.

They'll become classics to bring out at graduations and weddings, so be sure to keep the long—or short, depending on the child—notes from camp, especially since they'll be sent on this cute paper that may inspire them to spill some secrets, or at least write more than ‘having fun'.

‘Easy' and ‘convenient' aren't always the words that come to mind when it comes to filling out the forms and conquering the kids' camp checklists, but treating your overnighter to a special care package might be the easiest pre-camp activity yet thanks to the brilliant mom-minds behind Parceled with Love. Build your own special surprise or pick from pre-packaged ideas and make your happy camper a whole lot happier this summer.

Its uses can range from ghost story accomplice to late night outhouse companion, to shadow puppet provider to clean underwear locator…so a sturdy, waterproof and long lasting flashlight is one of the key essentials for any camp packing list.

Proof of how effective our parenting has been will be found in just how much sunscreen they use when we aren't there to nag them to put it on. Thankfully kids won't complain about this easily absorbed, EWG-approved sunscreen designed just for them.

Hats off to the perfect topper for little day trippers who need protection from the sun, wet weather or water activities. This brimmed hat is bright enough to be spotted by their counselor so it won't be accidentally left behind.

It may not float your boat, but it can float your child, which of course is its entire purpose. A regular staple at ski/wakeboard schools and outdoor retailers, the classic Mustang PFD is perfect for kids who need to bring their own to camp.

Packing in every possible adventure is what summer camp is all about. When sleepover camp prep lists call for a proper pack to be provided, the MEC Expresso Daypack offers a ton of room, durability and visibility for daytrips and overnighters.

Doesn't being up a creek with a paddle sound like a much better idea? Made in Canada since 1976, Grey Owl Paddles offer the perfect lightweight option for kids out canoeing for their first time. (The Owlet is designed for children aged 4 to 8, many other models are available for older kids and adults)

It won't be as bad as that lunch bag they brought home that spent weeks in the school lost and found, but prepare yourself for an onslaught of dirty, stained and soiled camp clothes once your cute little camper heads home. Packing a laundry bag will help keep the dirty from clean—until all the clean clothes run out, that is.

Close quarters in most cabins means a hanging bag for their soap shampoo, comb, toothpaste and more will be really helpful. Heys makes a smart, practical option that can be used post-camp too.

You can't—or shouldn't—have one without the other, so keep their tooth cleaning essentials together in the same small compartment with the Aurelle Toob Travel Toothbrush that allows the paste to be stored in the bottom. No more walking back to the cabin or campsite because they forgot one or the other, it's all contained together.

This little, and literal, sucker is exactly what your camper needs to keep their toothbrush sanitary and set in one place in a cabin full of (most likely) chaos.

The stars always appear brighter in camp country, but not bright enough for kids who need (and are allowed by camp rules) a little light reading to drift them off to sleep. A battery-powered clip-on travel light and reading lamp will illuminate their books before they fall fast asleep.

The towel dropped on the dock, the hoodie forgotten by the campfire pit, the hat left in the bottom of the canoe...help it all get home again by putting one of Mabel's Labels customizable, laundry-safe, peel and stick-on clothing labels on everything.

Since our favourite eco-friendly brand (Outback Jack) appears impossible to find in Canada this year, we've searched for an alternate insect repellant that is safe for kids and does not contain high doses of the chemical DEET. Repel is an effective natural and plant-based insect repellent containing oil of lemon eucalyptus, which naturally keeps the bugs off.

Sturdy footwear is essential for keeping kids comfortable during all-day camp activities. For great hiking boots or shoes for portaging or just playing around, we turn to Keen for stylish and functional options for toddlers to big kids.

Our less-than-favourite memories from camp include wet towels that never seemed to dry, so an Egyptian cotton-based (meaning faster drying time), cozy and easily identified towel (thanks to bright colours and the option of monogramming) will be the perfect post-swim accessory for any type of camp experience this summer.

Adorable, practical and useful, your younger kids may actually keep track of this water bottle that keeps liquids cool even on the hottest of summer days and offers an easy-sip straw for minimal spillage.

Keep ‘em cool in every way with an easy-to-use water bottle that graduates them away from the cutesy bottle decals to a simply designed useful vessel that will keep them hydrated all day long.

A little harmony goes a long way to making them feel settled at sleepaway camp. Pack a small musical instrument (that won't break camp rules) they—and their cabin mates—can have fun playing with.

Besides a couple of new stories to pack for downtime and nighttime, a fun camp-themed book slipped into their stuff will be a fun find as they unpack and get settled in their bunk.

Add playing cards, checkers, or chess into their pack for bus rides there and back to day camp, or for use during cabin time at sleepover camp. These old fashioned amusements will provide some much appreciated unplugged fun for everyone who wants to join in.