A child's trip to summer camp, or any other organised camp, is a big event for both the parent and the child - especially if it's their first trip away. Find out how to pack for the holidays properly, to save yourself and your child stress, and to make sure everything essential ends up in the luggage. Preparing your child well is quite a challenge for beginners, but it's worth the effort to ensure your child has fond memories of summer camp.

Packing for the holidays - luggage matched to the type of trip

The first and most basic issue we need to solve when it comes to packing children for the holidays is choosing the luggage the youngster will take to camp. Nowadays it's most often a backpack or a suitcase, with the former working better for camps and trips involving a lot of walking. If the child will be packed onto a coach that takes them straight to their destination, a suitcase will come in handy. It's the most popular and very convenient form of luggage.

When packing a suitcase for the holidays for a child, it's worth taking their age and abilities into account. We shouldn't give them a suitcase that's bigger than they are. Even though they won't be walking miles with it, it may be difficult for them to get to the accommodation with luggage that's too large. Ultimately, the choice depends on the nature of the trip.

Packing your child for a trip - when to pack for a summer camp?

Apricot kids' T-shirt and mint short-sleeve girls' dress

Packing a suitcase for the holidays doesn't have to be difficult. All you need is good preparation, so it doesn't catch you off guard - it's worth thinking it through in advance. Firstly, decide what needs to be taken to camp, secondly buy or prepare the necessary items, and thirdly, pack them into the child's luggage. Simple as that, right? You just need to approach it sensibly and not leave it until the last minute, because if you pack the suitcase on the morning the child leaves, it probably won't be packed well.

What's worth taking to a summer camp?

Of course, one very important element to pack for the holidays is clothing. You can't do without it, but there's no need to overdo it either. The number of clothes packed should be matched to the length of the stay. A different amount of clothing is packed for a three-week holiday than for a two-week trip. What should you give your child for the trip so they feel comfortable? It's definitely worth taking clothes that have already been tried and tested. Comfortable pieces will work best on the trip.

We mainly pack comfortable sleeveless items such as a white kids' vest top. These are universal styles that work for both boys and girls. On top of that, it's worth thinking about a classic T-shirt, e.g. a mustard striped short-sleeve T-shirt or navy blue thin kids' shorts. For girls, it's also worth adding a comfortable apricot sleeveless dress to the suitcase. These are just examples of clothes worth including. It's best to take the outfits children wear and enjoy in summer, so they won't have any problems with uncomfortable or chafing clothing. Although we always hope for good weather on holiday, it's worth including a rain jacket among the essentials. This way, the child can enjoy their time away even if the weather doesn't cooperate.  

Mustard hooded sweatshirt

What to give your child for camp - essential items

We've already mentioned the basics, like clothing. But of course, that's not all. What else should you pack for your child's camp besides clothes? Comfortable shoes, of course. Depending on where you're sending your child, beach footwear such as flip-flops or sandals may be essential, along with comfortable trainers and sports shoes. You might also consider some waterproof footwear. Besides that, you need to include towels, both for the beach and for everyday hygiene, as well as swimwear, of course, if the child is going somewhere near water.

It's worth finding out about the conditions at the camp. In many places, parents receive a list of items the child should have with them, which makes it easier and clearer what to take to camp. Not everything needed has to be brought along - sometimes the centres are equipped with items that will come in handy during the stay. Different products are also needed for a sports camp than for a mountain camp.

Practical products worth packing for your child's camp trip

From our experience packing for kids, sometimes camp packing lists miss quite important items, such as mosquito and tick repellent. A gel or spray against mosquitoes, which can really make life unpleasant at camp, especially in the evenings, will be truly important. For a camp trip to the Masurian Lakes or the seaside, it definitely shouldn't be forgotten.

Equally important and essential for children's health is UV filter cream - although of course, it won't do any good if the kids don't use it, so it's worth choosing the most convenient form possible to make it easy to apply. Maybe a spray? For most children, it works better than classic sun creams. Another element protecting against the sun will be summer hats. Headwear is essential, so don't forget about it either.  

Pocket money and documents

Every parent worries when sending their child on a camp trip alone. However, packing a suitcase for the holidays can be simple if you take care of it in advance. Choose the suitcase and clothes the child will take, and buy any necessary small items. If you're not sure what to give your child for camp, ask the organisers.

However, don't forget to give your child some extra pocket money for the trip. This mustn't be overlooked, as the child would be very upset without it. Similarly, documents such as a school ID card shouldn't be forgotten, as their absence could make not only travel but also the stay and sightseeing more difficult. Bear in mind, though, that we're not sending the child to the end of the world, and if they're missing something, they'll probably have the chance to buy it there. A comfortable pouch or a practical bum bag will come in handy for small items. It's also possible that we'll visit our child at camp ourselves and be able to bring them something. A child's first trip is difficult for both sides, but the next ones will be easier.