What Should Campers Bring to Overnight Camp?

Vista! 

Our staff is gearing up to welcome campers back to Camp Kanata for the week(s) of their dreams this summer! All that’s left on the to-do list is helping them pack up all of the necessities. Not sure what to bring to Overnight Camp? We’ve outlined what every camper needs below, and a list of what needs to stay at home. You can also check out our comprehensive list on our website. 

Let’s start with the basics: 

We completely understand wanting to ensure your camper has everything they need. As a gentle reminder, to ensure everyone has a successful week, please be thoughtful of not overpacking and only bring what is necessary. When packing, we ask that every item be labeled with your child’s name and a good phone number, just in case. For our younger campers, we recommend packing each day’s clothes in a Ziploc bag for ease when changing. All items should be packed into a duffel bag, suitcase, trunk, plastic drawers or plastic bin. 

What clothing items need to come to Camp? 

We recommend packing: 

• 7-10 T-shirts
• 1 long-sleeve T-shirt or sweatshirt
• 1-2 pairs of pajamas
• 7-10 pairs of shorts
• 7-10 pairs of underwear
• 7 pairs of socks
• 1 pair of closed-toe athletic shoes
• 4 swimsuits
• 1 pair of sandals
• 1 raincoat
• 1 pair of shower shoes 

What toiletries should they bring? 

Your child only needs the basics when it comes to toiletries. For starters, we recommend putting every item in a toiletry bucket or bag. They will need a toothbrush and toothpaste, a hairbrush or comb, soap/body wash, shampoo and conditioner. 

What about linens? 

Each cabin has a twin bed for each camper (in bunkbed style), so each camper needs 1 set of twin sheets or a sleeping bag for their bed. They will also need a pillow, a lightweight blanket or quilt and a mattress topper is optional. 

Each camper will need 2 bath towels, 2 washcloths and 2 beach towels. We also recommend packing them a laundry bag for their dirty clothes and linens. 

Can they bring any accessories? 

Absolutely! We recommend your child bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellent. They should also bring a fan (box or clip-on), extension cord, water bottle, flashlight with extra batteries and an alarm clock. 

There are also a handful of optional items your child can bring if they choose. They are welcome to bring any reading or downtime materials, sleep comfort items such as a stuffed animal or blanket, a small backpack or drawstring bag, goggles (please note these are not allowed for the swim assessment), Crazy Creek or Camp chair, stationery, pre-addressed and stamped envelopes and pens or pencils. They are also encouraged to bring any dress-up materials or small items to represent the week’s theme. 

Now that we have figured out exactly what to pack for Camp, let’s discuss what absolutely needs to stay at home. 

Items that are not allowed at camp include ANY electronic device that has cellular capacity (NO cell phones, smart watches, iPads/tablets, computers, electronic games, hotspots, etc.), iPods and MP3 players. We understand wanting your child to have the ability to communicate with you; however, Camp is an electronics-free zone for kids to be able to have fun and be present, so we ask that you leave those items at home. 

Please also do not bring any weapons, firearms, knives, lighters, tobacco, drugs, alcohol, inappropriate books or magazines, as these can result in your camper being sent home. 

We also ask that any expensive items or jewelry remain at home so there is no opportunity for those items to go missing. 

Our Camper Essentials Program

At Camp Kanata, we recognize that Camp expenses go beyond registration, and it is important to us to remove any barriers that might restrict a child’s ability to enjoy Camp. Our Camper Essentials Program allows parents to request a free bundle for their camper, which includes 2 shower towels, 2 beach towels, a set of sheets, a pillow case, a blanket, a toothbrush, toothpaste, sunscreen, bodywash, a loofa, shampoo, conditioner, a shower caddie and a laundry bag. We do request that campers bring their own pillow and hairbrush. Upon arrival at Camp, these items will be laid out on your camper’s bunk and can go home with you at the end of the week. 

We’re looking forward to a fantastic summer, and we can’t wait to see your campers there! All of this information is detailed in a downloadable packing list on our website. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. See you soon!