2023 Summer Camp Essentials to Prime Now

Looking to avoid the last minute rush for your 2023 summer camp essentials? Here’s a list of what you need, all available on Amazon.

1. Sunscreen – A good quality, water-resistant sunscreen with at least SPF 30 or higher is a must-have for summer camp. Apply it generously on your child’s exposed skin before sending them off to camp. Tip: They make UV detection stickers now that change color to let kids (and adults) know when its time to reapply your sunscreen.
   • Recommended: Babyganics SPF 50 Kids Mineral Sunscreen Roller Ball (SO easy to apply for face and ears. And don’t let the Babyganics name deter you, their products are perfect for older children and adults) and Supergroup! PLAY SPF 30 Mineral Spray (Non-Aersol)
   • Budget-Friendly: Banana Boat Kids Sport Sting-Free, Tear-Free, Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50
   • Splurge: Supergroup! PLAY SPF 50 – $68 for 18 fl oz
2. Insect repellent – Mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects can be a nuisance at summer camp, and can also transmit diseases. A good quality insect repellent can keep them at bay and protect your child from insect bites.
   • Recommended: Ben’s 30 Tick & Insect Repellent (with DEET) or Babyganics DEET Free Travel Size Insect Repellant Wipes | Natural Plant Based, 30 Wipes 
   • Budget-Friendly: OFF! Kids Insect Repellent Spray
   • Splurge: Kinfield Golden Hour Wipes – Natural, Long-Lasting Insect Repellent for Outdoor Adventures and Indoor Use
3. Water bottle – Staying hydrated is important during summer camp activities, and a reusable water bottle can help ensure that your child has access to clean water throughout the day.
   • Recommended: Pottery Barn Kids Water Bottle – These are hands down the best water bottles for kids. I recommend getting them personalized as your kids will have them for years to come. Mine are going on 4 years of use and still holding up like day 1.
   • Budget-Friendly: Ello Emma Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
   • Splurge: Yeti Rambler
4. Hand sanitizer – That packed lunch tastes even better when you’re using clean hands to eat.
   • Recommended: Bath and Body Works Hand Sanitizer – Often available on sale, you can get so many fun scents and holders that are easy to clip to a backpack or lunch bag
   • Budget-Friendly: Purell Advanced Multi-Pack
   • Splurge: Everyone for every body Hand Sanitizer in Coconut Lemon (It smells like a cookie! And the spray function is really nice.)
5. Lightweight backpack – A lightweight backpack is perfect for carrying all the essentials your child needs for a day at summer camp, including snacks, water, and sunscreen.
   • Recommended: Pottery Barn Kids has the best backpacks, hands down!
   • Budget-Friendly: This $10 drawstring backpack
   • Splurge: Lululemon makes amazing, waterproof backpacks. And you can “share” these with your kids!
6. Hat – A wide-brimmed hat can provide shade and protect your child’s face and neck from the sun’s harmful rays.
   • Recommended (and budget-friendly!): A classic baseball cap will keep sun off their faces during any outdoor activity.
   • Splurge: North Face baseball hat
7. Hair ties – You know how those always go missing! Bulk up on some now.
   • Recommended (and budget-friendly!): 120 black hair ties for less than $9
8. Sunglasses – Sunglasses can protect your child’s eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays, and also reduce glare while participating in outdoor activities.
   • Recommended: Real Kids Unbreakable Sunglasses
   • Budget-Friendly: 3 pack of flexible sunglasses
   • Splurge: Ray-Ban Junior Kids’ New Wayfarer
9. Waterproof phone case – A waterproof phone case can protect your child’s phone from damage if they accidentally drop it in water while participating in water activities.
   • Recommended (and budget-friendly!): Waterproof cell phone pouch (3 pack)
   • Splurge: LifeProof FRE Waterproof Case – It won’t just protect your child’s phone from water but from drops and tumbles as well.
10. Swimwear and towels – If your child will be participating in water activities, be sure to pack appropriate swimwear and towels.
    • Recommended: Vineyard Vines, J. Crew and Gap have great swimwear for kids. Pottery Barn Kids has the best quality towels and provides the option to embroider/personalize so they always know which towel belongs to them.
    • Budget-Friendly: Old Navy or ThredUp are great places to shop!
11. Comfortable shoes – Comfortable and durable shoes are important for summer camp activities, whether it’s hiking, playing sports, or just running around. Be sure to pack a pair that fits well and is appropriate for the activities your child will be doing.
    • Recommended: Crocs – Indestructible and easy to hose off.
    • Budget-Friendly: seannel Kids slip on water proof shoes
    • Splurge: Native Kids and Rothy’s