Check with the campground and your child's group leader (if they're traveling with a group) for an up-to-date list of recommended items as well as the type of sleeping and bathing arrangements available. It will also be helpful to know the local weather and terrain.
Consult with the group leader for a list of luggage regulations if traveling with a group. Some leaders have a limit on the number of bags allowed per person.
Clear a large area such as a spare room or bed to spread out all the items your child will be taking with him.
Begin gathering the items she will be taking with them at least one month before the trip. Place them in the designated area mentioned in step 3. Refer to the "Overall Items You Will Need" list.
Apply the instructions in the following sections to begin packing one week before your child leaves.
Decide how many changes of clothes are needed per day, including pajamas based on the recommendation of the camp. Most camp trips will require two changes of clothes each day, especially if your kid needs to put on fresh or more formal clothes for evening activities.
Determine if it's appropriate for your child to wear the same evening clothes the following day. This will allow them to only need one change of clothes per day of camp. Lay each set of clothes in the designated packing area.
Gather accessories to match each set of clothes, such as socks, shoes, and undergarments.
Write down what your child uses during their morning and evening routines approximately one month before traveling.
Decide which toiletry items on the list are absolutely necessary. It's better to make morning and evening routines as short as possible while at camp.
Purchase travel size quantities of all possible items. Select travel-size empty bottles and containers for the items that you can't purchase in travel sizes.
Place items in the designated packing area.
Gather the rest of the items on your list of things to bring. The most common are cameras (still and video), batteries, film/memory card, sunscreen, a flashlight and insect repellant.
Place items in designated packing area.
Find out how many pieces of luggage your child is allowed. There is usually a limited amount of space for personal items while at camp. It's good to pick luggage that's easy to access. For example, if there's a closet or hanging rack, then a hanging bag is often easier to access than a suitcase or trunk.
Choose a small bag or backpack that your child can carry with them during the day for items like pens, notebooks, cameras and water bottles.
Use large zip-top bags to pack everything, especially toiletries that might leak. Rolling a set of clothes tightly often helps prevent wrinkles better than folding them square. Place one rolled set of clothes and matching undergarments in the zip-top bag, pressing out the extra air before sealing.
Place the heaviest items at the bottom of the luggage after all the items are in zip-top bags.
Place linens and towels in a separate bag. These can be placed in a large trash bag. Be sure to place an extra trash bag inside the bedding so your child has a bag to bring home the bedding.
