Summer camp season is almost here! If you’re like me, you’re probably already making lists and gathering supplies to make sure your kids are fully prepared before they head off on their summer adventures. Whether it’s overnight camp, day camp, sports camp, or endless sleepovers with friends, having the right essentials on hand can make things so much smoother—for both kids and parents.
From practical haircare that repels bugs while keeping hair soft and tangle-free, to stylish accessories for kids to personalize their belongings, plus skincare and SPF must-haves, these summer camp essentials help keep the focus on making memories and enjoying a fun, stress-free summer.
Make Camp Clothes Easy to Keep track of with The Ends
One thing every parent knows about summer camp is that kids somehow lose everything. Hoodies get mixed-up or misplaced, shorts disappear into thin air, and sneakers mysteriously end up in the wrong cabin. That’s why parents appreciate The Ends.
These playful, customizable accessories let kids personalize their camp wardrobe in a fun, and creative way. The Ends are basically jewelry for drawstrings, and attach to hoodies, sweatpants, shorts, and even sneakers. Each set comes with interchangeable charms, so kids can mix and match to create their own personal style. What makes them especially perfect for camp is that they also help kids quickly identify their own clothing and gear in crowded cabins, shared laundry piles, or messy bunk spaces. Instead of accidentally grabbing someone else’s hoodie, kids can easily spot their own personalized pieces right away.
A Summer Camp Haircare Must-Have
If your child is headed to camp, attending sleepovers, or spending lots of time around large groups of kids this summer, they could end up sharing more than just cherished memories. Unfortunately, head lice spreads like crazy in these types of environments, which is why I never let my kids leave home without Fairy Tales Rosemary Repel® Conditioning Spray packed in their overnight bag.
This conditioning spray is infused with natural botanicals that kids love the smell of, but head lice do not. Gentle enough for everyday use, this lightweight formula is made with aloe, vitamin B5, and amaranth protein to help keep hair hydrated, manageable, and tangle-free while soothing the scalp after long summer days of swimming, running around outdoors, and participating in camp activities. Not only does it help repel the nasty bugs, but it also helps keep hair soft, healthy, and much easier to comb through.
Keep Skin Clean After Long Camp Days
Between all the sunscreen, sweat, dirt, humidity, and constant outdoor activities, summer camp can be a bit rough on the complexion—especially for tweens and teens already dealing with oily or breakout-prone skin. Keeping their skin clean and balanced can help minimize clogged pores, reduce irritation and prevent future breakouts.
Dr. Brandt T-Zone Unplugged is a deep-cleansing facial mask that helps remove excess oil, grime, and impurities that can build up throughout the day. This purifying mask is incredibly easy to use—just apply a thin layer to the T-zone, leave it on for 5–10 minutes while it dries, then rinse with warm water.
I’ve always loved Dr. Brandt products, and I enjoy teaching my kids healthy skincare habits using a brand I personally trust. It’s also a fun little spa treatment for tweens and teens who enjoy facial masks, or even a relaxing post-camp bonding activity with Mom.
Don’t Forget the Sunscreen
No summer camp packing list is complete without a good sunscreen, especially when kids are spending countless hours in the sun every single day. ATWATER Skin Armor Mineral Facial Sunscreen SPF50+ is the perfect option for protecting delicate skin during all those outdoor adventures.
Mineral sunscreens are much gentler on sensitive skin and are highly recommended for kids who may react to harsher formulas. A lightweight facial sunscreen like ATWATER Skin Armor is also far more likely to actually get used consistently—because we all know kids hate anything that feels sticky, greasy, or heavy. (Honestly, so do I.)
Daily sunscreen use is one of the most important ways to protect your child’s skin from harmful UV rays during long camp days filled with swimming, hiking, sports, and all of those other outdoor activities. (They’ll thank you later.)
What are your favorite summer camp essentials for keeping your kids happy, comfortable, and stress-free all summer long?