10 Summer Camp Essentials for All Ages

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Summer Camp is just around the corner for all three of my kids. They’re headed to an overnight camp far away from home. This will be the first year for my youngest. My boys will be joined by 7 cousins for four weeks of fun.

We’re in the thick of packing and it looks like a bomb went off in our house. There are piles of clothing, sleeping bags, and underwear everywhere. Somehow everything will make its way into a duffel bag by the time we need to head out the door. Right?

Here are a few must-haves for anyone heading to summer camp (*affiliate links):

Clothing Labels 

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I’m a big fan of Mabel’s Labels for labeling clothing. Everything that goes to camp has to be labeled or it won’t make it home. Unfortunately, even with labels something is always left behind. My favorite labels are Mabel’s Labels Tag Mates ^[3], which stick directly onto the clothing tag and don’t come off. This year I decided to get the   Limited Edition Camp Combo Packs ^[4], which includes a variety of labels (the shoe labels are awesome!).

Mabel’s Labels has a deal for Groovy Green Livin readers. This exclusive code is valid for $2 off any Mabel’s Labels purchase with the exception of Loot Bags & Write Aways. This code can’t be combined with any other promo offers and expires on June 30th 2014. Enter APY5SG2V at checkout.

Sunscreen 

^[5]Badger SPF 30 Sunscreen ^[5]is a new formulation which isn’t greasy and is easy to apply.  We started using it last year ^[6] and it worked really well. HERE ^[7] are a few other favorite sunscreens, perfect for those summer camp days in the sun.

Shampoo ^[8]

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I recently spotted Acure Organics Shampoo ^[8] on the shelf at my local Whole Foods Market and decided to give it a try. Our entire family has been using Acure for a few months and we all love it. It’s an easy container to pack for summer camp-very flexible. ^[10]

Bug Repellent

I’m sending all three kids to camp with a DEET free bug repellent ^[11]. We’ve been using Buzzaway  ^[12] for a few years and it really works well. If you’re looking for natural ways to treat bug bites take a peek  HERE ^[13].

Toothpaste 

Toothpaste is a tough one. They’re going to be brushing with Redmond Earthpaste Toothpaste ^[14]. ^[14]
I love the peppermint flavor. Every ingredient is safe to swallow!

Chapstick

My kids actually requested chapstick this year and it’s on the packing list as “optional”. I’ve been using Eco Lips Sport Spf 30 Organic Lip Balm Tube ^{[15]  [16]}and just bought a few tubes for them to take with them to camp.

Stationary  ^[17]

Writing letters has to be easy or you may never hear from your children. Last summer my son sent us several letters….without stamps. They never arrived! This Fold Over Stationery Set ^[17]is perfect. No envelopes needed. There are two options: Tie Dye Fold Over Stationery ^[18] and a Sports Fold Over Stationery Set ^[17].

Body Lotion

Emily Baby & Adult Skin Soother (Unscented) ^{[19]  [20]}is the absolute best for eczema ^[21].  Love this stuff. My son also swears it takes away the itch of a mosquito bite.

Bug Bite Relief

Bug bites and summer camp go hand-in-hand. Try All Terrain Natural Kids Itch and Rash Cream ^[22] to help relieve the itching.

Bar of Soap

A bar of soap is always on the packing list for summer camp. Tom’s of Maine Moisturizing Bar ^[23] is heading to camp this year. We’ll just have to wait and see if anyone actually uses it!

My list changes a bit each year. Here are a few summer camp favorites from years past:

• 5 Non-Toxic Summer Camp Essentials ^[24]
• Non-Toxic Summer Camp Supplies ^[25]
• My Picks for Non-Toxic Shampoos ^[26]
• Tips to Prepare Your Child for Sleepaway Camp ^[27]

What are your favorite summer camp essentials?

*Some links are affiliate links meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may get a small commission if you make a purchase. Thank you for supporting this site!

photo credit: bruna camargo ^[28] via photopin ^[29] cc ^[30]