What to Bring to Summer Camp

Every morning one of my kids makes the countdown announcement: “Only ten more days until summer!” We still have a few more weeks of school here in the Northeast, but summer vacation is right around the corner. And everyone’s ready.

Once school winds down preparations for summer camp kick in. Woo hoo! I have such amazing memories of sleepaway camp. I secretly wish I was going too.

Over the years we’ve created an ongoing list of personal care products that my kids like AND use at camp. There are a few products that seem to work well year after year so we continue to use them. The list has been expanded to include a few newer products that look great on paper but still need to pass the kid test (come home used and loved).

Here are a few of our favorite summer camp suggestions

SHAMPOO: Acure Organics ($8)

^[1]We’ve been using Acure Organics Shampoo ^[2] for a few years and everyone seems to love it. It comes in a flexible container which makes it easier to pack for summer camp.

^[3]BUG REPELLENT: Kosmatology Bug Repellent Skin Balm ($8)

This year we’re trying Kosmatology DEET-Free Bug Repellent ^[4]. I like that it comes in a stick, making it easy for the kids to apply on their own or carry in their pocket. I was recently introduced to Kosmotology and I’m really liking their products so far. They also have a hand sanitizer ^[5] made with organic ingredients that we’ll be sending along.

Kosmatology DEET-Free Bug Repellent ^[4] contains a mixture of organic herbs and essential oils which all have been shown to repel insects the natural way without the use of DEET. Seeing the MADE SAFE certification ^[6] on the bug repellent was reassuring. MADE SAFE is America’s first nontoxic seal for products we use every day, from baby to personal care to household and beyond. They certify that products are made with safe ingredients not known or suspected to harm human health.

SUNSCREEN: Goddess Garden Organics Kids Sport Spray Sunscreen ($13)

^[7] I’m not a fan of spray sunscreens ^[8] but I’ve added this ^[9] to the list since it’s the only type of sunscreen my kids will use.

Goddess Garden Kids Natural Sunscreen ^[10] is our sunscreen of choice for camp this summer. The ingredients are safe and it doesn’t go on thick and white ^[11]. In addition to the regular tube of sunscreen, it also comes in a pump bottle ^[12] and a spray bottle ^[9]. ^[13]

DENTAL FLOSS: Desert Essence  Dental Floss ($6)

Everyone should be flossing! Even at summer camp. Brushing your teeth without flossing is like cleaning 70% of your body. Many conventional dental floss brands can contain a Teflon coating ^[14], which can be toxic. Desert Essence Dental Floss ^[15] is a naturally waxed floss that contains no alcohol or artificial detergents, colors or synthetic perfu ^[16]mes and no animal ingredients or testing.

SOAP: Dr. Bronner’s Bar Soap ($11 for 2 bars)

Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Bar Soaps are biodegradable, vegan, gentle and versatile. They can be used at summer camp as a body wash or for the face and hair!

If you need clothing labels I’ve got you covered!  

^[17]

Everything that goes to camp has to be labeled or it won’t make it home (sometimes it still doesn’t make it home!). I’ve been using Mabel’s Labels for labeling clothing for many years. I’ve tried different brands but they don’t seem to stay on the clothing as well after a few washes.  My favorite labels are the Tag Mates ^[18] which stick directly onto the clothing tag and don’t come off! This year I decided to get the  Limited Edition Camp Combo Packs ^[19] which includes a variety of labels.

Do you have any summer camp favorites to add to the list?

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

• • How to Make a Summer Camp Survival Kit ^[20]
  • 10 Summer Camp Essentials for All Ages ^[21]
  • 5 Non-Toxic Summer Camp Essentials ^[22]
  • Non-Toxic Summer Camp Supplies ^[23]
  • My Picks for Non-Toxic Shampoos ^[24]
  • Tips to Prepare Your Child for Sleepaway Camp ^[25]