10 Items To Add To Your Summer Camp Check List

This week, my 3-year-old son starts Pirate and Princess Camp. Though, he did tell us he won’t be a pirate or princess, and will be a cheetah instead. This boy has a mind of his own!

In any case, there's a good chance that camp will mix up your normal routine and may add some new mom-tasks to your day. For example, I have to make lunch for my kid now and on day two, I’ve already run out of ideas beyond pasta pesto and tomatoes!

Also, can anyone invent a sunscreen that can be taken orally? You would think I was putting hot coals on my kid's body the way he screams when we put sunscreen on him. Still, we are looking forward to the fun days of summer and camp, if you ask me. If you ask my child, you might get a different response.

Here is a checklist of what to remember, buy and be aware of this summer:

Sunscreen

Many kids (like my own), will have a tantrum if you put sunscreen on their bodies, which makes the mornings interesting. Try getting spray bottles and asking your kid to put it on themselves. You might also want to try these more natural brands like Babyganics Baby Sunscreen and Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen, where zinc is the main ingredient. Of course, that won’t make it go on any easier, but at least you won’t have to worry about toxic chemicals on your babies!

Natural Bug Spray

If your little ones are going to be out in nature, you’ll want to pick up some bug spray and add it to your morning routine to keep mosquitos or ticks away. Try brands like Babyganics again, which has a DEET-Free insect repellant.

Tick Checks

While we're on the bug thing, if your kid is anywhere near woods or tall grass during camp, make sure to check for ticks in the morning and at night. Lyme disease, which is transmitted through the bite of infected ticks, is all too common these days.

Summer Shoes

Finding the perfect summer shoes that are both waterproof and good for running can be tricky. The most popular brands these days are: Keen and Natives. Stride Rite and Merrel make a good versatile shoe too. Though in my case, my kid will only wear crocs or run around barefoot!

UV Protective Clothing

If you have a hard time getting that sunscreen on your child or just want extra protection from the sun, try brands like i play shirts or ESTAMICO Boys, which are great options for tops and have 50+ sun protection.

Beach Towels

My kid doesn’t like to get too wet, which makes going to pools and beaches a bit tricky! I make sure I have big and soft towels ready for him when he does get wet, and I get new ones every year or so. Some of my favorite picks are Dinosaur organic hooded towel, Quick Dry Hooded Kids Shark Towels and these organic Turkish towels.

Water Bottles

Summer heat can get your little ones dehydrated and tired if they aren’t drinking enough. And finding the perfect water bottle isn’t easy. They fall apart and leak easily. Here are my favorite picks: Klean Kanteen and Contigo.

Lunch Options

You might have to pack lunches when the kids are away at camp. Sistema containers are great for separating food, and Bentgo leak proof and BPA free boxes are a hit too. Now, what do you put in them? Check out 80 Healthy Toddler lunches for some ideas.

Swim Stuff

Bathing suits, goggles for the water and water shoes should be on your shopping list. Also, have a wet bag handy for your child when they change back into their clothing.

Know Their Schedule

Your kid will have a new schedule at camp which might include outdoor play at 9 a.m., running through sprinklers at 10 a.m. and storytime before you pick him or her up. Stay on top of what your child will be doing all day so when they get home you have a lot to discuss!

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go pick up my cheetah up from camp. Camp life is exciting for all, especially once that sunscreen part is over. Good luck getting through your checklists, and don’t forget the most important “task” of all—having so much fun and enjoying the summer!

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