Surf Summer Camps: What to Pack in Your Suitcase

Packing Guide for Parents and Children

Introduction: The Importance of Packing Properly

Getting your children ready for a surf summer camp can be quite a challenge. Packing correctly is essential to ensure your child has everything they need and is comfortable from start to finish of the fortnight. With this detailed guide we will help you pack all the essentials for every activity at the summer camp and surf course, making sure you leave nothing to the last minute. Grab a pen and paper — let’s get started!

Contents

1. The type of bag
2. Essential documents and medicines
3. Everyday clothing
4. Toiletry accessories
5. Useful accessories

The type of bag for camp

The first step in packing for our summer camp is choosing a suitable bag for the children. It needs to be sturdy enough for camp, but also light and manageable for them. We always recommend a soft-sided bag, sports holdall or large rucksack for luggage. They should also bring a rucksack for excursions and surf days, of approximately 40 litres. Here you can find a list of example bags of that size from the Decathlon store.

Rucksacks specifically designed for children are an ideal option, as they tend to have adjustable straps and convenient compartments to organise items efficiently. In addition, these rucksacks allow weight to be distributed evenly, which is essential to prevent children from getting too tired during transfers at the summer camp — especially on the journeys to the beach for surfing.

Regarding packing organisation, we recommend labelling your children’s belongings with their name, especially for the younger ones. Also make sure they do not bring their best clothes or items of significant value. Things can get lost or damaged at camp. Camp is a place to enjoy time with the other children — they do not need anything of great monetary value.

Essential documents and medicines

Make sure you organise all the necessary documents before the summer camp: the required identification, emergency contacts, allergy list and medical notes.

In addition, they should pack their health insurance card and any medicines (if they need to follow a treatment) — include these in their luggage and we will collect them on the first day of arrival at camp. Organising medicines clearly and accessibly is key; ideally in a separate labelled case with usage instructions. Keep the health card somewhere specific, such as a wallet or waterproof pouch.

Everyday clothing for summer camp

It is crucial to bear in mind that the children will be spending 15 days outdoors, playing games and having fun on the beach and in nature. This is the number one priority and therefore we must pack clothing accordingly.

Choose comfortable clothing suitable for a variety of activities and conditions. You can check this article to find out what kind of programme we have at the surf summer camp to give you an idea. We recommend:

• 2 pairs of shorts and 2 pairs of long trousers.
• 2 sweatshirts and 2 tracksuits.
• 14 T-shirts and 14 items of underwear.
• 2 warm garments such as a fleece or similar.
• At least 2 swimming costumes/trunks.
• One or two old items of clothing or ones you do not mind getting dirty, in case of any game involving paint or mud.
• 2 pairs of sports shoes or light boots.
• 1 pair of flip-flops and/or water shoes.

Useful accessories

As useful items, we can include in the bag for our surf summer camp: a cap to protect eyes from the sun, sun cream for beach days, a reusable water bottle, plastic or waterproof bags for dirty laundry, mosquito repellent and a mat for relaxation sessions or outdoor film nights.

Toiletry accessories

Include basic toiletries such as a wash bag with a toothbrush, toothpaste, shower gel and shampoo. It is also practical to pack an after-sun lotion, especially after a day at the beach. Also include a shower towel and a beach towel.

Packing properly for a surf camp is a fundamental step in ensuring your child enjoys an unforgettable experience. With these tips, you can be confident that you have packed everything needed for a safe and exciting surf adventure.

More about surf summer camps:

• Surf Summer Camps in Santander
• Santander Surf Fortnight Summer Camp
• Santander Surf 10-Day Summer Camp
• The 5 best activities at the Santander Surf Camps
• What is a Surf Course at a Summer Camp like?
• Surf summer camps: our accommodation at Monte Corona, Santander

Other sources:

• Children’s rucksacks at Decathlon

• 6 tips for packing your child’s summer camp bag

• The best sun creams for children and babies according to the OCU

• The climate in Cantabria