{"id":8917,"date":"2020-02-23T10:06:39","date_gmt":"2020-02-23T10:06:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/natuaventura.com\/?p=8917"},"modified":"2026-04-30T13:10:09","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T11:10:09","slug":"backpacking-summer-camps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/natuaventura.com\/en\/blog\/backpacking-summer-camps\/","title":{"rendered":"Packing Recommendations for a Summer Camp"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Packing for a summer camp is the first joint task between parents and child: how it is packed will affect how comfortable the child is throughout the entire session<\/strong>. In this article we focus on the preparation<\/em>: weight, organisation, distribution and labelling. The full list of what to bring is integrated at the end.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Three principles for packing the bag<\/h2>\n
\n
\n

Do it with your child<\/h3>\n

This is the most important recommendation. If the child takes part, they will know what they have packed, where each item is and will be able to use it without having to ask the activity leader to find a sock.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n

Small, easy to carry, no wheels<\/h3>\n

A medium-sized soft-sided rucksack or bag \u2014 no wheels. The journey they will make with it is from the coach to the room, so they must be able to carry it on their own.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n

Label everything<\/h3>\n

Label the outside of the bag with their name and the camp. Every item of clothing and every article, labelled on the inside. This avoids mix-ups that in a room of 8 children are unavoidable without labelling.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Steps for a well-packed bag<\/h2>\n
\n
\n

List in hand:<\/strong> print or note down the official camp list (see below) and go through it point by point before putting anything in.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n

Try the empty bag:<\/strong> have your child put it on. If it is too big for them, it is worth swapping. If it is heavy empty, that too.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n

Fold by outfit:<\/strong> group items by use (daywear, pyjamas, swimwear) in fabric or plastic bags so they can find each thing quickly.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n

Distribute the weight:<\/strong> heaviest items at the bottom and closest to the back. Footwear in a separate bag. Toiletries in an independent and easily accessible wash bag.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n

Small separate day bag:<\/strong> a small rucksack (around 35 litres) for excursions and day trips. It does not need to be new: one they already know will be more comfortable.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n

Final check with the child:<\/strong> have them open it, go through it and, if they are up for it, mentally run through each section. That check is what prevents the \u00abI can’t find my water bottle\u00bb moment.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Weight and volume: two common mistakes<\/h2>\n
\n
\n

Overpacking<\/h3>\n