Summer Camp Essentials

Summer Camp Checklist

Whether your kid is going to camp or just headed to the pool, park or beach, you’ll need to gear up for the great outdoors. Check out our list of safe, non-toxic and effective picks!

1. Sunscreen

Every kid needs it. For something that’s applied to the skin every day, make sure you get the kind that’s broad spectrum and free from concerning chemicals. Most of the kind you’ll find at the drugstore are full of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. For a spray application, we like Kids Sport Continuous Spray Natural Sunscreen. For a lotion application, try Badger SPF  30 Kids Sunscreen Cream.

2. Bug Spray

You don’t want your days (and nights!) to be dampened by a map of itchy bug bites. But the chemicals in commercial repellants are scarier than the bugs they repel! Our secret weapon for hours of fun in the woods bug-free is LifeStings Natural Bug Repellant. Protected by this miracle lotion, we came home from a recent trip to Family Camp completely bite-free! If you prefer a spray application, Natural Bug Repellant Spray by LuSa Organics powered by lemon eucalyptus essential oil works great too.

3. Water Bottle

Make sure kids stay hydrated by keeping water close at hand.

• Daycamp: The Funtainer Insulated Straw Bottle fits little hands, straw or easy sip top
• Sleepaway camp: The Twist Triple Insulated Bottle is lightweight, easy to carry to all activities
• Sports: The ThinkSport 25oz Insulated Bottle keeps drinks cool, large size for all day use
• Filtered: The  AquaVessel Insulated Steel Filtration Bottle has a built-in plant-based water filter + keeps water cold for hours

4. Lunch and Snack Containers 

Reusable, durable containers guarantees that the healthy lunch you send is still yummy at lunchtime.

• Lunchbox: Consider an insulated lunchbox to keep it fresh, or a shoulder strap in case the backpack’s stuffed with other gear
• Containers: Reduce trash by sending reusable containers. Hard containers keep food from getting jostled and smooshed.
• Bags and wraps: Replace disposable plastic with reusable bags that add a splash of color
• Freezer pack: Sweat free freezer packs can take the heat
• Reusable napkin/cutlery: Small but mighty extras you might not have thought of
• Waterproof Write-On Name Labels: So your kid comes home with all of his gear!

5. Hand Sanitizer

Handwashing opportunities may be few and far between, but germs won’t be with CleanWell All Natural Hand Sanitizer - alcohol and triclosan free.

6. WetBag

A reusable wet bag keeps wet things like swimsuits, towels and clothes separate. Better than a disposable plastic bag, a wet bag is better for the planet!

Ready. Pack. Go!

Check out our Guide to Summer Camp Essentials for the full list of everything your kid needs this summer!