Care Packages for Summer Campers: 31 Items for Summer Camping
- Do you wish to organize a nice camping care package for your child going camping with friends?
- Are you looking for the best summer camp care package for kids at camp?
- Would you like to buy nice gifts for summer camp friends, coaches, and counselors?
- We’ve considered all these and have listed some of the best items you can include in care packages for summer campers.
“Every summer, children go to camps that teach them valuable life lessons in a kind and realistic way.”
Summer camping is an exciting adventure for many children. They get to create lasting friendships, participate in fun activities, learn invaluable skills and contribute to making the stay of other summer campers memorable. Your child might already be at a summer camp or is about to leave for one. While you are going to have a blast at summer camp without you, the great thing about summer camp is not only what happens at the place but also the love they receive from home.
If you wish to prepare the care package for your child at camp or before they leave for camp, remember to consider the new friends your child will be making at summer camp. Items in a summer care package should be beneficial to your child and those around them.
Some of the items to include in a summer camp care package are; yummy edibles, games, DIY, or creative accessories, summer accessories, and summer gifts for others. We understand that not all summer camps permit edibles. In this article, you will still find a good number of lovely items to include in a care package.
We’ve sectioned our summer care package ideas into 4 to help you select the best items for your care package;
- Care package ideas for kids at summer camps
- Care package ideas for teenagers going camping with friends
- Summer camp friendship gift ideas
- Summer camp counselor gift ideas
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Quick Overview: Care Packages for Summer Campers
Care package ideas for kids at summer camp
If you are organizing care packages for summer campers who are at camp with or without goodies, below are some items you can include in your care package for your child
1. Summer camp journal for girls
Journaling is not easy for little kids but with the right journal, they can document their experience at summer camps with ease. We recommend this Summer Camp Journal for girls by Peaceable Kingdom as a wonderful item to put in your daughter’s summer camp care package.
Pros:
- This Journal has attractive letterings, pretty pictorial illustrations, helpful tips, and well-sectioned activities to help girls fill the journal accurately and with ease.
- This is a very pretty journal for little girls. Your daughter will be happy to show off this journal to friends.
Cons:
- While this journal is pretty, it would have been a plus if the journal had a thick/ hardcover. This will prevent the journal from aging fast.
Product summary
A lot of thought was put into the content of the journal and we love it. It should be added to a little girl’s summer camp care package
2. DIY Journaling Set for tweens and teenagers
If you are looking for a nice journal set for your tween or teenager, this one is amazing. It comes with Markers, Stickers, a keychain, paper clips, a fold-out Poster, and Washi tape rolls. It is age-appropriate for tweens and teenagers.
Pros:
- The set comes with enough accessories to make a young lady happy and get her creative juice pumping.
- The quality of the set is worth its price
- Age-appropriate for tweens and teenagers
- The set is beautifully packaged
Cons:
- You might want to add other colorful and glittery Markers to this gift.
Product summary
This journal is age-appropriate for big girls. It is lovely and affordable and should be added to a summer camp care package.
3. Paint markers
Rock painting and scrapbook decoration are fun activities young campers love to do at summer camps with friends. Some of the best camp care packages for kids include DIY project materials like paint markers. We selected this one because it is affordable and good enough for camp just in case your little angel will dump them after summer camp. You will have no guilt buying these markers.
Pros:
- They look nice on rocks and scrapbooks
- They are affordable.
Cons:
- It may seem like these markers are not great for rock painting until you see the outcome when the paint markers are dried. Some colors look prettier on dark surfaces.
Product summary
These are great paint markers for summer camp DIY creative activities. They might finish before summer camp is over if they get to use them with friends.
4. DIY Charm Making Bracelet
Your daughter might want to make a unique gift for her new friends at summer camp. This is why this DIY Charm making bracelet kit is a wonderful item to include in a care package for summer camping.
Pros:
- The charms are absolutely pretty and precious.
- Affordable
Cons:
- She can only make a limited number of bracelets with this set
Product summary
She is sure to make 4-5 cute bracelets to share among her new friends she likes. Which is good. Making these DIY bracelets adds a personal touch to the gift she will be giving her friends.
5. Fujifilm Instax camera
A Fujifilm Instax camera with a mini photo album in their summer camp care package will blow their mind. They will not only capture beautiful moments with this gadget but also share some copies with a few friends.
Pros:
- The picture quality is fair enough.
- It’s a fun and easy-to-use gadget
- It gives instant pictures
- The package comes with a lot of useful accessories. The plastic frames will make it easy for children to give cool gifts to their friends at the camp.
- The quality of this product is commendable.
Cons:
- If you suspect that your son or daughter might need help in operating this, perhaps you should inform one of the camp counselors
Product summary
This is a fun gadget for all ages starting from 5 years. You will be amazed at all the moments a little girl can capture with this gadget.
6. Kids wallet
Just in case you wish to give your child some extra coins, this wallet is great for kids. They also come with 2 little sheets of 3D dinosaur stickers.
Pros:
- The material of the wallet feels great and properly stitched.
- It is spacious enough for kids
- It comes beautifully packaged and includes nice stickers
- There are varieties of designs to choose from
- Very fitting for kids to carry around in their little pockets and purses
Cons:
- The designs come with a different price tag
Product summary
It is a perfect wallet for kids.
7. The book thief
No television to watch but books are as good as watching an action movie (sometimes). It will fill the void until they get back home. We recommend The Book Thief.
Pros:
- It is age-appropriate for older tweens and teenagers
- It is informative
- Your child will have something to keep them distracted whenever they have enough time on their own
Cons:
- Cumbersome for little kids or kids that are generally not interested in history-based stories.
Product summary
It is worth the purchase
8. Stationery supply for kids
What’s a camping care package without a few stationery supplies? Your child will have use for every item in this stationery set.
Pros:
- It is a cute little organized set for children
- It has the basic stationery needs
- It is affordable
Cons:
- We hope every item in the stationary works well
Product summary
It is a nice stationery set for kids.
9. Comic books
A collection of Marvel comics in a summer camp care package will be thrilling for any child who is obsessed with Marvel stories.
Pros:
- It has amazing picture and lots of interesting marvel characters
- The collection will give your child enough stories feast on
- Worth the price
Cons:
- Some comic books tend to repeat print which can be annoying. Hopefully, not this one.
Product summary
Marvel comic books are interesting.
10. Training ball
Rugby game with other campers during free hours is a fun way to spend time with other teenagers.
Pros:
- The size and quality of the ball is great for teenagers
- Easy to inflate and use
Cons:
- You might want to include a ball pump
Product summary
A good camp care package idea for teenagers.
Camp goodies
What is a care package without enough goodies in it? If goodies are allowed at the camp, here are several awesome treats to include in a summer care package;
11. Nestle smarties
A good childhood chocolate treat like Nestle smarties will make her evenings colorful as she shares stories and chocolate with her camp friends.
Pros:
- Smarties taste great
- Always available on Amazon
Cons:
- Expensive
Product summary
Nestle Smarties are yummy treats to add to a care package for kids at camp
12. M&M chocolate bar variety
If your son will be going for a sleep-away camp with friends, this M&M chocolate bar variety pack is a great item to buy for him. Thirty bars of chocolate will serve him and his friends well.
Pros:
- The delivery is usually fast
- The chocolates arrive in good condition
- The variety pack saves you the time of shopping for variety candy to add in a care package
- It is a great buy.
Cons:
- A few customers have noted that they had chocolate bars missing from their pack.
Product summary
This is a good camping care package idea for teenagers.
13. Jelly candies
A lot of us have secretly munched on Jelly candies while waiting for food to be served at summer camps. They are pocket-friendly and absolutely delicious.
Pros:
- This brand has great reviews. It must be really delicious.
- It has been packaged beautifully
Cons:
- A little expensive
Product summary
This will be a good item to add to a summer camp care package for kids at camp.
14. Chips variety pack
Ordering this Frito-lay variety pack is very convenient when you are making a care package filled with lots of snacks.
Pros:
- This variety pack saves you a lot of time, trouble, and creativity when making the care package from scratch.
- 8 different varieties of chips is a good deal.
- It is always available on Amazon
Cons:
- Some customers have gotten packs that are close to the expiration date
Product summary
It is worth buying.
15. Mentos chewing gum
Don’t forget to add tasty gums to their care packages.
Pros:
- Two packs out of these four are enough for him and his friends for the duration of the camp.
- It is easier to share Mentos chewing gum because of the shape of the gums and packaging too.
Cons:
- You can only hope they do not finish the pack at a go
Product summary
The packaging of this gum makes it a better choice for summer camps.
Care package idea for teenager going camping with friends
Here are a number of gift you could get for teenagers who will be heading out to camp with friends for a few days and would be inaccessible for a visit from you;
16. Sunglasses
Looking cool and being cool is a big deal for teenagers. It is part of creating an impression. Well, it would be nice to help them be their coolest self when camping with friends, and adding this nice pair of glasses to their camping care package is a good idea.
Pros:
- They have polarized lenses
- The lenses come in different shades to choose from
- These sunglasses look cool
- They don’t cost much
Cons:
- It is best to order the glasses on time so that they arrive early before your child heads out to camp.
Product summary
This pair of glasses is a cool item to add to a summer camping care package for teenagers.
17. Campers t-shirt
If you are looking for an item to hype the moment before they leave for camp, this shirt is a nice gift for summer campers. You might get to see them rock it before they head out to camp.
Pros:
- The shirt has a good rating which speaks for its quality
- The graphics is simple and nice
- The shirt comes in a range of colors
Cons:
- We hope that sizing will not be an issue
Product summary
This is a lovely t-shirt for summer campers.
18. World smallest scrabble game
Include some entertainment like big board games. For their convenience, you can choose to get them the World’s smallest board games on Amazon. This Scrabble game is just as enjoyable as the normal size.
Pros:
- The size is convenient to carry around.
- The quality of the game is great
Cons:
- In case you are not sure of the board game to get, you could opt to buy 4 set world smallest games.
Product summary
A fun item to add in a camp care package for teenagers or tweens.
19. Ankle socks
A few pairs of cute socks in a sleepaway camping care package will do your daughter some good. She might decide to take a pair and share the rest among her friends as a way of bonding. They are cute after all.
Pros:
- These are fun socks for storytelling nights
- The socks has great reviews for being soft and comfortable
Cons:
- A few customers had issues with the fitting of the socks. We think these pairs will look great on teenagers.
Product summary
These are cute socks worth buying.
20. Bucket hats
It gets pretty hot out there and a bucket hat will be very helpful on their adventure. Putting a cool bucket hat in their camping care package for teenagers will be enough motivation to use it, and we think these ones look lovely.
Pros:
- The pair comes at a good price
- Your teenager will use them interchangeably depending on his outfit
- The quality of the pair seems ok, customers are content with it.
Cons:
- They have a flappy/ flowery fall when they are worn. They don’t stand straight. Either way, they are still cute.
Product summary
These bucket hats look cool enough for teenagers to use.
21. Mini photo album
Where’s the fun if all the adventure stays in mind and there is nothing to look back at or share with others after camping? A lovely mini photo album and a portable photo printer is a good summer camp care package idea for teenagers.
Pros:
- It has enough pockets for pictures
- The cover looks thick and beautiful
- This mini album has a good rating and review on Amazon
Cons:
- If you do not like the idea of a mini photo album, you could get a nice scrapbook instead. Scrapbooks give enough room for creativity. Check out this scrapbook album.
Product summary
We think adding this album to a summer camp care package for your teenager is a great idea.
22. Smartphone photo printer
Just in case teenagers are allowed to hold their smartphones at summer camp, this smartphone photo printer and a mini photo album will be some of the best gifts you can include in a summer care package for teenagers.
Pros:
- This printer prints decent photos
- It is easy to use and set up
- They will enjoy and share on-the-go pictures with friends at camp
- This gift will still be valued long after summer camp
Cons:
- The printer costs a lot and the films are not cheap either. Be ready to spend on films in the future, except your teenager can handle the cost.
Product summary
This is an amazing gift for a summer camper.
23. Travel mug
Travel mugs are always great gifts for campers, you just have to pick out the right one and we think that this Contigo insulated mug will do just fine for your teenager.
Pros:
- The size is perfect for camping.
- The insulated feature works well
- The mug is durable
Cons:
- A few customers got mugs with defeats
Product summary
Contigo mugs are great. No doubt that this is a perfect mug for camping.
24. Portable camping hammock
If they will be camping in the woods, a portable camping hammock will be a wonderful item to get your teenager for camp.
Pros:
- This brand seems to have sturdy hammocks. The reviews and ratings on this product are excellent
Cons:
- It looks too big to swallow a person. However, a lot of customers noted that it is super comfortable.
Product summary
This item will last for many camping adventures if the quality is as good as customers rate it.
Summer camp friendship gift ideas
Summer camps aren’t just about your child/ren but also other people that will make their stay memorable. It is always a great idea to include a few items your child could give as a gift to the amazing friends they will meet at summer camp.
25. Rainbow lip gloss
Little girls are usually excited about makeup products. You put this Rainbow lip gloss set in your daughter’s camping care package as gifts for summer campers she will be making as besties.
Pros:
- The colors of the lips gloss are attractive and wholesome for little ladies. They get to enjoy a variety of colors in one gloss. They will also love its glittery shine.
- They smell delicious
Cons:
- We hope they do not lick the gloss for its yummy taste.
Product summary
This is a perfect summer camp gift for 5-8 year old girls.
26. Friendship bracelet
Friendship bracelets are great gifts for friends of tweens and teenagers and this colorful set is perfect.
Pros:
- The designs of these bracelets are beautiful, friends will be happy to get them.
- They are reasonably priced
- This will make a lovely gift.
- The size is perfect for tweens, and teenagers
Cons:
- Too cute
Product summary
The patterns on the bracelets are pretty and their length is good enough for any wrist size.
27. Floral hairpins
These floral hairpins are small simple and pretty gifts that can be given to camp friends. They are not ‘extra’. They are perfect for teens.
Pros:
- The pins come in different pretty designs
- It arrives in a pretty package
Cons:
- Not cheap, but the price seems fair for the product.
Product summary
Pretty items for kids
28. Letter writing stationery set
Writing lovely letters to friends at summer camp is equally a wonderful parting gift and a pretty stationery set like this one will add to the overall presentation of this gift.
Pros:
- The papers and envelope set looks cute
- They are affordable
- It comes recommended
Cons:
- A customer noted that the papers had quotes on them.
Product summary
With this paper stationery set, your daughter can get creative about how she wants to include other little gifts inside the letter envelope.
Summer camp counselor gift ideas
29. Portable mirror
A pretty mirror like this one is a lovely item to give a camp counselor.
Pros:
- It looks elegant and well-made.
- Affordable
Cons:
- You might be enticed to get a few more for yourself and friends
Product summary
This is a cool summer camp counselor gift idea
30. Journal notebook gift set
Journal sets are usually good gifts for professionals. They are impersonal and useful. This set looks nice.
Pros:
- The journal is beautifully packaged. The packaging gives it a classy presentation
- The set looks great and comes in pretty colors
- Customers are happy with its quality
Cons:
- If you plan on buying a gift for many counselors, it might be expensive.
Product summary
This is a beautiful gift for a summer camp counselor.
31. Appreciation keychain
If you are looking for something small, appreciation keychains are the best. We think this one is perfect.
Pros:
- The craftsmanship is stunning
- Keychains are sturdy items, they will last
- The inspirational quote is beautiful and clearly written
Cons:
- Might cost much if you intend getting for a handful of counselors
Product summary
We think that this is a nice camp care package item for counselors.
FAQ
1. What can I send my child for summer camp?
- DIY crafts
- Mini board games
- Lots of goodies (chips, chocolate bars, and candies, jelly beans, jerky beef, raisins and nuts, biscuits and bubble gums)
- Comics
- A few stationery supplies like (paint markers, scrapbooks and colorful pens and drawing pad and pencils)
- Camp journals
- Puzzles
- Magazine or short novels
- Don’t forget to write a letter for your honey bun.
2. What can I put in a care package for a teenager going to camp with friends or sleepaway camp with friends?
- Bucket hats for summer camping
- Chocolate bar variety pack
- Ankle socks
- Sport balls
- T-shirt
- Insulated mug
- Portable photo printer
- Portable camping hammock
CONCLUSION
When preparing a summer camp care package for your child, always remember that your child will be meeting other people and therefore include a thing or two for them too.
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