Sending your child to summer camp for the first time? Wondering what to pack, when to register, or how to survive the week while they’re away? We’ve created these free downloadable guides to make camp planning easier—from choosing the right program through drop-off day and beyond.
These printable checklists, calendars, and guides have helped thousands of Virginia families prepare for day camps, sleepaway camps, and specialty programs across the state. Download what you need, print them at home, and tackle camp season with confidence.
What’s included:
- Age-specific packing lists (5-8, 9-12, teens) – Never forget bug spray, extra socks, or sunscreen again
- 25 questions to ask before choosing a camp – Safety, supervision, policies that matter
- Camp Mom’s Survival Kit – What to do with your time while they’re away
- Parent’s Survival Guide – Handling homesickness calls, visiting day, and emotions
All downloads are completely free. No email required (though we’d love to have you join our newsletter!).
Summer Camp Packing Lists By Age
Ages 5-8 Camp Packing List
Perfect for: First-time campers, day camps, short overnight programs
What’s included:
- Clothing quantities for 3, 5, and 7-day sessions
- Toiletries young kids actually need (not the full adult list!)
- Comfort items for homesickness
- Labeling tips (because everything gets lost at camp)
- What NOT to pack (camps will confiscate these!)
Ages 9-12 Camp Packing List
Perfect for: Tweens, week-long camps, specialty programs
What’s included:
- Clothing for active outdoor Virginia summers (breathable fabrics!)
- Rain gear for afternoon thunderstorms
- Bug spray and tick prevention essentials
- Flashlight, water bottle, and camp must-haves
- Tech policies (what electronics ARE allowed at most camps)
Teens Camp Packing List
Perfect for: Teens, leadership programs, 2-week sessions
What’s included:
- Age-appropriate toiletries and personal care
- What laundry supplies to send (if camp has laundry)
- Electronics policies at Virginia camps (most allow phones on specific days)
- Packing efficiently for longer sessions
- Items teens want vs. what they actually need
25 Essential Questions to Ask Before Choosing A Camp
Not all camps are created equal. Before you register, ask these 25 questions about safety, supervision, staff training, and policies that matter most to families.
Topics covered:
- Safety & supervision: Staff-to-camper ratios, background checks, emergency protocols
- Daily schedule: What a typical day looks like, free time vs. structured activities
- Food & allergies: How camps handle dietary restrictions and allergies
- Homesickness: Policies for phone calls, visits, and picking up early
- Red flags to watch for during camp tours and interviews
Why parents love it: “We were about to register at a camp that seemed perfect, but when we asked about their staff training, they got defensive. That question from your list saved us from a bad experience.” – Priya K., Fairfax
Use this guide when:
- Touring camps in person
- Calling camp directors
- Comparing multiple options
- Making your final decision
Parent’s Survival Guide
Homesickness, Visiting Day & More
Your child WILL call homesick. Here’s what to say (and what NOT to say), plus tips for surviving visiting day, managing your emotions, and trusting camp staff.
What’s covered:
- The homesick phone call: Scripts for what to say when they’re crying
- When to worry vs. when to trust camp: Red flags vs. normal adjustment
- Visiting day dos and don’ts: How not to make it worse
- Letter writing tips kids will actually read
- What to do when YOU’RE the one struggling
The Camp Mom’s Survival Kit
Your child is at camp—now what? Survive the quiet house with ideas for reclaiming your time, managing “I miss them” feelings, and making the most of kid-free days.
What’s included:
- Projects you’ve been postponing (organize those 2019 photos!)
- Errands you can finally do alone (Target without “Can we get this?!”)
- Self-care menu: Basic (take a bath), Intermediate (yoga class), Advanced (weekend getaway!)
- Tips for resisting the urge to call camp every day
- How to handle your OWN emotions about them being gone
You have approximately 168 hours of (relative) freedom. Here’s how to make them count.
How To Use These Camp Downloads
FIRST-TIME CAMP PARENTS:
- Start with 25 Questions to Ask to choose the right camp
- Use Camp Countdown Calendar after registering
- Download the age-appropriate packing list 2 weeks before camp
- Read Parent’s Survival Guide before drop-off
- Keep Camp Mom’s Survival Kit for while they’re away
VETERAN CAMP PARENTS:
Even if your child has been to camp before, these downloads help you:
- Stay organized with the countdown calendar
- Ensure you’re not forgetting anything (packing lists)
- Prepare for new challenges (older kids, longer sessions)
PRINT & SHARE:
Feel free to print multiple copies, share with friends, or forward to your co-parent. We just ask that you don’t modify or sell them—and if you share online, please link back to this page so other families can find them too!
Why We Created These Resources
I’m Jennifer Bryerton, M.A.Ed., publisher of VirginiaSummerCamp.com and CharlottesvilleFamily Magazine. For over 15 years, I’ve organized the CharlottesvilleFamily Camp Expo, where I’ve talked with thousands of families about their camp experiences—the amazing moments and the stressful ones. I’ve coordinated with Camp Directors and the American Camp Association to create resources for parents and even built VirginiaSummerCamp.com, an authoritative guide.
These downloads solve the problems I heard over and over:
- “I didn’t know what to pack and forgot half the essentials.”
- “I wish I’d asked more questions before registering.”
- “The homesick call caught me completely off guard.”
- “I felt so lost the week my daughter was at camp.”
If these guides help even one family have a smoother, less stressful camp experience, they’ve done their job.