Your Ultimate Summer Camp Checklist -10 Essentials for Camp

Summer camp season is coming, and those cargo shorts and swimsuits your kids took with them in Summer 2019 have probably seen better days by now. But don’t worry, you still have plenty of time to stock up on the camp essentials your kids need to have a fun week away from Mom and Dad.

Lucky for you, you can get most everything on your list of camp must-haves at Hibbett | City Gear! From duffel bags, sneakers and tees to swimsuits, swim accessories and slides, shop our ultimate Summer Camp packing list below.

A Duffle Bag or Backpack

Sure, deciding what clothes and kicks your kids will want to take to camp can be challenging, but maybe even more challenging is picking out the perfect bag for carrying it all!

Will your middle schooler be at basketball training camp for two weeks? Consider investing in a large duffle bag capable of carrying equipment AND clothing. Something like the Jordan Jumpman duffle that’s durable, water-resistant AND features a large main compartment is a great option.

Is your Tiger Cub going for a three-day camp out with his troop? Rather than a duffle, a backpack might be a better option. The North Face Jester backpack for example features 360-degree reflectivity, FlexVent technology that contributes to an unbelievably comfortable ride, and a highly breathable lumbar panel for maximum breathability, all certified by the American Chiropractic Association. Plus, this pack has an adjustable sternum strap for extra support and two external water bottle pockets to ensure your future Eagle Scout stays hydrated.

If your daughter, aka the next Meagan Rapino, will be spending her summer going to and from various soccer day camps, a sporty sack pack-style bag should be sufficient for storing her stuff. We like the Franklin Deluxe Soccer Sack because of its signature smart ball carry system that makes it easy to transport balls to and from the field.

All Over Print and Graphic Tees

Summer camp clothing should meet three basic requirements:

1. Be UBER comfortable
2. Be breathable and easy to move in
3. Look super cool

Nike, Under Armour and Jordan’s summer collections of all-over print and graphic tees check each of these boxes and more.

Kids are keepin’ things cool this summer with Under Armour’s Boys’ Icee Truck and Popsicle tees. Little girls’ are soaking up those sunny summer vibes in tees like Nike’s Girls’ Tie Dye Gel and Kid’s Festival Tie Dye tops.

And what kid wouldn’t want to wear this Jordan Youth Post Up “Mint” tee? It’s both breathable and sporty, showing playground pals that you didn’t just come to play but you came to win.

Athletic Shorts and Bikers

Your kids are likely to be on the go from sun up to sun down while they’re away at camp this summer, which means they need shorts that offer them a full range of motion and promise to stand up against the roughest of play.

Some of our forever favorite boys’ and girls’ shorts include Nike’ Tempo shorts and Nike’ Dri-Fit atheltic shorts, Under Armour’s Play Up runners, adidas’ boys’ gym shorts and Jordan’s girls’ bike shorts.

Socks

At summer camp socks have a short life cycle. They start the day strong, but by the end, they are damp and dirty. That’s why making sure your kids have enough socks packed to last them their entire time away is so important. With our selection of socks from brands like Jordan, adidas and Under Armour we can ensure that wet socks won’t stop the fun.

Soft and oh-so-comfy, Nike Everyday Kid’s Cushioned Socks are designed for all day, any day. They’re powered by Dri-FIT tech to help keep little feet dry so kiddos can go all out from short walks to big adventures and everything in between confidently. Plus the crew cut of these socks helps prevent insect bites at the ankles and blisters from forming after long days of play.

adidas’ Badge of Sport moisture-wicking youth size ankle socks are also summer camp-approved.

Oh! And no bag is completely packed without Under Armour’s Essential No Show Socks that use anti-odor technology to prevent the growth of odor-causing microbes, wick away moisture and dry on a dime AND employ strategic cushioning to reduce bulk, deliver flexibility & improve breathability.

Sneakers for Sport and Play

Where your kid is camping plays a big role in what sneakers they should pack. If your daughter’s Girl Scout troop is heading out for a four-day wilderness adventure, she should bring with her a pair of sturdy trail running or hiking shoes, like a pair of New Balance’s Propel “Blue/White” Grade School Girls’ Shoes.

Two weeks at church camp probably doesn’t call for anything as high-tech as hiking boots, but a comfortable pair of sneakers that won’t give out after a few wears is still a must. Running shoes and casual kicks from adidas’ NMD_R1 and Swift Run lines are no-brainer options to consider.

Headed to theatre, art or band camp? Styles from Nike’s Air Max or Blazer collections, Puma’s Rider or RS lines and Reebok’s Classics collection are sure to steal the spotlight.

Sandals and Slides

Its also a good idea to pack a pair of slip on shoes or slides in your kid’s camping bag for wear to the showers or the pool. How about a pair of slides or (our personal favorites) a pair of Crocs? These styles are breathable, easy to put on and take off and super simple to keep clean.

Swimsuits and Swim Accessories

What is summer camp without a little bit of swimming? Whether at the lake, the YMCA or camp pool, make sure your little mermaid or Michael-Phelps-in-the-making isn’t stuck sitting poolside without a suit.

Hibbett | City Gear’s selection of swimwear from brands like Dolphin and Nike is stocked with styles that feature everything you should look for in a kids’ swimsuit.

In the market for something that is ergonomically designed for young athletes, but still super cute? Gift your girl the Dolfin Girls’ Uglies Sweet Dreams One-Piece Swimsuit. Your diving diva will tell you how much easier it is for her to do a headstand in the pool thanks to her unrestricted range of motion. And you’ll love it too for its durable construction and chlorine fade resistant and UPF 50+ sun protection tech.

Looking for something a little more in tune with your pre-teen’s style preferences? She’ll love Nike’ Girls’ Pixel Party Spiderback Bikini Swim Set. This sporty girls’ two-piece swimsuit features an ergonomically enhanced fit that’s ideal for young athletes. The fashionable spiderback design provides optimal coverage while allowing for a greater range of motion as she swims. Flat seams increase comfort against the skin and the colorful pixel print makes this suit an eye-catching addition to any swimwear collection.

Does your son burn easily in the sun? Keep him safe and stylish with Nike’s Boys’ Matrix Swoosh Hydroguard Swim Shirt and Shark Breaker 8″ Volley Swim Shorts.

Up top, Dri-FIT technology helps keep him dry while UV protection and long sleeve coverage helps him safely enjoy time in the sun. In or out of the water, the bold swoosh print on this swim guard pops while the internal neck tape offers added comfort against the skin. And the swim trunks? Well those are just really cool to look at.

Last on the list for swim essentials — don’t forget the goggles.

Rainy Weather Wear

Even though summertime is for sun and fun, the occasional shower pops up, catching kids unawares while they’re on the practice field, headed to the cafeteria or learning how to canoe. And even if there’s no chance of rain, we all remember how cold camp auditoriums can get.

Be sure to pack your happy camper a lightweight jacket, like the Nike Sportswear Tech Pack Big Boys’ Black Packable Jacket, in their sack. This double threat summer wardrobe essential is not only water-repellant and airy, but it also folds up into a carrying bag for easy transport.

We also recommend the classic kids’ Nike Sportwear Windrunner.

Reusable Water Bottle & Sunnies

Finally, be sure to check these items off your packing list, too – a reusable water bottle and some sunglasses!