As a parent, you are probably gearing up for summer and trying to find a balance between making great summer memories and providing activities to keep your child’s mind and body stimulated. Summer camp is a great option!

Preparing your child for summer camp can be daunting, especially if it’s your first time. Not only do you have to research the best camps and register your child, but then the real work begins as you get everything prepped and ready to go for that first week of June.

Most camps, regardless of the type, will provide you with a checklist for your child. But we’ve compiled lists from a variety of sources to provide you with the ultimate summer camp checklist to make packing a breeze.

Keep in mind that this list may vary depending on age, gender and length of stay. Here is everything you need to remember when prepping for summer camp:

Pro tip: No matter what’s on the list, the most important task to remember is to LABEL EVERYTHING!

Outdoor items

• Bug spray
• Sunscreen
• Flashlight
• Sleeping bag
• Aloe
• Goggles

Food and drinks

• Lunch
• Snacks
• Money
• Refillable water bottle

Clothes

• Activewear
• Pajamas
• Socks and underwear
• Rain jacket
• Light jacket
• Swimsuits
• Sandals
• Tennis shoes
• Costume pieces for theme days/nights
• Required equipment (ex. helmet, special shoes/boots, fishing pole, etc)
• Watch
• Bandana
• Baseball cap or hats

Toiletries

• Deodorant
• Shower items (body wash, shampoo, conditioner)
• Face wash
• Tissue
• Toothpaste and toothbrush
• Hand sanitizer
• Toiletry caddy
• Nail clippers
• Hairbrush and hair accessories

Personal items

• Backpack
• Book
• Sunglasses
• Medications
• Miniature first aid kit
• Pillow and blanket
• Towels
• Pens and stationery
• Disposable camera
• Laundry bag

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s new COVID-19 guidelines for summer camps say fully vaccinated staff and campers don’t need masks. "Although fully vaccinated persons do not need to wear masks, camps can be supportive of staff or campers who choose to continue to wear a mask," the new guidelines said. Still, the CDC says kids can get sick and spread it to others, so it is good to take precautions, and it’s important to get vaccinated. Keep in mind, some camps may have specific rules and guidelines. Check with your child's camp to see if things like wearing a mask or having the vaccine are required.

For more information about COVID-19, visit https://www.ochsner.org/corona...

Did you know Ochsner Fitness Center provides several summer camp options? Check them out at https://digital.ochsner.org/summercamps/.