The Ultimate Parent Guide to packing for a day of summer camp.
Getting Ready for an Amazing Summer
Your Neighbourhood Camp, London Ontario
The countdown to camp is on! As your child gets excited to join friends at Your Neighbourhood Camp in London, Ontario, one of the biggest parent questions we hear is:
“What should I pack for day camp?”
Packing for a summer camp in London Ontario doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right items (and a few pro tips from our team), your camper will be comfortable, confident, and ready for every adventure.
🧢 Everyday Essentials for Camp
No matter which program your child attends, these items should be in every backpack:
Reusable water bottle: Staying hydrated is key during warm London Ontario summer days.
Sunscreen & hat: Protect against sunburn with a labelled bottle of sunscreen and a wide-brim hat or baseball cap.
Nut-free lunch & snacks: Our day camp London ON programs are nut-free to keep everyone safe. Pack lunches in reusable containers and add an ice pack for freshness.
Comfortable running shoes: Camps involve lots of movement — avoid sandals or flip-flops.
Light jacket or hoodie: Weather can change quickly; layers keep kids comfortable.
🩱 Water & Outdoor Gear
At Your Neighbourhood Camp London Ontario, outdoor play and water activities are a big part of the fun. Depending on the week’s schedule, include:
Swimsuit & towel (in a waterproof bag)
Extra change of clothes (especially for younger campers)
Plastic bag for wet or muddy clothes
Bug spray (labelled with your child’s name)
🎨 Creative & Special-Activity Items
Our inclusive summer camp in London Ontario blends art, science, sports, and imagination. To make sure your child is ready for every surprise activity, pack:
wear an old T-shirt for messy crafts save your nice new clothing for back to school we like to get messy at camp.
Indoor shoes (if required for gym or rainy days)
A favourite book or small comfort item for quiet time just incase
Labelled personal items — names help us reunite lost treasures quickly!
💡 Pro Tips from Camp Staff
Label everything. From lunch boxes to hoodies — if it’s not labelled, it may never make it home!
Skip valuables. Leave electronics and expensive toys at home; our goal is outdoor fun and unplugged play.
Pack together. Letting your child help pack builds independence and confidence — skills we nurture daily at Your Neighbourhood Camp.
Use a checklist. Create a “camp morning” list and tape it near your door to make mornings stress-free.
Wear crocks they are comfortable for a day of play an also can be worn in the water!
Field Trip Days — Pack Light!
On field trip days, we recommend keeping things simple since campers will be carrying their own bags. Please pack light — just the essentials: a swimsuit, hat, small towel, water bottle, and nut-free lunch. This helps your child stay comfortable while moving between activities and ensures they can manage their own belongings with confidence.
What Not to Pack
For everyone’s safety and comfort, please avoid packing:
Electronics (phones, tablets, gaming devices)
Toys with small parts or sentimental value that don’t want to be shared or possibly lost.
Nuts or nut-based products including peanuts
Any medication without prior discussion with staff
💚 Peace of Mind for Parents
Our staff — a team of trained Early Childhood Educators, Child and Youth Workers, and teachers — ensure every camper’s belongings stay organized and safe throughout the day. We encourage parents to check bags together after camp to make sure nothing’s missing and talk about the day’s adventures.
✅ Ready for Camp?
Packing right helps your child focus on what really matters — fun, friendship, and confidence.
Whether your camper is joining us for summer camp, PA day camp, or March Break camp in London Ontario, this simple checklist ensures a smooth, stress-free experience for the whole family.
👉 Download our printable packing checklist and register for summer at YourNeighbourhoodCamp.com
Make this summer unforgettable — with every item checked and every smile ready. 🌞
