How To Get Your Child Ready for Sleepaway Camp

Preparing for overnight camp is more than just checking items off a list, it’s about preparing for a summer that will change your kids for the better. While this guide will help you get their bags ready, the real “ready” is when they bring back more confidence and independence after camp. 

Overnight camp is the perfect chance to hit pause. It gives your child the space to grow, unplug, and just be a kid again. At Camp Frank A. Day (CFAD), we believe camp is transformational. It’s a place where children build face-to-face friendships and try things that they’ve never done before, from archery to paddleboarding and kayaking. Whether they’re joining the freshman unit or as a senior, they will come back home with a reset and a stronger sense of self. 

How to Get Your Child Ready for an Overnight Camp 

You can help them feel confident and excited. 

• Talk it up. Focus on the fun stuff: s’mores, kayaking, swimming, new friends.
• Pack together. Use our guide below or the Camp Frank A. Day checklist so your child feels in control. 
• Address nerves. Homesickness is normal. Tell them it’s OK to miss home and still love camp. Our counselors are trained to help. 

Packing for adventure: The Camp Frank A. Day Guide 

The countdown to summer camp is officially on! Getting the packing right is the first step towards a great experience. 

Here is a simple guide to everything you need to bring to the overnight camp. 

Clothing and Footwear 

Camp life means being active on both the lakefront and athletic fields, so think “comfortable and durable” 

• Pack 13 pairs of socks and 13 pairs of underwear.
• Bring 12 t-shirts and 4-7 pairs of shorts.
• Nights can get chilly, so pack 1-2 sweatshirts or fleeces and 2-3 pairs of long trousers.
• Pack 2-3 swimsuits so there is always a dry one ready.
• Include 1 rain jacket; rain boots are a great optional addition too.
• You’ll need 1-2 pairs of sneakers and 1 pair of beach shoes (not flip flops). 

Toiletries and Hygiene 

Keep everything organized in 1 shower bucket or caddy to make trips to the bathroom easy. 

• Daily essentials: pack liquid body wash, shampoo/conditioner, hairbrush or comb, and toothpaste.
• Pack 2 toothbrushes just in case one gets lost. 
• You’ll need 2 bath towels and 1 beach towel. 
• Bring 2 laundry bags to keep the dirty clothes separate from the clean ones.

Important Items 

These small items make a big difference 

• Pack sunscreen and 2 cans of insect repellent. 
• A flashlight with extra batteries is a must have. 
• Don’t forget a water bottle. 
• Pack paper, pens, stamps and some reading material for quiet time. 

Cabins have bunk beds with twin size mattresses. The bunks are low the ground and large suitcase and trunks do not fit underneath them. We recommend packing items in Sterlite large 3-drawer containers or a thin suitcase/duffle bag. See the second page of the Camp Frank A. Day checklist for example pictures of what type of items in which to pack their belongings.

Bedding 

Each cabin has electricity, but it’s the bedding that makes the cabin feel like home. 

• Pack a sleeping bag, 2 sets of twin sheets and 2 blankets.
• Bring a pillow and 2 pillowcases.
• A battery powered clip fan is optional for those warmer nights. 

Optional Items 

These extras can add to the fun 

• Disposable cameras are great for capturing moments with friends and fellow campers.
• Pack goggles.
• Feel free to have a comfort item (like a favorite stuffed animal) or even a musical instrument or sports equipment. 

Why choose Camp Frank A. Day? 

We know you want to feel more confident about where your child spends their summer. 

• A Place to Belong: CFAD was recognized as the Best Camp for Shy Kids in 2025. Our counselors are experts at making all the campers feel included. 
• Safety First: Safety is our top priority. From background checks to being CPR/First Aid certified our staff and volunteers are ensuring your child’s wellbeing. 
• Real Connection: With no phones and no WI-FI your child will gain social skills and a deep connection to nature. 
• Activities: Campers get to choose from a wide range like swimming, archery, team sports, leadership and more. 

Let’s make this summer unforgettable. 

Want to Sign Your Kids Up? Spots are still available for summer 2026.