Summer camp is right around the corner. It’s hard to miss the 6 empty duffel bags sprawled across my floor.  They are ready to be filled with summer camp essentials ranging from underwear to handheld water-misting fans.

Packing for three kids headed to overnight camp can be somewhat daunting, but it somehow all works out in the end. Everyone makes it to camp and has what he needs.

Most camps provide a packing list, which helps guide the packing process. In a few short days it will look like a bomb went off in our house, with piles of clothing and other necessities waiting to find their way into the appropriate duffel bag.

Each year I try to create a list of must-haves for those families looking for safer camp supplies and other essentials.

Here are a few to add to that camp survival  kit (*affiliate links):

Toms of Maine Toothpaste 

I’ve added Tom’s of Maine Fluoride Free Children’s Toothpaste to our survival kit this year. Many flavors have been tested and Silly Strawberry is the only flavor that my kids will use, so we’re sticking with it.

Garden Goddess Organic Sunscreen and Babyganics Sunscreen

This year I’m adding a new sunscreen to my list of favorite sunscreens. My kids actually like it and don’t complain. Can’t beat that. Goddess Garden Kids Natural Sunscreen is our sunscreen of choice for camp this summer. The ingredients are safe and it doesn’t go on thick and white. In addition to the regular tube of sunscreen is also comes in a pump bottle and a spray bottle. I’m not a fan of spray sunscreens, but if you’re going to use one this is as safe as it gets.

Another option is Babyganics Mineral-Based Sunscreen which doesn’t contain PABA, phthalates, parabens, fragrances or nano-particles.

Emily Body Lotion and Soap

We use Emily Baby & Adult Skin Soother (Unscented) for everything including bug bites, rashes and eczema and Emily Super Dry Skin Soother for those really dry patches of skin. I’ll also be sending a bar of Emily Skin Soothing Soap (Unscented). I love the smell of this soap.

Mabel’s Labels Clothing Labels 

I’m a big fan of Mabel’s Labels for labeling clothing. Everything that goes to camp has to be labeled or it won’t make it home. My favorite labels are Mabel’s Labels Tag Mates, which stick directly onto the clothing tag and don’t come off. I also love the Limited Edition Camp Combo Packs, which includes a variety of labels (the shoe labels are awesome!).

Stationary to Write Home

There are a few different options when it comes to stationary. I always try to make it simple for the camper so they’ll hopefully write home more often. If you have a younger camper this Bunk Junk Sports Fold Over Stationeryis great. They can check off a few boxes and send it home with a lot of valuable information. For older kids who want to write more Bunk Junk Sports Stars Fold Over Stationery is perfect.

Babyganics Bug Repellent

There are two brands of bug repellent to add to your summer camp survival kit. I’ve been using  a DEET free bug repellent called Buzzaway  for a few years and it really works well. I’m also trying Babyganics Natural Insect Repellent. If you’re looking for natural ways to treat bug bites take a peek  HERE.

Babyganics Shampoo and Body Wash

If you’re looking for a safe shampoo that your kids will probably use try Babyganics Shampoo + Body Wash . With no parabens, sulfates, phthalates, mineral oil, petrolatum, fragrance or dyes, this is a perfect choice for a non-toxic summer!

My camp essentials list changes a bit each year as new products are released and formulations change. Here are a few summer camp posts from years past:

• 5 Non-Toxic Summer Camp Essentials
• Non-Toxic Summer Camp Supplies
• My Picks for Non-Toxic Shampoos
• Tips to Prepare Your Child for Sleepaway Camp
• Summer Camp Essentials

 

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*Thank you to Goddess Garden Organics, Babyganics and Emily for sending products to review. The opinions and thoughts contained in this post are 100% mine. I only work with companies I support and think you, my readers, will like. Some links are affiliate links meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may get a small commission if you make a purchase. Thank you for supporting this site!

photo credit: DSC_9177 via photopin (license)