Camp Care Packages Tips and Ideas

If you know someone traveling to summer camp this year, show them that you are thinking of them by sending one of these amazing camp care packages that will have them waiting for mail call.

10 Camp Care Packages Your Favorite Camper Will Enjoy

According to the American Camp Association, each year over 11 million children and adults attend some kind of summer camp in the United States.

This equates to just as many if not more campers of all ages looking longingly for that special card or package during the daily mail delivery.

Care packages are part of the fun for many summer campers and this is especially true for those intrepid first-timers.

You can show you are thinking of them by mailing a care package or slipping a fun greeting card in the mail.

What to Put in Your Camper’s Care Package?

Some summer camps have expressed do’s and don’ts for camp care packages. So before you go all out and buy something that might get confiscated, review the camp’s rules first.

Here are some tried and true do’s and don’ts camp care package ideas from this veteran mom:

Don’t overdo it. Remember, your child will need to bring whatever isn’t used back home, so packing a large crate with fun items may be overboard.

Err on picking a handful of items for weekly attendees and a larger box (or even divide it up for each week they are at camp) if your camper is staying longer.

Make it fun. No one wants to just receive another pair of socks or a tube of tooth paste, although it may be something that they really need.

Don’t forget to include something fun besides the mundane.

Pack it well. Whatever you send, be sure to pack it well. If you are sending any foodstuff, make sure you pack it in resealable containers.

This is especially important if your camper is located in a remote setting, because foodstuff may be tempting to bears, raccoons, and squirrels among other critters that would love to devour your tempting baked goods.

Camp Care Package Must-Have’s

Each year I try to be more creative and fun with my camp care packages and you can too!

Here are my top 10 favorite ideas that I’m sure young and old campers will enjoy:

1. Camp Journal

A camp journal is the perfect gift to write down those important memories, insert collected leaves and such, as well as any photographs. The best part of this gift is that it will last long after the last camp song has been sung and your camper is finally home safe and sound.

2. Mad Libs

I can’t think of anything that is so camp-worthy as a Mad Libs book. These books can easily be slipped into a day pack or enjoyed on rainy days.

3. Camp Bunk + Conversation Starter Game

Camp Bunk is the perfect ice breaker game for big laughs and a way to get to know the other campers. With over 82 original questions, your child and their cabin mates will be giggling for hours.

4. Glow in the Dark Care Package

Even a veteran camper would love to receive this collection of glow-in-the-dark activities, games and objects. You can be sure that the fun will continue long after the sun sets.

5. Summer Fun Care Package

In every camp there is some free time worked into the schedule. But it doesn’t mean that it has to be boring. Instead, send these summer fun care package items for hours of fun and play.

6. Games + Puzzles + Activities Oh My!

For the serious gamer or puzzle addict, why not include a care package of games and puzzles. They will never be at a loss of what to do, because this care package has it all!

7. A Mystery

Summer camp wouldn’t be complete without a mystery. So be sure to slip in this suspense thriller from Mary-Kate and Ashley.

8. Scary & Silly Campfire Stories

There’s nothing like telling scary and silly stories around the campfire, so check out these 15 tales for some shivering fun.

9. Songs Around the Campfire

Camp wouldn’t be camp without a Peter, Paul & Mary song. Check out these well-known and not-so-well-known campfire tunes that will surely please any camper.

10. Great Camp Games

Campers of all ages love playing group games. But where to start? Check out this super resource for over 175 group games for young and old.

Don’t forget to Include This in Your Care Package

Whether you pack a camper care package for one or more, don’t forget to include a loving note from home. Make it personal with lots of news from what’s been happening at home.
Your camper will thank you. Happy Summer!

For more great camp ideas, be sure to check out my Pinterest Board: Summer Ideas from Wisconsin Homemaker.