10 essentials for overnight summer camp

Without mom or dad there to keep her organized, she might just lose half her socks. But you can keep all her clothes organized at camp with these handy CubbyCubes. Pack clothes in labelled cubes and put them straight into her duffel bag. Now all your child has to do is put them on the shelves.

Where to buy: $9 to $29, cubbycubes.com

Just because there are bugs at overnight camp, doesn’t mean they have to hang out with your kid. Keep the bugs away with deet-free Natrapel spray that lasts for six hours. If she does get a few bites, she can get instant relief by applying After Bite.

Where to buy: $8 and $4, tendercorp.com

Make sure she comes home with all her clothes, not her bunkmates. Mabel’s Labels now has a camp label pack that you can stick on everything you send in her duffel. The UV-resistant, waterproof labels and personalized tags will help your child keep track of her clothes, shoes and toiletries.

Where to buy: $40, mabelslabels.com

Staying hydrated is a must at camp. Forget wasteful disposable water bottles and opt for a durable container that will keep liquids cold and never get stinky. Make sure to add a Mabel's Label to her water bottle too!

Where to buy: $20 to $35, amazon.ca

Make your child’s bunk the cabin’s coveted spot with this battery-operated fan. Compact and lightweight, it features two speeds and can fold up when not needed. It’s perfect for muggy camp nights.

Where to buy: $15, campstore.com

Make showering easy for your kid with this two-in-one shower caddy that's big enough to fit all of his bathroom essentials. It can be a hassle to carry all the toiletries to and from the bathroom without one. Plus, having a caddy will ensure your kid's soap or shampoo doesn't get lost.

Where to buy: $12, bedbathandbeyond.ca

Who needs a bedskirt on a bunk anyway? Your camper does because that’s where space is at a premium. Have her tuck the overlapping pieces under the mattress—it will be a fun activity for her and her cabin mates. Now your child has storage pockets on each side of the bed for a flashlight, book, shoes and whatever else needs to stay handy.

Where to buy: $35, campstore.com

Send your child to camp with a soft hooded bathrobe that she can wear to and from the showers. Inscribe it with her name or initials so she knows which one’s hers. And don’t forget a pair of shower flip-flops!

Where to buy: $84, etsy.ca

Dying to hear what’s happening at camp? Do yourself a favour and make it easy for your child to send letters with this cute camp stationery. The easy-to-use, checkbox-style postcards take the work out of writing home. The kit includes pen, paper, envelopes and postcards. You may not get every detail about camp, but at least you’ll get mail!

Where to buy: $14, campstore.com

These Canadian-made pajama bottoms with legs in two different fabrics are as cozy as they are cute. There are many styles and combos to choose from. They come in three fabrics: polar fleece, 100 percent cotton and, of course, flannel. Summer nights can be cool, so it’s a good idea to send her with a pair of warm pajamas.

Where to buy: $30, sammygs.com