As a mom, I know the mix of emotions that comes with sending your child off to summer camp—excitement for the adventure ahead, nerves about how they’ll manage without you, and the endless worry of whether they’ll have everything they need.
While camp is all about making memories, exploring the outdoors, and gaining independence, it’s also full of bumps, scrapes, bug bites, and long days in the sun. That’s why packing the right essentials is key to making sure they have a safe and comfortable stay.
Beyond the usual packing list of clothes, toiletries, and a favourite stuffed animal, I always make sure to send my kids off with a first-aid kit stocked with Zax’s Original products—because no matter how prepared they think they are, they’re bound to come home with a bruise from a soccer game, a sunburn from a long canoe trip, or bug bites from sitting around the campfire.
Here’s my ultimate mom-approved guide to packing for summer camp, with everything your child needs to stay healthy, happy, and ready for fun.
1. First-Aid Must-Haves: Be Ready for Bumps, Bruises & More
Camp is full of action—hiking, swimming, sports, and late-night campfires. But with adventure comes the occasional scrape, bruise, or minor burn. While camp counsellors are trained to handle minor injuries, it’s always comforting to send your child prepared with their own little first-aid kit to keep in their backpack or cabin.
What to Pack:
✔️ Zax’s Original Bruise Cream – For those inevitable bumps and falls on the hiking trail, the soccer field, or just running around the campsite. This cream helps reduce swelling and speed up healing, so bruises don’t linger for weeks.
✔️ Band-Aids & Antiseptic Wipes – Perfect for minor cuts and scrapes.
✔️ Ice Pack (Instant Cold Packs) – Great for sore muscles after an active day.
✔️ Tweezers – Just in case they step on a splinter or get a stubborn bug bite.
Mom Tip: Before they leave, teach them how to apply Zax’s Original Bruise Cream on any fresh bumps or bruises before bed—it works best when used right away.
2. Bug Protection: Keep Mosquitoes from Ruining the Fun
Canadian summers mean one thing—mosquitoes! If your child is heading to camp near a lake, forest, or anywhere remotely outdoorsy, mosquitoes, black flies, and other bugs will be part of the experience.
What to Pack:
✔️ Bug Spray (DEET-free or Natural Repellent) – Essential for keeping bugs away.
✔️ Zax’s Original Bug Bite & Itch Cream – Even with bug spray, bites always occur.! This cream helps soothe itching and irritation, so kids can focus on fun instead of scratching all night.
✔️ Long Sleeves & Light Pants – Wearing the right clothes can prevent bites, especially in the evening.
Mom Tip: Let your child know to apply bug bite cream as soon as a bite occurs and before bed to avoid waking up scratching. If they have sensitive skin, Zax’s Original Bug Bite & Itch Cream is made with natural ingredients and is gentle on young skin.
3. Sun Protection: Keep Their Skin Safe from Burns
Camp days are long and filled with outdoor fun—canoeing, swimming, and running around in the sun for hours. Without proper protection, sunburns can happen fast, and no one wants their child uncomfortable on day two of camp!
What to Pack:
✔️ Sunscreen (SPF 30+ or Higher) – Choose a waterproof, long-lasting formula.
✔️ Zax’s Original Burn Cream – If they do get a little too much sun, this cream helps soothe sunburns and minor burns from sunburns to campfire accidents or hot surfaces like curling irons.
✔️ A Wide-Brim Hat & Sunglasses – To protect their face and eyes.
Mom Tip: Kids are notorious for forgetting to reapply sunscreen. Encourage reapplication often and teach them to use Zax’s Original Burn Cream at night if they get too much sun—it helps calm redness and irritation so they wake up feeling better.
4. Skincare Essentials: Because You’re the One Losing Sleep
Let’s be honest—while the kids are off having the time of their lives at camp, it’s us parents who end up lying awake at night, worrying about how they’re doing. Are they making friends? Did they remember to put on sunscreen? Are they brushing their teeth at all?
If this is your first time sending them away, you might find yourself staring at the ceiling, checking your phone even though you know there won’t be any messages, and waking up with dark circles that make it look like you haven’t slept in a week (because you haven’t).
What to Keep on Hand (For Yourself!):
✔️ Zax’s Original Dark Circle Eye Cream – Because let’s be real, you’re going to need it. This cream helps reduce puffiness, brighten tired eyes, and make you look more refreshed—even if you were up all night missing them.
✔️ Chamomile or Herbal Tea – A calming bedtime ritual to help you unwind.
✔️ A Good Book or Movie – Something to distract you from checking the camp’s online photo updates for the tenth time today.
✔️ A Cozy Sleep Mask – Since quality sleep might be hard to come by the first few nights.
Mom Tip:
Apply Zax’s Original Dark Circle Eye Cream morning and night so you don’t look as exhausted as you feel. By the time they get back home—sun-kissed, slightly bruised, and full of stories—you’ll look like the well-rested, relaxed parent you intended to be (even if it’s all thanks to a little skincare magic).
Final Thoughts: Packing for Peace of Mind
Summer camp is an incredible experience for kids—it teaches them independence, resilience, and a love for the outdoors. But as moms, we can’t help but worry about the little things, like bug bites, bruises, and sunburns. That’s why sending them prepared with the right Zax’s Original products helps me feel more at ease.
With a well-packed first-aid kit, they’ll be able to handle small mishaps on their own, stay comfortable, and focus on making memories instead of dealing with avoidable discomfort.
So, as you pack up their duffle bag, don’t forget to slip in some extra care with Zax’s Original—because a little preparation goes a long way in making sure their camp stay is safe, fun, and worry-free.
