What Should Kids Wear to Day Camp? A Summer Camp Clothing and Packing Checklist

Kids should wear lightweight, comfortable clothing that allows them to move freely and suits the activities planned for day camp. For outdoor days, choose breathable layers that provide useful coverage, a protective sun hat, secure shoes, and sunscreen on exposed skin. Pack a rashguard and swim essentials for water activities, plus a lightweight jacket and complete backup outfit for changing weather or messy play.

The best summer camp clothes are not necessarily the newest or most complicated. They are pieces children can run, climb, create, explore, and play in comfortably—and that families can wash and use again throughout the week.

At Ember & Ray, we believe camp clothing should help make outdoor days easier. UPF 50+ clothing provides UV protection for the skin it covers, while sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and shade add protection for exposed areas. Water and cooling breaks also help children stay comfortable on warm days.

Planning for day camp? These related guides may also help: choosing the right type of UPF clothing for kids, everyday sun protection for kids, how often to reapply sunscreen, what kids should wear for water days, and what the UV Index means for kids.

What makes good summer camp clothing for kids?

Summer camp clothing needs to do more than look good at drop-off.

Children may spend the day running, sitting on the ground, making crafts, hiking, playing sports, getting wet, eating outdoors, and moving between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Good camp clothing should be:

• comfortable enough for a full day of movement
• lightweight and breathable for the weather
• easy for the child to put on and manage independently
• durable enough for active and messy play
• appropriate for the camp's activities and rules
• easy to wash and wear again
• clearly labelled with the child's name

For camps with significant outdoor time, clothing that covers more skin can also become part of a layered sun-protection routine.

A simple day camp outfit formula

For a typical outdoor day camp, a practical outfit may include:

• a lightweight long-sleeve shirt or UPF 50+ sun shirt
• comfortable pants, shorts, or other activity-appropriate bottoms
• a wide-brimmed, legionnaire-style, or other protective sun hat
• socks suited to the child's shoes and planned activities
• secure running shoes or other camp-approved footwear
• UV-protective sunglasses when practical
• sunscreen on exposed skin according to the product label

The camp schedule matters. A nature camp may require closed-toe shoes and long pants. A sports camp may favour athletic clothing. A swim camp will need swimwear, a rashguard, a towel, and water shoes when required.

Always compare your packing plan with the camp's official list.

Should kids wear long sleeves to day camp?

Long sleeves can be practical for outdoor camp when the fabric is lightweight, breathable, comfortable, and appropriate for the weather.

They can help cover the shoulders and arms during playground time, field trips, sports sidelines, nature activities, and extended outdoor play. A UPF-rated shirt provides a clearly stated level of UV protection for the skin covered by the fabric.

UPF 50 fabric allows approximately 1/50th of UV radiation to pass through, meaning it blocks about 98% of UVA and UVB rays on the areas it covers.

UPF clothing does not replace sunscreen on exposed skin, but it can reduce the amount of uncovered skin that requires sunscreen throughout the camp day.

Choose layers that suit the temperature and activity, and make sure the child remains comfortable and hydrated.

What should kids wear for day camp water activities?

Water days often require a separate outfit because children may be swimming, running through sprinklers, visiting splash pads, or moving between wet and dry activities.

Pack:

• a swimsuit or camp-approved swim bottoms
• a long-sleeve UPF 50+ rashguard
• broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher sunscreen for exposed skin
• a protective sun hat for time out of the water
• water shoes or camp-approved pool footwear
• a towel
• dry underwear, socks, and a complete change of clothing
• a waterproof or reusable bag for wet items

Water-resistant sunscreen still needs to be reapplied. Follow the product-label directions and reapply after towelling off because towels can remove sunscreen from the skin.

For more help planning swim and splash days, read What Should Kids Wear for Water Days?

What should kids wear on cool mornings and field trips?

Summer mornings can begin cool and become warmer by the afternoon. Indoor camp spaces may also feel chilly after children come in from the heat.

A lightweight outer layer is often easier to manage than sending a child in one heavy outfit. Look for something that layers comfortably over the day's clothing and can be packed into a backpack when it is no longer needed.

For outdoor field trips, farms, parks, conservation areas, and walking tours, consider:

• comfortable clothing that provides useful coverage
• secure closed-toe shoes when required
• a protective sun hat that stays on during movement
• sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection
• a lightweight jacket or weather layer
• sunscreen on exposed skin
• a refillable water bottle

If the trip involves water, mud, crafts, or animals, include a backup outfit and a bag for dirty clothing.

Label jackets and outer layers clearly. They are some of the easiest camp items to leave behind.

How many camp outfits should parents pack?

The right number depends on whether the child attends day camp or overnight camp, whether laundry is available, and how messy the planned activities are.

For day camp

A practical starting point is:

• one complete outfit worn to camp
• one labelled backup outfit in the backpack
• extra underwear and socks
• a separate swim outfit on water days
• a lightweight jacket or rain layer when needed

For overnight camp

Start with the camp's official packing list. Depending on the length of the stay and laundry arrangements, pack enough clothing for the scheduled days plus one or two additional outfits for wet, dirty, or unexpected conditions.

Avoid packing sentimental, irreplaceable, or difficult-to-clean clothing. Camp clothes may return with paint, grass, sand, mud, food, or sunscreen marks.

What sun-protection items should go in a camp bag?

When the UV Index is 3 or higher, Health Canada recommends protective clothing, UV-protective sunglasses, and broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

A camp sun-protection kit may include:

• broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher sunscreen
• a protective sun hat that helps shade the face, ears, and neck
• sunglasses that provide UVA and UVB protection
• UPF 50+ clothing for covered skin
• a refillable water bottle
• a lightweight layer for changing conditions
• a labelled bag for wet or dirty clothing

Ask the camp whether staff can help younger children apply sunscreen, whether sunscreen needs to be labelled, and when reapplication breaks are scheduled.

Health Canada advises applying sunscreen generously and evenly before sun exposure and reapplying at least every two hours during continued exposure. Sunscreen may need to be reapplied sooner after swimming, heavy sweating, or towelling off. Always follow the directions on the product label.

Check local conditions before drop-off using our UV Index checker for kids.

Can kids bring a UV bead bracelet to camp?

When the camp permits jewellery and the child is old enough, an Ember & Ray UV Bead Bracelet can be a playful visual reminder that UV light is present.

The beads change colour when exposed to UV light. The bracelet is an awareness tool, not a substitute for checking the UV Index, sunscreen, protective clothing, a hat, sunglasses, or shade.

The bracelet contains small parts, requires adult supervision, and is not intended for children younger than three. Always follow camp rules regarding jewellery and personal items.

A complete summer camp packing checklist for kids

Use this as a starting point, then compare it with the camp's official packing list.

Clothing

• lightweight everyday shirts
• UPF 50+ long-sleeve tops for outdoor activities
• comfortable pants or shorts
• underwear and extra underwear
• socks and extra socks
• sleepwear for overnight camp
• a lightweight jacket or sweater
• a rain layer when required
• one or more complete backup outfits

Water-day items

• swimsuit or swim bottoms
• UPF 50+ long-sleeve rashguard
• water shoes or camp-approved footwear
• towel
• dry clothes and underwear
• a reusable bag for wet items

Sun-protection items

• broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher sunscreen
• a protective sun hat
• UV-protective sunglasses
• UPF 50+ clothing
• a refillable water bottle

Footwear and practical extras

• secure running or walking shoes
• water shoes when needed
• an extra pair of footwear if requested
• a backpack the child can carry comfortably
• lunch and snacks if the camp does not provide them
• insect repellent when recommended by the camp
• any required forms, medication, or emergency information

Label every item that can reasonably be labelled. This includes hats, jackets, water bottles, towels, sunscreen, backpacks, shoes, lunch containers, and swimwear.

Which Ember & Ray pieces work for day camp?

Different camp activities call for different kinds of coverage. Use this simple guide to choose the pieces that best match your child's schedule.

For regular outdoor camp days

Choose the UPF 50+ Thumbhole Long Sleeve Crewneck for a soft everyday option, or the UPF 50+ Thumbhole Long Sleeve Polo for a collared finish.

Both provide long-sleeve coverage, thumbholes, and UPF 50+ tested fabric for the skin they cover.

For leg coverage and active play

The UPF 50+ Grow With Me Pants offer lightweight stretch, an adjustable waist, pockets, and an adjustable hem that can be shortened and released as the child grows.

For cool mornings and changing conditions

Pack the UPF 50+ Thumbhole Lightweight Jacket as a lightweight layer for camp drop-off, field trips, indoor spaces, travel, and breezy outdoor periods.

It includes a full zip, high collar, thumbholes, pockets, and a back vent for airflow.

For pools, splash pads, and water play

The UPF 50+ Quarter Zip Rashguard is designed for swim days and water play, with long sleeves, a higher neckline, thumbholes, and contrasting colour combinations.

All Ember & Ray clothing pieces are third-party tested and rated UPF 50+ for the areas the fabric covers. Sunscreen remains important for the face, ears, neck, hands, feet, legs, and any other exposed skin.

What should parents ask the camp before packing?

Camp rules vary, so confirm:

• which activities are scheduled each day
• whether closed-toe shoes are required
• which swimwear and water shoes are permitted
• whether children may bring sunscreen
• whether staff can assist with sunscreen application
• whether jewellery or UV bracelets are permitted
• whether lunch, snacks, and water are supplied
• whether medication requires separate forms or packaging
• whether the child needs rain gear or additional layers
• how wet or dirty clothing will be stored

The camp's official list should always take priority over a general packing checklist.

Frequently asked questions about summer camp clothing

What should kids wear to day camp?

Kids should wear lightweight, comfortable clothing that allows movement and suits the day's activities. For outdoor camp, consider a UPF 50+ long-sleeve top, flexible bottoms, secure shoes, a protective sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen on exposed skin.

Should kids wear old clothes to summer camp?

Camp clothing should be comfortable, washable, and able to handle dirt, paint, grass, food, water, and active play. Avoid sending sentimental or difficult-to-replace items unless an activity requires them.

Should kids wear long pants to summer camp?

Long pants can provide useful coverage for outdoor play, nature activities, cooler mornings, and settings with grass, branches, dirt, or insects. Choose lightweight, flexible pants suited to the weather and follow the camp's recommendations.

Should kids wear long sleeves in summer?

Lightweight, breathable long sleeves can provide useful coverage during outdoor activities. UPF-rated shirts offer a clearly stated level of UV protection for the areas they cover. Clothing should remain comfortable and appropriate for the weather.

Do kids need sunscreen when wearing UPF 50+ clothing?

Yes. UPF 50+ clothing helps protect the skin covered by the fabric. Apply sunscreen to exposed areas and places where clothing may shift, following the sunscreen label and any guidance from the child's healthcare provider.

What should kids wear for swim day at camp?

Pack camp-approved swimwear, a long-sleeve UPF 50+ rashguard, water-resistant sunscreen, a protective sun hat for time out of the water, a towel, water shoes when required, and a complete set of dry clothes.

How many extra outfits should a child bring to day camp?

One complete backup outfit is a practical starting point for day camp. Add extra underwear, socks, and a separate swim outfit when water activities are scheduled.

Should kids bring a jacket to summer camp?

A lightweight jacket can be useful for cool mornings, indoor spaces, breezy field trips, and changing weather. Label it clearly so it is easier to return if misplaced.

What footwear is best for summer camp?

Secure, comfortable shoes suited to the activity are usually the most practical choice. Some camps require closed-toe shoes, running shoes, hiking shoes, or water shoes, so check the camp's official policy.

The bottom line

The best day camp clothes help children move comfortably, stay prepared for the day's activities, and manage changing outdoor conditions.

Start with lightweight clothing that provides useful coverage. Add secure footwear, a protective sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for exposed skin. Pack a rashguard for water days, a lightweight jacket for cool mornings, and one complete backup outfit.

UPF 50+ clothing can make outdoor camp routines simpler by building tested UV protection into the areas the fabric covers.

Most importantly, follow the camp's official packing list and choose clothes your child can wear, manage, and enjoy throughout a full day of play.

Read next

• Build an everyday sun protection routine for kids.
• Learn how often to reapply sunscreen on kids.
• Find out what kids should wear for water days.
• Learn what UPF 50+ means in kids clothing.
• Check the UV Index for kids before camp drop-off.
• Compare UPF clothing and SPF sunscreen.

Sources

• Health Canada: Sun Safety Basics
• Government of Canada: Ultraviolet Index and Sun Safety
• Health Canada: Sunscreens
• The Skin Cancer Foundation: Sun-Protective Clothing

This article is provided for general educational purposes and does not replace guidance from your child's healthcare provider or the official requirements of your child's camp. Always follow sunscreen product-label instructions.