What to pack for your kid’s day at camp according to the forecast
With the school year ending, summer camp season is beginning. Here are seven easy-to-pack items that will help your kids navigate weather conditions including sun, heat, and rain.
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Bentgo Kids Prints 2-in-1 Backpack & Insulated Lunch Bag
Amazon.ca
This bag is packed with features to make your kid’s day at camp go as smoothly as possible. Boasting two large compartments, padded back and shoulder straps, a supportive chest strap, a mesh water bottle holder, and an insulated lunch box compartment for snacks or a sandwich, this backpack can also withstand the elements with extra durable zippers and water-resistant fabric.
Why you need this for camp:
Holds everything your child needs for the day including a built-in insulated lunch bag
Available in nine colourful patterns
Rated 4.8 out of 5 based on nearly 1,000 Amazon.ca reviews
YETI Rambler Jr. 12 oz Kids Water Bottle
Amazon.ca
This style of the reputable brand YETI’s insulated water bottle was designed specifically for kids on the go. It includes a convenient straw cap where the only thing your little one has to do is flip it and sip it! YETI makes all of their bottles with strong stainless steel that holds up against dents and drops making an active day at camp no match for this bottle. Hint, hint: It will fit easily into the mesh pocket of the backpack we recommended too.
Why you need this for camp:
Helps your child stay hydrated in warm weather conditions
Available in eight colours
Rated 4.8 out of 5 based on nearly 20,500 Amazon.ca reviews
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Thinksport Kids Sunscreen
Amazon.ca
Thinksport is a highly effective and safe option for kids because the sunscreen is not only mineral-based, it has a non-nano solution, which means there are no nanoparticles getting into your bloodstream from the application. This sunscreen has an SPF rating of 50+ and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Make sure you remind your child to reapply their sunscreen throughout the day; this one happens to come in a kid-friendly squeezable tube.
Why you need this for camp:
Protects skin from harmful UV rays that cause burns and long-term damage
Natural ingredients make it a safe option to use on kids’ sensitive skin
Rated 4.6 out of 5 based on more than 1,900 Amazon.ca reviews
READ MORE: The best sunscreens for daily use this season
BuzzPatch Mosquito Stickers for Kids (60 Pack)
Amazon.ca
The last thing you want is for your child to be bugged by mosquitos when they are out in the woods at summer camp. These kid-friendly stickers are made with all natural, plant-based ingredients meaning they are non-toxic and deet-free. With no greasy or oily sprays, all you need to do is adhere the patch to your child’s clothing. The stickers come in fun designs that are great for all ages. The customer satisfaction rating is lower than we’d expect on Amazon.ca but we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to recommend this product based on personal use!
Why you need this for camp:
Lasts the whole day at camp (most effective for the first eight hours and continues for 24-72 hours)
Suitable for babies, toddlers, kids, and adults
Rated 4.9 out of 5 based on customer reviews on the brand’s website naturalpatch.ca and 3.8 out of 5 based on more than 800 Amazon.ca reviews and
Jan & Jul Boys GRO-with-Me Aqua-Dry Sun Hat and Girls GRO-with-me Sun Hat
Amazon.ca
Based in Vancouver, B.C., Jan & Jul make more than 30 hats for rain or shine. The GRO-with-me style includes a quick toggle adjustment so you can easily size the hat as your child grows. Other features to note are a wide brim and long neck flap for full protection and a completely foldable design for effortless packing.
Why you need this for camp:
UV protection for your child’s face, ears, and neck
Made with UPF 50+ fabric available in size ‘6-12 years’ for day camp-aged kids
Rated 4.7 out of 5 based on more than 600 Amazon.ca reviews
READ MORE: The best sun hats to help block UV rays
Lightweight Kids Rain Poncho
Amazon.ca
Ensure your child is prepared if a summer rain shower passes through with this extremely lightweight and packable rain poncho. It comes with a colour-matched storage pouch that will easily fit into a backpack for those ‘just in case’ parental thoughts. The poncho is waterproof, windproof, quick-drying, and it’s offered in a variety of sizes based on your child’s height and age range.
Why you need this for camp:
Camp operates rain or shine!
Available in 15 colours and patterns
Rated 4.2 out of 5 based on more than 1,800 Amazon.ca reviews
2-Pack Solar Powered Flashlight
Amazon.ca
This is a useful little gadget, especially for sleepover camp. You can use the carabiner to clip it onto your kid’s jacket or bag for outdoor activities. The solar panel provides additional power as it can absorb strong and medium sunlight. Since this is a compact and portable option, it offers limited power for around 10 minutes with a full charge.
Why you need this for camp:
Great gadget to clip onto your child’s bag for overnight camp
Three power sources including solar, crank, and rechargeable battery
Rated 4.5 out of 5 based on nearly 2,000 Amazon.ca reviews
READ MORE: 6 ways to go solar this summer
Like what you see? Check out our Shop the Weather articles for more must-have product recommendations.
Our trusted Product Specialists recommend high-quality items that we think will enhance your experience with Canadian weather conditions. Prices and availability of items are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Thumbnail image courtesy Amazon.ca
