R.A.D. Camps Essential Summer Day Camp Packing List | Bend, Oregon

Summer is fast approaching, and so are all the fun activities and adventures that accompany it! Summer day camps gives kids and teens the perfect opportunity to make new friends, learn new games, explore nature and escape the rhythm of  everyday life. Summer camps also bring relief to busy, working parents, keeping the kids playfully engaged and learning outside of school. R.A.D. Camps offers summer day camp programs in Bend, Oregon adhering to the moto “no child left inside!”

If you’re interested in sending your kid or teen off with experienced guides into the outdoors to learn and explore, they’re going to need these essential items.

A Sturdy Backpack

A sturdy and spacious backpack should be the first item on your checklist.

The backpack should be big enough to accommodate all the essential gear your child will need on the day camp:

• Lunch and snacks

• Sunscreen

• Water bottle

• Extra clothes

Choose a backpack that has multiple compartments where different items can be fit. This will keep the essential things segregated and organized.

You can fit in tissues, gum, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, and other toiletries in the smaller exterior pockets. The water bottle can be accommodated for fast and easy access in the side bottle holder.

R.A.D. summer day camps operate around Central Oregon and involve a lot of time outside, so choose a backpack that is made of durable and water-resistant materials such as polyester and nylon.

Extra Set of Clothes

Oregon plays host to incredible natural areas such as Cascadia State Park, Cline Falls, Crane Prairie and many more. All those environments play into Bend’s weather, and we never know when it’s going to change, so it’s best to be prepared.

R.A.D. Camps focuses on outdoor activities and exploring nature. In doing so, your child’s clothes and shoes can get torn, wet, and messy. It is essential to pack an extra pair of clothes, shoes, underwear, and socks to avoid discomfort, and allow your child or teen a range of options for play.

Pack the extra clothing in a large resealable plastic bag, which will come in handy for carrying the muddied or wet clothes.

Sun Protection and Refillable Water Bottle

Pack a medium-sized refillable water bottle that is easy to carry, and a travel-friendly sunscreen. Sun exposure is going to happen, so guides ensure campers reapply sunscreen throughout the day. Water is the best way to quench your child’s thirst because it doesn’t contain sodium, sugar, or other chemicals that can actually increase dehydration.

Light and Nutritious Lunch and Snacks

Summer day camps encourage a lot of physical activity, which means that kids will be hungrier than usual. To keep them satiated and their energy level stable, pack some delicious, light, and nutritious lunch. One option is to pack their lunch in a bento-style food container with a few cutlery items.

Place the food container in a thermal tote bag so the food will remain fresh and protected from dirt and contaminants.

Listed below are some delicious snacks that are easy to make and are nutritious to their core.

• Veggies such as carrot sticks, cucumber slices, tomatoes, and red bell pepper

• Hummus or any other nutritious dip

• Chicken rollups stuffed with vegetables

• Turkey wraps

• Sliced cheese

• Fresh fruit

• Favorite salad

Check out this article from Super Healthy Kids for more ideas on nutritious summer lunches your kids will love. You can see our complete list of what to pack for summer camp here.

R.A.D. Camps guides understand the importance of outdoor exploration and spending time in nature. Our summer day camp program is designed with a special focus on free play, fun, camaraderie, and an appreciation for our natural world. Our motto is “no child left inside” meaning we’re committed to getting kids out into nature, and learning through their curiosity. Summer day camps are one of the best things to do with kids in Bend, whether you’re a local or on vacation with your family.

Ready to embark on an epic summer adventure? Visit our website or call us at (541) 410-7258 to reserve your spot today!