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As a parent, I’m sure you love the simplicity of school uniforms—one less thing to worry about each day.
But then school ends, and vacation begins, and your child is enrolled in camp. Now, it’s back to thinking up creative clothing combinations that suit your child’s moods or comfort levels for camp!
Hey parents and guardians, thanks for joining me for Episode 5 of the Let's Talk Camp audio series, where I share simple strategies, tips, and a few personal stories to help you plan and prepare for your child’s next camp experience.
Today’s topic is all about dressing your child for camp. Let’s dive in!
Choosing the Right Camp Outfits
When selecting camp outfits, it’s all about comfort and practicality. Start with lightweight and breathable fabrics to help keep your little camper cool throughout the day, especially with this summer’s expected heat. You’ll also want clothes that allow for easy movement. Think about how active children are—climbing, crawling, jumping, sitting on the floor. Clothes that are too tight or restrictive can really hamper their fun.
Also, keep in mind that camp days can get a little messy! It’s not the time for your child’s best or fanciest clothes. There might be marker stains, paint splatters, or even dirt and glitter involved. So, save the fancy outfits for another occasion.
Dress Code at Camp BimSmart PLAY
At Camp BimSmart PLAY, we do have a dress code. I know, I know, you might be thinking, “She for real?” Yes, I am! Both boys and girls are invited to our camp, and I want to ensure everyone is appropriately dressed. That’s why I encourage parents of girls who might want to wear skirts to ensure they have pants underneath—nothing too tight, but enough to keep them covered.
For hot days, your child might want to wear armhole tops, which is fine, but let’s steer clear of the bodybuilder-style gym shirts with the massive cutouts. We want a fun, relaxed, and casual environment, but I also want to instill respect for themselves and those around them.
Footwear for Camp
Now, let’s talk about footwear. Every camp has its own policy, so be sure to check! For home-based vacation camps, something relaxed like Crocs, slippers, or sandals might be preferred, allowing for easy transitions between indoor and outdoor activities. For school or center-based camps, where there are likely more campers, enclosed shoes with socks are often required for safety during activities.
One thing is for sure—when your camper is heading on outdoor tours, I strongly recommend proper shoes with socks for extra protection.
Hairstyles & Accessories
Camp is a place for active fun, so keeping hair out of the face is a must! Simple, easy-to-maintain hairstyles like braids, ponytails, and buns are great options that stay in place and look neat throughout the day.
Don’t forget about the heat—cool, comfortable hairstyles are key!
And please, pack a hat! With the sun beating down, it’s a great way to protect your child’s head and face from the heat.
As for accessories, keep it simple and safe. Long necklaces, dangling earrings, and bracelets can be a hazard during activities. A small pair of stud earrings is fine, but avoid anything that dangles or has sharp edges.
Involve Your Child in Outfit Planning
Here’s a fun, practical tip: involve your child in planning their outfits for camp! Have them create a clothing schedule for the week. This can be a fun, creative activity that helps teach responsibility and independence. It also gives you a mental break from making those daily decisions. Plus, it makes mornings less stressful by eliminating last-minute outfit panic!
Here’s how to do it: sit down together over the weekend with a simple chart outlining the days of the week. Let your child choose their favorite pieces of clothing and create an outfit for each day. Here’s an example of how it might look:
Monday: Casual t-shirt, shorts, and sneakers.
Tuesday: Leggings with an armhole shirt and flip-flops or Crocs.
Friday: If there’s a tour, opt for a camp t-shirt, jeans, and sneakers.
If you haven’t bought a camp t-shirt yet, I highly recommend investing in one!
Label Everything!
One final tip before we wrap up: label everything! Camps can be a busy place, and clothes and accessories often get mixed up or lost. Use labels or a permanent marker to write your child’s name on all their belongings, including shoes and hats. This simple step can save you a lot of hassle and ensure everything makes its way back home.
Let’s Stay Connected!
Thanks for sticking with me until the end of this episode. I hope you found these tips helpful! Is there a particular topic you’d like me to cover in future episodes? I’d love to hear from you! Reach out to me on Instagram at BimSmart PLAY, or visit our website to learn more about our camps and activity clubs.
Oh, and before I forget—stay tuned for our summer giveaway! I might just ease you into vacation with something free, so you won’t want to miss out on the details. Until next time, try to stay cool in this heat!
Resources Mentioned
Related Blog Post/Episodes
Connect with Stacia
Check out more inspiration on her website: bimsmartplay.com
Connect with her on Instagram: @bimsmartplay
Watch this episode on her YouTube Channel: @bimsmartplay
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