What to Pack for Summer Camp in Europe: Checklist for Kids

Before you pack: three quick rules

1. Pack light. Your child will carry the bag. Most airlines limit free luggage, so check the allowance first.
2. Label everything. Write your child's name on the bag, clothes, towel, hat and water bottle.
3. Pack for the weather. In Valencia in July, days are hot and dry, around 30°C. Evenings are warm, and rain is rare.

What to pack for summer camp: documents and money

• Passport or national ID card, valid for the whole trip.
• Flight tickets, including the return, on paper or on a phone.
• A signed parental consent letter and a copy of the passport, kept in a separate bag.
• European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for EU citizens, or a UK GHIC for UK residents. See the Your Europe portal for how it works.
• Travel insurance details. Insurance is included at Naranja Camp, but keep your own papers too.
• Vaccination record, if you have one.
• A small amount of euros in cash for snacks and souvenirs. Meals and activities are already included at our camp.

What to pack for summer camp: medicine and health

• Any regular medicine, enough for the whole stay, in the original box with the leaflet. Tell the camp in advance.
• A short note about allergies and diets, in English if possible.
• Glasses, contact lenses and spare pairs, if your child uses them.
• Only bring medicine your child needs. The camp's first-aid team can help with small problems.

What to pack for summer camp: clothes for two weeks

For hot weather, choose light, loose, quick-drying clothes. Pack more underwear and socks than you think you need.

Item	How many
Underwear and socks	8 to 10 sets
T-shirts and tops	6 to 8
Shorts	3 to 4
Long trousers or jeans	1 to 2
Light jumper or hoodie for evenings	1
Light rain jacket	1
Pyjamas	2
Dress-up outfit for the party	1

Layers: Evenings by the sea can feel cooler, especially with wind, so one light layer is useful. Ask the camp whether washing is possible. If not, add a few extra sets.

Clothes for city trips and churches

Excursions to the old town may include churches and cathedrals. In many of them, visitors should cover their shoulders and knees. A light T-shirt and long shorts or a thin scarf is enough.

Footwear

• Comfortable trainers for sport and city walks.
• Sandals or flip-flops for the beach and pool.
• Water shoes if your child is not comfortable on rocks.
• One pair of shoes that can get dirty, for hiking and trips in nature.
• Do not bring brand-new shoes. Worn-in shoes prevent blisters.

Sun, swim and beach gear

• Sun hat or cap with a brim.
• High-factor sun cream (SPF 50 is a good choice for children) and after-sun lotion.
• Sunglasses. Cheap ones are fine, because they get lost.
• Two swimsuits, so one can dry while the other is used.
• A quick-dry beach towel. Ask the camp whether bed linen and bath towels are provided.
• A refillable water bottle.
• A rash vest, if your child burns easily.

Toiletries

• Toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo, shower gel, deodorant and a hairbrush.
• Skin cream and lip balm with SPF.
• Insect repellent for the evening.
• A laundry bag for dirty clothes.
• Pack liquids in a sealed plastic bag so nothing leaks, and check the airline's rules for liquids in hand luggage.
• A small pack of tissues and hand gel for trips.

Sport and activity gear

Pack for the activities on your camp's programme. For football, bring boots or trainers and shin pads. For water sports, bring a rash vest and swim goggles, and for hiking, bring a cap and a small first-aid pack. Camps usually provide group equipment such as boards and kayaks, so ask before buying anything new.

For Spanish class and free time

• A notebook and pens for lessons.
• A book or cards for quiet time during the siesta.
• A small daypack for trips, large enough for a water bottle, hat and sun cream.

Electronics

• Phone, charger and a power bank.
• A plug adapter. Spain uses type C and F plugs at 230 V. Most UK and Irish devices need an adapter, and most mainland European devices do not.
• A phone lanyard or small cross-body pouch. It keeps the phone close and safe in crowded places.
• Optional: a camera, headphones, an alarm clock and a small torch.

Ask your camp about phone rules before you go. At Naranja Camp, parents get daily photo updates and a direct phone line to the camp director.

What not to bring

• Valuables such as expensive jewellery, watches or sunglasses.
• Too much cash.
• Large speakers, drones or other equipment that is not allowed. Ask the camp first.
• Items that cannot get wet or sandy.
• Large amounts of snacks, especially food that spoils in the heat.

Carry-on or checked bag?

Carry-on bag	Checked bag
Passport or ID, tickets, consent letter	Clothes and pyjamas
Medicine in the original box	Shoes and flip-flops
Phone, charger and power bank	Toiletries and sun cream
One change of clothes and a swimsuit	Towel and sports gear
Cash, camp address and phone number	Notebook, book and spare items

If the checked bag is delayed, the carry-on lets your child manage the first day.

Packing by age

• Ages 10 to 12: Pack together. Keep outfits simple, label everything and add a small comfort item for bedtime.
• Ages 13 to 14: Let your child pack from the list, then check it together.
• Ages 15 to 16: Let them pack alone, then check passport, tickets and medicine yourself.

Fabrics and weather tips

Choose cotton, linen or quick-dry fabrics. Light colours reflect the sun and show sweat less than dark ones, and a loose fit keeps children cooler. Avoid heavy jeans and thick socks for most of the stay. Wash new clothes once before camp, so they are soft, and test new shoes at home before the trip.

The night before: last-minute checklist

• Charge the phone and power bank, and download tickets and the camp address.
• Put passport, tickets and consent letter in hand luggage.
• Check the weight of the bag with a luggage scale.
• Write the camp phone number and your number on a card in your child's pocket.
• Share the flight and arrival details with the camp.

With this summer camp packing list, your child will have everything for a great two weeks.

Luggage tips

• Use one soft suitcase or large bag that your child can lift alone.
• Put contact details on a label inside and outside the bag.
• Keep medicine, passport and a change of clothes in the hand luggage.
• Pack together with your child, so they know where everything is.
• Keep a copy of the packing list in the bag so your child can repack for the return flight.

Read about safety at a summer camp in Spain or see our summer camp in Valencia for dates and what is included.

Frequently asked questions

How much luggage should my child bring to camp?

One soft suitcase or bag that they can carry alone. Check your airline's free allowance before you pack.

Do I need a plug adapter for Spain?

Spain uses type C and F plugs at 230 V. Devices from the UK and Ireland need an adapter.

Should I give my child spending money?

A small amount of cash is enough. At Naranja Camp, accommodation, meals, activities and excursions are included in the price.

Can my child bring a phone?

Usually yes, but rules vary by camp. Ask in advance, and pack a charger and power bank.

What should my child wear in churches?

Cover shoulders and knees. A light T-shirt and long shorts or a thin scarf works.

Keep reading

• Summer camp in Valencia: dates, prices, a day at camp and how to book
• Is Spain safe for kids?: a parent's guide to summer camp safety
• Summer camps in Europe: how to compare camps by country, age and price