Summer is fast approaching, and if you are anything like me, the “Camp Scramble” is officially in full effect, though I should have been planning this out months ago. Whether you are dealing with the frustrations of local programming availability or trying to balance the costs of keeping the kids busy while you work, you are not alone in this chaos. Summer is full of such fun days for kids, but so much stress for any working parent.

I reached out to my mom chat to gather the best advice, the must-haves, and the unfiltered truth about surviving camp season. Consider this your survival guide.

The Camp Essentials Checklist

When it comes to packing, our group consensus is simple: Pack items you are okay with never seeing again. Label everything, but keep your expectations realistic.  I label everything with the Sharpie Rub-A-Dub Laundry Marker because iron on labels takes so much time.  

Here is what we are actually buying this year:

• The Clothing Uniform: We are looking for walk on their own shorts – think quick-dry, nylon shorts. For dresses, H&M is a community favorite for their affordable cotton options (often found for around $6.99).  I am a huge fan of Primark too!
• Sun Protection: Don’t overthink it. Bulk spray sunscreen from Costco or BJs for the body and a stick sunscreen for faces is the gold standard.
• Footwear: When in doubt, go with Crocs or reliable sandals from stores like DSW.
• Swimwear: You can’t go wrong with Cat & Jack swimsuits from Target.  They hold up surprisingly well to daily wear.
• Tech (taking it back to the Old School): Since most sleepaway camps prohibit modern devices, we’ve found that picking up inexpensive, old-school MP3 players from Facebook Marketplace is a great way to keep the kids entertained during downtime without breaking the rules.

A Note on the Budget

Let’s talk numbers. Camp for two or more kids can feel like a secondary mortgage. Depending on your location and the type of program, costs vary wildly:

• Day Camps: Can range from budget-friendly community programs ($50–$300/week) to private specialty programs that go upwards of $900–$1,500+ per week.
• Sleepaway Camps: This is a major investment, often averaging around $450 per day, with many traditional programs ranging from $4,000 to over $10,000 per session depending on the duration and amenities.

The Reality Check: When the Budget Doesn’t Balance

Planning for summer isn’t just a scheduling lift; it’s a financial one, and for many of us, it feels like an uphill battle. Let’s be honest: some of these camp costs are simply unattainable. When you’re staring at prices that feel like a secondary mortgage, it’s not just about managing schedules – it is about the stress of trying to find affordable options that just do not exist in our current landscape.

If you’re feeling the weight of that, or if you are finding yourself joking that you need a wine store visit just to get through the sign-up process, know that you are in good company. We are all trying to navigate a system that often leaves working parents, especially those on a budget, feeling like they’re failing when it’s really the system that’s failing us.

Give yourself some grace. We are all just doing our best to get through the summer in one piece.

Are you feeling the squeeze this summer? How are you navigating camp costs or finding alternatives? Let’s share what’s actually working in the comments.