What Should You Pack for Your Child’s First Day at a Phoenix Summer Camp?

The summer months in the Valley of the Sun are notoriously hot, making indoor summer camps an absolute lifesaver for working parents and energetic kids alike. If you’ve enrolled your child at Arizona Sunrays for their first day of camp, congratulations! You’ve secured them a climate-controlled environment where they’ll build strength, make friends, and burn off that boundless energy.

But as the first day approaches, a common question pops up for parents: What exactly does my child need to bring?

The ultimate parent-approved packing list for your child's first day at our Phoenix summer camp aims to help you feel confident and prepared, ensuring they have a seamless, stress-free day. Here is the ultimate parent-approved packing list for your child's first day at our Phoenix summer camp.

The Ultimate Arizona Sunrays Camp Packing List

1. Comfortable, Active Clothing

Camp Sunrays is all about movement! Your child will be bouncing on trampolines, navigating obstacle courses, and participating in themed games.

• What to wear: Send them in comfortable, breathable athletic clothing that allows for a full range of motion. T-shirts, athletic shorts or leotards are perfect.
• Footwear: We highly recommend easy on-and-off shoes. Campers will frequently take their shoes off for gymnastics and trampoline activities, so slip-on shoes or Velcro sneakers are a huge time-saver.

2. A Change of Clothes (for Water Play!)

Even though our camps are beautifully air-conditioned to beat the Phoenix heat, we love to mix things up with supervised outdoor water activities to add a splash of fun.

• To help your child stay comfortable and dry after water activities, pack a clearly labeled, dry change of clothes (including underwear and socks) in a Ziploc bag.

3. Fuel for an Active Day

Kids burn a massive amount of calories when they’re having this much fun. Keeping them fueled and hydrated is our top priority.

• Hydration: A refillable water bottle is absolutely mandatory. Proper hydration is critical in Arizona, even indoors. Make sure your child's first and last name is clearly written on it to prevent mix-ups and ensure they stay hydrated throughout the day!
• Food: Please pack a cold, insulated lunch and two healthy snacks (one for the morning and one for the afternoon). Note: If you are relying on the Sunrays Café for lunch options, please check with the front desk regarding daily inventory and availability.

4. Sun Protection

Wait, isn't it an indoor camp? Yes! However, there are still transition times, drop-offs (like our Camper Valet), and occasional outdoor transitions where those intense Arizona rays can catch you. Applying sunscreen before arriving helps protect your child during these outdoor moments and keeps you confident about their sun safety.

• What to do: Please apply sunscreen to your child before arriving at camp each morning.

5. Necessary Medications

Your child’s safety is our number one priority and all of our staff members are CPR and First Aid Certified.

• Bring any necessary medications, such as an EpiPen or inhaler, in a clearly labeled bag with instructions and hand it directly to our camp coordinator at check-in for secure storage and quick access.

What to Leave at Home

To ensure the best possible experience, please leave the following items at home:

• Electronics and Tablets: Camp is a screen-free zone designed for physical activity, skill development and social interaction.
• Valuables and Toys: We have plenty of toys, LEGOs, and crafts! Bringing personal items from home can lead to lost or broken treasures.

Ready for the Best Summer Ever?

Proper packing is the first step toward a successful camp experience. By keeping their bag light but stocked with the essentials, your child will be ready to dive into the superhero themes, wizarding worlds and gymnastics circuits that make Camp Sunrays so magical.

Still need to secure your spot for the upcoming weeks? Browse our full schedule and register on the Camp Sunrays page before spaces fill up!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the hours of a typical camp day? Our full-day Phoenix camp hours run from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. We also offer extended care from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM (based on location) for working parents who need a little extra time! Please arrive on time so your camper doesn't miss out on any of the morning activities.

Does my child need to be potty trained to attend? Yes. All campers must be between the ages of 4 and 11 years old, fully potty trained and able to use the restroom independently.

How are the campers grouped? We place all campers in groups based on their age range. This ensures a safe coach-to-camper ratio and guarantees that the activities—from the NinjaZone to arts and crafts—are developmentally appropriate for your child.

What if I forget to pack lunch? While we highly recommend packing a cold lunch and two snacks, the Sunrays Café does offer healthy meal and snack options throughout the camp week, depending on daily inventory.

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