Day Camp Packing

Many first time campers and staff have no idea what to pack. Fortunately, your program will most likely have a list on their website and/or in orientation materials that gives you a guide to what your child will need. Underestimating this list would be unwise. Generally, camps put what they feel are the essentials on the list, not the extras. Basically if it is on the list, it goes in the bag. You or your child will be fine with having just the list, but sometimes things will make him/her/you more comfortable. Like, for example, several plastic bags for soggy wet items, or an emergency snack tucked away in case they run out of snacks. At my program, there are two swimming times in the day, and some kids will wear two suits in one day. Also, day camp is longer than your average school day and quite a bit busier. The camp I work for does not provide any meals, but we have emergency snacks on hand for kids who have eaten through their entire lunchbox already and have a while to go until pickup.
Before you get going for the day, make sure you've checked the weather report. Pack especially for the weather that is going on. As a camper, one of my peers wore and refused to remove a sweater on a 90 degree day, and suffered a heat illness. On rainy days, a program may go outside and play games in the mud, so extra dry clothing is a must. I also recommend a few pairs of socks for kids packs, as transition from water shoes to sneakers and back can result in sock mishaps.
Overall, camper packing is usually pretty by-the-list. Trust that your program knows what should be there.
Addressing the new staff members reading, your packing is heavily dependent on your jobs. A lifeguard and a crafts counselor will have two different needs. However, there are a few basics I will recommend for everyone.
A bathing suit, you never know when you'll need to get wet!
Towel
Sweater
Flip flops
Sneakers and Socks
Extra Sunscreen
Bug spray
Hair Elastics
Refillable water bottle
Extra water in your car
A Watch
Extra pens