Be ready for anything with our summer packing list

May 19 2023

School children on the ropes

We’re into the final stretch of the school year, and that means one thing: sunny residential trips! You already know you’ll need to pack sunscreen and a reusable water bottle to keep children safe in the sun. But, in all the excitement (for the children) and last-minute panic (for the parents and teachers), it can be easy to overlook some of the essentials that will make their time away as smooth as possible. So, we’ve put together our top suggestions for your packing list.

Three rock climbers climbing a wall

Waterproofs

The British summer isn’t always as dry and sunny as we wish it was. Make sure your children take a waterproof coat in case of sudden downpours. For extra protection, they could also bring waterproof trousers - however these are supplied by our centres where specifically necessary for an activity.

Insect repellent

Insects like mosquitoes and midges come out around April and particularly enjoy warm, damp weather, sticking around until October. Itchy or painful bites can be distracting when you’re trying to have fun, so make sure children bring insect repellent. There are lots of different types to choose from, so think about how long they’ll be outside for and what they can apply by themselves. If the worst happens and they do get bitten, having some bite relief on hand will help calm the irritation.

Fast-drying clothes and shoes

Whether on purpose or by accident, activities like kayaking can leave children a little wet! Make sure they bring clothes that will dry quickly so that they don’t have to put damp clothes on the next day. If they have them, also encourage them to pack fast-drying shoes or water shoes for the same reason.

Hay fever protection

Hay fever tends to get worse between March and September as the pollen count increases and the weather is warm, windy and humid. Ensure children who suffer from hay fever bring any medication they use and keep it safe according to your school’s policy. As well as this, there are other precautions they can take like wearing sunglasses to stop pollen getting into their eyes and putting a petroleum topical around their nostrils to trap pollen.

Visit our website to arrange your school’s trip to a Hampshire Outdoor Centre. Plus, check out our handy blog for top tips on planning your next residential and find out more about each centre.

two children kayaking