From the founder of Sticky Monkey Labels
As a mom of three boys and the founder of Sticky Monkey Labels, summer camp season is one of our busiest times of year — because parents who've done camp before know exactly what an unlabeled sleeping bag in a pile of thirty identical ones looks like. This guide makes sure it doesn't happen to you.
Summer camp is one of the best experiences a child can have — and one of the most reliable generators of lost belongings. Fifty children, communal living, shared laundry, outdoor activities, and kids fully absorbed in having the time of their lives. Without labels, items disappear. With labels, they come home.
Our Camp Label Pack includes over 85 labels covering everything from sleeping bags to water bottles to shower shoes — plus a contact label with your vital information. Here's the complete guide to what to label, which label type to use for each item, and how to get it all done before drop-off day.
What's in the Camp Label Pack
- 85+ waterproof name labels in a range of sizes
- Clothing labels — choose iron-on or stick-on at checkout
- Three pairs of shoe labels
- One contact label with all your vital information
- Available in over 100 designs — your child chooses their own
Need more than the pack covers? All label types are available individually in a range of sizes. And any pack can be split across multiple names — type "Split" in the name field and list names in the Special Request field at checkout.
"Stays on for years! We had these with my first son to label bottles, food containers, pacifiers, and car seat for daycare. The labels stay on through every dishwasher washing until he turned two, and we just replaced them with new labels for my next son to use all the same things. They look brand new the whole time. Flawless product!"
— Sara
Which Label for Which Camp Item
Camp puts labels through more demanding conditions than almost any other environment — outdoor activities, pool and lake water, communal laundry, heat, and general rough handling. Using the right label type for each surface is what makes them last through the full camp session.
Apply to garment care tags or tagless imprint areas — no iron needed. Laundry-safe and designed to stay put until you intentionally remove them. Use for all clothing and soft items that go through camp laundry.
- Sleeping bag or blanket
- Pillow and pillowcase
- Sheets
- Jacket, sweater, sweatshirt
- Raincoat or poncho
- Swimsuits
- Pajamas
- Bath towels and beach towels
- Underwear and socks
- Jeans, shorts, and t-shirts
- Duffle bag interior tag
Bond permanently to iron-safe fabrics using a household iron — completely flat, no bulk, no edges. The most durable option for clothing that goes through repeated camp laundry. Use for any of the clothing items above where you want a permanent bond, particularly pillowcases and sheets where the name is often checked. For iron-safe fabrics only.
Weatherproof, tear-resistant, and dishwasher-safe for everything that isn't clothing — all hard surfaces, gear, and personal care items. Apply to a clean dry surface (wipe with isopropyl alcohol first) and allow 24 hours before first exposure to water for best adhesion.
- Water bottle
- Hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Toiletries and personal care items
- Pens and pencils
- Fan and flashlight
- Backpack exterior
- Any hard-surface gear or equipment
Waterproof labels designed for the curved inner sole surface at the heel. Washer and dryer safe. Shoes are among the most commonly mixed up and lost items at camp — especially at swim activities, changeovers, and activity transitions. Three pairs included in the Camp Label Pack.
- Tennis shoes / sneakers
- Shower shoes and flip flops
- Water shoes
Allergy & Medical Alert Labels
For children with food allergies, medical conditions, or any health need that camp staff should be aware of. Apply to lunchboxes, bags, and relevant medical equipment. Camp environments involve multiple adults — counselors, activity leaders, kitchen staff — who may not all have been briefed on your child's specific needs. A visible allergy or medical alert label ensures that information is immediately available at any point of contact. Always communicate your child's needs directly with the camp in writing as well — labels supplement that communication, they don't replace it.
Labeling Tips Specific to Camp
- Label both inside and outside of bags. An external label on a strap or handle is for quick identification in a bag call. An internal label on the inner tag is the backup. Both together give a lost bag the best chance of making it back.
- Order and apply labels before you pack. The labeling session is most effective when you can work through every item methodically — not cramming labels onto things the night before drop-off. Order early enough to have labels in hand a week before camp starts.
- Allow 24 hours after applying waterproof labels before first washing. The adhesive needs time to fully bond to the surface. Apply labels to bottles and hard surfaces at least a day before they go to camp for best long-term adhesion.
- Let your child choose the design. A child who recognizes their label instantly — because they chose the dinosaur, the rocket, the rainbow — is more likely to notice when a labeled item goes missing and more likely to look for it. With over 100 designs available, most children have a strong opinion and enjoy the choosing part.
- Photograph key items before camp. A photo of the specific sleeping bag, water bottle, or jacket takes thirty seconds and is invaluable if you need to describe a missing item to camp staff later.
Get the Camp Label Pack
85+ labels covering clothing, hard surfaces, shoes, and a contact label — everything you need for a week-long camp in one order. Available in over 100 designs. Ships to you ready to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I label for summer camp?
Everything that leaves the house — every clothing item, sleeping bag, towels, shoes, water bottle, toiletries, flashlight, and any bags or equipment. Stick-on or iron-on clothing labels for fabric items, waterproof name labels for hard surfaces and gear, shoe labels for all footwear. Our Camp Label Pack covers the full kit for a week-long camp in one order.
What's the difference between iron-on and stick-on labels for camp clothing?
Iron-on labels bond permanently to iron-safe fabrics using a household iron — the most durable option for clothing that goes through repeated camp laundry. Stick-on clothing labels apply to care tags or tagless imprint areas with no heat required — suitable for any fabric including those that aren't iron-safe. Both are laundry-safe; the choice depends on the fabric and how permanent you want the bond to be.
How many labels do I need for camp?
Our Camp Label Pack includes 85+ labels, which covers the full kit for a typical week-long sleepaway camp — clothing, hard surface items, shoes, and a contact label. If your child is going for longer or has more specialist gear, additional individual labels are available in a range of sizes. Any pack can also be split across multiple names if you have more than one child attending camp.
Do camp labels survive pool and lake water?
Our waterproof name labels are specifically designed to be weatherproof and water-resistant — suitable for outdoor conditions including pool and lake exposure. Apply to a clean, dry surface and allow 24 hours for the adhesive to fully bond before first water exposure for the best long-term results. Clothing labels are laundry-safe through repeated camp washing cycles.
When should I order camp labels?
At least two weeks before camp drop-off — ideally three. This gives you time to receive the labels, complete a labeling session across all your child's gear (allow time for the 24-hour adhesive setting on waterproof labels), and handle anything that needs reordering. Ordering the week before drop-off is the most stressful approach and the most likely to result in items going to camp unlabeled.