From the founder of Sticky Monkey Labels
I'm Dodie — mom of three boys, two with food allergies and one with special needs, and founder of Sticky Monkey Labels. I'm now in my 15th year of business, which started in 2011. I've helped thousands of families get ready for camp, and I've seen firsthand which items come home and which ones don't. This list is everything I'd tell you if you called the shop today.
Camp season is here. The handbook arrived, the duffel bag is out, and somewhere between the swimsuit count and the flashlight batteries you've started wondering whether you're actually going to get everything labeled before drop-off.
The short answer is yes — if you start now and work through the list in order. The longer answer is that labeling camp gear is different from labeling school supplies. The environment is more demanding, the items are more varied, and the consequences of skipping a category (looking at you, socks and underwear) are immediate and expensive.
This guide gives you the complete packing list for both day camp and overnight camp, organized by category, with the right label type listed for every single item. No guessing, no wrong choices, no unlabeled hoodie disappearing into the camp lost-and-found by day three.
What's in this guide
- Day camp vs. overnight camp — how the lists differ
- Label type key — what each label does at camp
- Clothing — every item with label placement
- Footwear — the category everyone under-labels
- Water bottles and food containers
- Toiletries and the shower caddy system
- Bedding (overnight camp)
- Gear, equipment, and extras
- Allergy and medical labels — a separate system
- Which label pack do you need?
- Labeling timeline before drop-off
- Frequently asked questions
1. Day Camp vs. Overnight Camp: How the Lists Differ
Day camp and overnight camp have different labeling needs — not because the label types are different, but because the volume and categories change significantly.
Day camp labeling priorities
Your child comes home every afternoon — but that doesn't mean things don't go missing. Water bottles, lunch containers, backpacks, swimsuits, sunscreen, shoes, and any extra clothing sent in the bag need labels. Day camp labeling is focused on the daily carry: everything that leaves the house and needs to come back. You don't need to label bedding or toiletries, but you absolutely need to label every bottle, every container, and every item of clothing.
Overnight camp labeling priorities
Everything in the trunk needs a label. Every sock. Every piece of underwear. Every toiletry bottle. The shower caddy. Every piece of bedding. The sleeping bag. Clothing goes through communal laundry with dozens of other campers' gear — and in that environment, unlabeled items have almost no chance of finding their way back. The biggest mistake parents make with overnight camp is labeling only the obvious items. The items you think are too small or too basic to bother with are exactly the ones that disappear.
2. Label Type Key — What Each Label Does at Camp
Every item on this list is marked with the label type it needs. Here's what each one means:
Iron-On
For fabric — socks, underwear, clothing, bedding. Bonds permanently into fabric fibers. The only option for items without a care tag or going through communal laundry. See our complete iron-on guide.
Stick-On Waterproof
For hard surfaces — bottles, containers, toiletries, gear. Dishwasher safe. Peel and press onto clean, dry smooth surfaces.
Stick-On Clothing
For care tags on fabric items. Peel and press onto the garment care tag. Holds through home laundry. Best for clothing with a large accessible tag.
Shoe Label
Specifically rated for shoe interiors — sweat, moisture, repeated flexing. Goes inside the heel of shoes. Will not stick to rubber or Croslite material.
3. Clothing — Every Item With Label Placement
Clothing is where most of the labeling work happens — and where most of the losses occur when parents skip items. The rule for camp clothing is simple: if it goes through the laundry, it gets a label. Every item. Every time.
| Item | Label Type | Placement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-shirts and tanks | Iron-On | Inside back collar | Communal laundry at camp makes iron-on the right choice even for tagged shirts. |
| Shorts and pants | Iron-On | Inside waistband — flat fabric area, not on elastic | Label the flat fabric alongside the elastic, not on the elastic itself. |
| Socks | Iron-On only | Inside cuff | Every single sock. No exceptions. Slip each sock over the narrow end of the ironing board before applying. Unlabeled socks are the most-lost item at overnight camp — up to 60% gone by week two of a long session. |
| Underwear | Iron-On only | Inside waistband — flat fabric area | No care tag, elastic fabric — iron-on is the only option. |
| Sweatshirts and hoodies | Iron-On | Inside back collar or inner back hem | Hoodies are the most expensive item parents lose at camp. Label them first. |
| Pajamas — top | Iron-On | Inside back collar | Label top and bottom separately — they get separated in laundry. |
| Pajamas — bottom | Iron-On | Inside waistband — flat fabric area | Separate label from the top. |
| Swimsuits | Iron-On | Inside back neckline or inner waistband | Check fabric is iron-safe before applying. Swimwear stretches constantly — iron-on is more reliable than stick-on through a full season of chlorine and high-heat drying. |
| Rash guards | Iron-On | Inside back collar | Check fabric for iron-safe designation. Usually iron-safe on the body panels. |
| Rain jacket or poncho | Stick-On Clothing | Care tag | Nylon and waterproof-coated fabric may not be iron-safe. Use the care tag for stick-on clothing label. |
| Athletic shorts and sports uniform | Iron-On | Inside waistband — flat fabric area | Sports gear changed multiple times per day at camp — high mix-up risk. |
| Towels and washcloths | Iron-On | Care tag if present, or flat seam near corner | Do not apply iron-on directly to the terrycloth — it won't bond well on textured surfaces. Find the flattest tag or seam area available. |
4. Footwear: The Category Everyone Under-Labels
Shoes go missing at camp constantly. Flip-flops at the pool, sneakers in the cabin doorway, water shoes at the lake — they get removed in groups and piled together multiple times every day. Inside-heel placement on both shoes of every pair is the only placement that survives camp wear reliably.
| Item | Label Type | Placement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sneakers / athletic shoes | Shoe Label | Inside heel, both shoes | Label both — a pair without both labeled will split up. |
| Flip-flops and sandals | Shoe Label | Inside heel or underside of footbed, both shoes | Pool areas are the highest-loss spot for flip-flops. Label both — every pair. |
| Water shoes | Shoe Label | Inside heel, both shoes | Waterfront activities are the second-highest shoe loss area after the pool. |
| Rain boots | Shoe Label | Inside upper shaft, both boots | Rain boots at camp get left outside cabin doors. Label both. |
| Hiking boots or sturdy shoes | Shoe Label | Inside heel, both shoes | Label both even if they seem too distinctive to lose. Camp laundry rooms prove otherwise. |
5. Water Bottles and Food Containers
Water bottles are the single most commonly lost item at camp — at both day camp and overnight camp. They go everywhere your child goes, look nearly identical to other campers' bottles, and get handled multiple times a day in shared spaces. The lid rule applies to every bottle and container: label the lid separately from the container. Camp kitchens and cabin bathrooms rinse, stack, and shuffle lids fast. A labeled bottle with an unlabeled lid means a missing lid within days.
| Item | Label Type | Placement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water bottle — body | Stick-On Waterproof | Widest part of body, away from silicone sleeves | Clean surface with alcohol first to remove oils. Apply firmly. Allow 24 hours before first dishwasher cycle. |
| Water bottle — lid | Stick-On Waterproof | Smooth outer surface of lid | Label separately from the body. A labeled bottle with an unlabeled lid loses the lid. |
| Lunch box or insulated bag | Stick-On Waterproof | Outside front or handle; also inside lining | Two labels: one visible outside, one inside in case the exterior label gets damaged. |
| Snack containers — body | Stick-On Waterproof | Smooth outer body | Label the container. |
| Snack containers — lid | Stick-On Waterproof | Top of lid | Label the lid separately. Both pieces need their own label. |
| Thermos or insulated food jar | Stick-On Waterproof | Body and lid separately | Clean with alcohol before applying. The lid and body separate constantly. |
6. Toiletries and the Shower Caddy System
Toiletries are the category day camp families usually skip entirely and overnight camp families consistently under-label. Shared cabin bathrooms mean shampoo, conditioner, and body wash migrate between bunks within the first week. By week two of a session, unlabeled toiletries have become communal property.
The system: label every individual bottle in the shower caddy — and label the caddy itself. A labeled caddy left in a shared bathroom finds its way back to the right cabin. An unlabeled one stays where it was left.
| Item | Label Type | Placement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shower caddy | Stick-On Waterproof | Outside front, visible when left in a shared space | Label this first. A labeled caddy can be returned even when individual bottles aren't. |
| Shampoo | Stick-On Waterproof | Front label area of bottle | Add a clear overlay for protection — shampoo residue on handled bottles degrades label ink over time. |
| Conditioner | Stick-On Waterproof | Front label area of bottle | Add a clear overlay. |
| Body wash | Stick-On Waterproof | Front label area of bottle | Add a clear overlay. |
| Sunscreen | Stick-On Waterproof + Clear Overlay | Front label area of bottle | Sunscreen oils are slow-acting solvents for label ink. A clear overlay is essential here — not optional. Without it, the label will fade by week three of daily application. |
| Bug spray / insect repellent | Stick-On Waterproof + Clear Overlay | Front label area of bottle | The active chemicals in insect repellent are harder on labels than sunscreen. Clear overlay is non-negotiable for bug spray bottles. |
| Toothbrush | Stick-On Waterproof | Handle | Use a small label on the handle. Shared bathroom cup holders mix toothbrushes constantly. |
| Toothpaste | Stick-On Waterproof | Tube body | Small label on the flat area of the tube. |
| Deodorant | Stick-On Waterproof | Side of tube | Essential from age 8–9 onward in shared cabin spaces. |
| Hairbrush or comb | Stick-On Waterproof | Handle back | Small label on the smooth back of the handle. |
7. Bedding (Overnight Camp)
Bedding at overnight camp goes through communal laundry at high temperatures. The flat fabric surface gives stick-on labels nothing to grip, and communal wash conditions are more demanding than home laundry. Every piece of bedding needs an iron-on label.
| Item | Label Type | Placement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fitted sheet | Iron-On | Corner furthest from where head rests — flat fabric area | Not on a seam or hem edge — find the flattest area of fabric in a low-use corner. |
| Flat sheet | Iron-On | Corner — flat fabric area | Label separately from the fitted sheet — they get separated in communal laundry. |
| Pillowcase | Iron-On | Inside seam near open end | The open-end interior seam experiences less friction than the pillow-contact area. |
| Pillow | Iron-On | Fabric panel on one corner | Find a flat fabric panel — avoid seams and the quilted areas if the pillow cover has texture. |
| Sleeping bag | Iron-On | Interior lining near the top — flat fabric area | Check fabric is iron-safe. Place on the interior lining where fabric is flattest. |
| Blanket | Iron-On | Corner — flat fabric area away from decorative edging | Avoid satin or decorative ribbon edging — find the plain flat fabric of the blanket body. |
8. Gear, Equipment, and Extras
| Item | Label Type | Placement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backpack or daypack | Stick-On Waterproof | Outside front + inside lining | Two labels: one visible on the outside, one inside in case the exterior label gets damaged. |
| Duffel bag or trunk | Stick-On Waterproof | Outside front panel + handle tag | Large bags need a visible exterior label. A handle tag is useful for quick identification at drop-off. |
| Laundry bag | Stick-On Waterproof | Outside — visible area | Essential at overnight camp. A labeled laundry bag returned from communal laundry with the right camper's clothing inside is worth its weight in missing socks. |
| Flashlight or headlamp | Stick-On Waterproof | Barrel or head strap | Small label on the smooth barrel or the flat area of the headlamp body. |
| Swim goggles | Stick-On Waterproof | Strap or frame — flat smooth area | Use a small label on the smoothest area of the frame or strap. |
| Fan (small battery-powered) | Stick-On Waterproof | Back panel or base | Cabin fans walk between bunks. Label before it leaves the house. |
| Books, journals, activity notebooks | Stick-On Waterproof | Inside front cover | Small label inside the front cover. |
| Packing cubes | Stick-On Waterproof | Outside front panel | Label each cube separately. Packing cubes end up in shared laundry spaces. |
9. Allergy and Medical Labels — A Separate System
For families managing food allergies, medical conditions, or any situation where camp staff need to know something before they open a container or hand your child something, labeling is a safety system — not an organizational one.
As a mom of two boys with food allergies, I know that the label on the exterior of the lunchbox is the one that reaches the counselor before any food is opened. That placement matters. The label inside the container is secondary — by the time anyone reads it, the container is already open.
Where allergy labels go
- Exterior of the camp bin or trunk — visible before anything is opened
- Exterior of the lunchbox or meal bag — visible before any container is opened
- Water bottle — counselors see this throughout the day
- EpiPen case or epinephrine holder — clearly labeled with name and allergen
- Inhaler case — labeled with name and condition
10. Which Label Pack Do You Need?
The right pack depends entirely on what your child is bringing. The most common mistake is choosing the day camp pack for an overnight camp situation and running out of labels before the trunk is fully labeled.
Day Camp Pack — 101 labels (53 waterproof + 48 clothing)
Right for families whose child is coming home every afternoon and carrying the daily essentials. Covers the water bottle, lunch containers, backpack, swimsuit, sunscreen, and a full set of daily clothing with room to spare. Choose iron-on or stick-on clothing labels at checkout.
Sleep Camp Pack — 201 labels (105 waterproof + 96 clothing)
Right for overnight camp. The larger quantity is calibrated to label a full trunk thoroughly — every sock, every piece of underwear, every toiletry bottle, every piece of bedding, and all the gear — without running short. Parents who start with the day camp pack for an overnight camper almost always run out. Choose the larger pack upfront and label everything completely.
Browse our full range of camp label packs at Sticky Monkey Labels. We ship all orders within 1–2 business days. Questions about which pack covers your child's specific camp situation? Call us at 1-888-780-7734.
11. Labeling Timeline Before Drop-Off
Labeling is a session, not a task you finish in 20 minutes. Plan it the way you'd plan any other camp prep step — with time built in for the iron-on cure window and the waterproof label adhesive set time.
10–14 days before drop-off — order your labels
We ship within 1–2 business days, so you don't need two weeks for shipping. But ordering early gives you time to apply labels without rushing and to allow proper cure times before anything gets washed or packed.
5–7 days before drop-off — label all clothing
Do clothing first: iron-on labels need 24 hours before the first wash, and if something needs to be washed again before packing you want time for that. Work through the clothing list in one session — socks and underwear first (iron-on), then everything else. Label the top and bottom of pajamas separately. Label both shoes of every pair.
3–4 days before drop-off — label bottles, toiletries, and gear
Stick-on waterproof labels: clean each surface with alcohol, apply firmly, allow 24 hours before dishwasher or heavy use. Do the shower caddy first, then every individual bottle inside it, then water bottles and containers. Label the container and the lid separately on everything.
Night before drop-off — final check
Walk through the full list. Check that every water bottle lid has its own label. Check that both shoes of every pair are labeled. Check the laundry bag. Check the shower caddy itself. These are the four most commonly missed items when parents do a final check the night before.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need to label every sock individually?
Yes. In a cabin with 8–12 campers all wearing white athletic socks, there is no way to identify ownership without a label. Counselors don't have time to sort unlabeled laundry by eye — and even if they did, there's nothing to go on. Iron-on inside the cuff of every individual sock adds time to your labeling session and prevents one of the most consistent and expensive losses at overnight camp. The families who skip this step are the ones calling to replace the Sleep Camp Pack before week three of a long session.
Can I use stick-on clothing labels for camp instead of iron-on?
For clothing at overnight camp specifically — no, not reliably. Communal laundry at high temperatures is a more demanding environment than household washing. Stick-on labels on care tags survive home laundry well but are more vulnerable to repeated institutional cycles. For socks and underwear there's no question at all — iron-on is the only option that bonds to those surfaces. For day camp, where clothing comes home every afternoon and is washed at home, stick-on clothing labels on care tags work well.
Do labels survive the camp dishwasher and camp laundry?
Our waterproof labels are designed and tested for dishwasher use — top rack recommended for maximum longevity. Iron-on clothing labels are guaranteed for household washer and dryer use when applied correctly. For commercial camp laundry, iron-on is the more robust choice for clothing. For hard surfaces going through camp kitchen dishwashers, our waterproof labels hold well through repeated cycles when applied to a clean, prepared surface and given the full 24-hour cure time before first use.
My child has food allergies. What do I do beyond the allergy labels?
Physical labels are one layer of a complete safety system — not the whole system. Always submit written allergy documentation directly to camp administration before arrival, including your child's specific allergens, reaction history, and emergency plan. Make sure the camp nurse, head counselor, and your child's specific cabin counselor all have copies. Walk through the labels with your child before drop-off so they know where the labels are and can point them out to staff. The physical labels and the written documentation work together — neither replaces the other.
Can I order labels if drop-off is in a few days?
Yes — we ship all orders within 1–2 business days. If you're cutting it close, order today and plan your labeling session the day the labels arrive. Stick-on labels are ready to use immediately. Iron-on labels need 24 hours after application before the first wash, so factor that into your session timing. If drop-off is tomorrow, use stick-on on care tags for clothing and waterproof labels for bottles and gear — and circle back to the iron-on items (socks, underwear, tagless items) for the next camp session.
How is the Day Camp Pack different from the Sleep Camp Pack?
The Day Camp Pack includes 101 labels — 53 waterproof and 48 clothing labels. It's sized for the daily essentials: water bottles, lunch containers, backpack, swimsuit, extra clothing, and daily gear. The Sleep Camp Pack includes 201 labels — 105 waterproof and 96 clothing labels. It's sized for a full trunk: every sock, every piece of underwear, every toiletry bottle, bedding, all gear, and everything else an overnight camper brings. The difference in quantity reflects the difference in what needs to be labeled — choose based on your child's camp type, not on which feels like enough.