What to pack for a residential camp (colonias) in Spain: full checklist

Sleeping bag, torch, mosquito repellent, washbag and clothes for every day: a complete packing list for overnight camps and colonias in Spain, from a first-timer’s 3 nights to two weeks.

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A residential camp — colonias, colònies, campamento con pernocta — means your child packs a whole life into one bag. The organiser always sends its own list, and you should follow it: some camps provide bedding, others ask for a sleeping bag; some have a laundry, most do not. This checklist covers what is usually needed and the things parents most often forget.

The bag

A soft travel bag or suitcase the child can manage — wheels help on longer staysSee on Amazon ↗
A small daypack for excursionsSee on Amazon ↗

Sleeping

A sleeping bag — a light summer bag is enough in most camps; check whether beds have sheetsSee on Amazon ↗
A head torch — for night games and the walk to the toiletsSee on Amazon ↗
A pillowcase or small travel pillow, if askedSee on Amazon ↗

Washing and health

A washbag with toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo and combSee on Amazon ↗
Mosquito repellent suitable for children — mountains and rivers in summerSee on Amazon ↗
Children’s sun cream, SPF 50See on Amazon ↗
A microfibre towel for the shower and one for the poolSee on Amazon ↗
Flip-flops for the showerSee on Amazon ↗

Medicines go to the camp staff with written instructions, not in the bag. Add a copy of the health card (tarjeta sanitaria or EHIC) if the organiser asks for it.

Clothes: one set per day plus extras

T-shirts, shorts, underwear and socks: one per day plus two spare sets.
A warm sweatshirt and long trousers: nights in the mountains are cold even in July.
A light raincoat.
Trainers plus a second pair of shoes in case the first get wet; walking shoes for hikes.
Swimsuit, cap and goggles if there is a pool or river.
A laundry bag for dirty clothes.

Name labels for every piece of clothingSee on Amazon ↗
A laundry bagSee on Amazon ↗
A packable raincoatSee on Amazon ↗
A reusable water bottleSee on Amazon ↗

Leave at home

Phones and tablets, unless the camp allows them at set times.
Expensive items and large amounts of pocket money.
Food in the bag: it attracts insects and many camps forbid it.

First time away from home? Read residential camps for first-timers or compare residential camps in Spain.

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