What Should my Child Pack for a Residential Trip?

If you have a child preparing to go on a school residential trip, it’s important to carefully consider what your child should take to ensure they have a comfortable and enjoyable experience. In this blog, we will provide you with an essential packing guide highlighting the items your child should take with them.

Clothing

When it comes to clothing, make sure your child is ready for anything during the residential trip. Here are some essentials to pack:

• Tops: grab a mix of short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts in comfy, breathable fabrics.
• Bottoms: don't forget to pack a combination of shorts, trousers, and leggings for ultimate flexibility. We recommend choosing trousers over jeans, as jeans can get heavy when cold and wet.
• Layers: bring along a couple of lightweight sweaters or hoodies for cooler evenings or sudden weather changes.
• Underwear and socks: remember to pack enough underwear and socks for the entire trip, and go for moisture-wicking materials to keep your child dry and comfy.
• Sleepwear: don't overlook cosy pyjamas or nightgowns for a good night's sleep.

Footwear

Having appropriate footwear can help kids have happy adventures, so here’s what you may need in the footwear department:

• Sturdy shoes: grab a pair of closed-toe shoes that provide good traction, like trainers or hiking shoes. Make sure they're already broken in to avoid any discomfort!
• Old trainers or water shoes: pack some footwear that you don’t mind getting wet and dirty like old trainers. Alternatively, you can pack water shoes for any water activities like kayaking and SUP.
• Socks: don't forget to pack enough socks to wear with different shoes. Choose moisture-wicking or sports socks to keep those feet dry and blister-free.

Weather Protection

Nature can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be prepared. Here’s what we recommend packing to protect your child against the weather:

• Waterproof jacket or raincoat: keep your child dry with a lightweight, waterproof jacket that won't make them overheat. It’s also worth taking some waterproof trousers if you have them, or you can find some basic and fairly inexpensive options on Amazon!
• Sun protection: slather on that sunscreen with a high SPF, take cool sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to shield from the sun's rays. And don’t forget about SPF lip balm too!
• Warm accessories: if the weather calls for it, toss in some gloves, a beanie and cosy scarf to keep your child warm and toasty.
• Swimwear and towels: if there's a chance of water-based fun or a pool, make sure to pack swimwear and a quick-drying towel.

Toiletries

Make sure your child has the necessary toiletries to stay squeaky clean and fresh during the trip. We recommend packing travel-sized containers to save space. Here’s what we recommend:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Body wash or soap
• Hairbrush or comb
• Any other toiletries your child may need or appreciate

Restrictions

During a residential trip, it’s important for kids to ensure they stay safe, comfortable, and focused. That’s why there are a few restrictions during the trip. These include:

• Mobile phones
• Expensive cameras
• Electronic games
• iPods or MP3 players
• Expensive or much-cherished jewellery
• Expensive favourite clothing or shoes

Takeaway

Packing for a residential trip involves careful conservation of essential items to ensure your child’s comfort and readiness for the activities ahead. By following our packing guide, you can help your child be well prepared and make the most of their experience.