Preparing for Summer Tennis Camp

The Essential New Jersey Camper Packing List

If you’re anything like me, packing for a trip is always a final-hour affair. This usually results in getting to my destination, and realizing I’ve forgotten 2-3 travel essentials. Our New Jersey Tennis Camp Locations have options in the area to purchase a forgotten in a pinch; however, when packing for sports camp, you don’t want to have to hunt down last-minute replacement gear because you didn’t prepare properly.

“Spectacular performances are preceded by spectacular preparation.”

— Frank Giampaolo

Sports camp is about making friends and learning new skills — not stressing over something you forgot to bring.

Let’s Prepare for Tennis Camp!

Packing for New Jersey Tennis Camp is a lot like packing for a day at the beach with a few keys differences. Let’s state the obvious first: you’re not going to have time to replace a decent pair of tennis shoes or a racquet at your local Walmart.

For this reason, whether you choose to attend a a full day camp or a half day camp, it’s important that you assemble your tennis gear essentials first. If you need to purchase new items, order them far enough in advance, so you can make sure items fit well and are in working order.

Tennis Gear Essentials

  • Tennis Racquet. New players may borrow a camp racquet if necessary.

  • Tennis Clothes. Opt for moisture-wicking styles for comfort and mobility.

  • Tennis Shoes. Make sure you have the right style for the type of court you’ll be playing on.

  • Hat or Visor
  • Sunglasses
  • Athletic Socks

Don’t forget to break-in new shoes prior to the start of camp!

Additional Sports Camp Gear

The following are items that are not required, but are highly recommend to make your life a little more comfortable for day or half day camp.

  • A refillable water bottle. Choose one that has the largest water capacity you can manage to carry around and still fit in a refill station. Make sure to customize your bottle with your name or a unique sticker, so you don’t lose it on the sidelines.

  • Extra sports socks. Torn up feet and heals are no fun. You’ve got a lot of sweating to do, so make sure your feet stay dry and blister-free. Calculate at least 2 pairs of good quality tennis socks for each day of camp. Look for styles with breathable, moisture-wicking technology to keep your toes from getting cheesy.

  • Flip-flops. After a full day on the court, you need to help your feet air out. These can be as simple as shower shoes, or a special pair reserved for post-play. Just make sure they fit well and are comfortable.

  • Healthy snacks. What you eat and drink directly affects your energy level and decision making on the court. Plan to burn a lot of calories, but stay away from processed snacks with a lot of sugar. These will cause you to crash after the initial burst of energy. Bananas, blueberries, mandarin oranges, nuts, pumpkin seeds, whey protein shakes, blueberries, shelf-stable hummus, beef jerky, dried fruit (without the added sugar), and nut butter packets make great options.

  • Sunscreen & lip balm. Tennis players are used to enduring prolonged sun exposure, but the least likely to remember to apply sunscreen regularly. Relying on a base tan is not the best course of action if you want to actually enjoy your summer sports camp experience. According to US Dermatology Partners, athletes should apply a shot glass full of sunscreen every few hours. They suggest a broad-spectrum sunscreen and lip balm with an SPF of 30+ that offers protection for both UVA and UVB rays.

  • Sunglasses. More than just for looking cool, sunglasses prevent radiation damage from the sun. Too much sun exposure can affect your play by causing blind spots and chronic headaches.

  • Glasses and contact lens solution. It’s not fun to get debris in your eyes when you’re trying to line up a serve. If you wear contact lenses, keep an extra pair of prescription eyeglasses and/or contact solution in your day bag for those times when eyes feel dry.

  • Rain jacket. We can’t always promise sunny days. Just like socks, the type of jacket you choose for rainy weather is going to decide whether you have a good day, or not-so-good one. You are going to get sweat-wet on and off the court, so make sure the rain gear you select is going to keep you dry, cool, and ready to perform.

  • A small backpack, fanny pack, or tote bag to hold your extra gear.

If it’s not attached to you,
PUT A NAME ON IT!

Campers have a habit of leaving things in locker rooms, on the courts, in the bathrooms, and wherever they spend the day. Labels are lifesavers.

Start planning now for an awesome summer of tennis fun in New Jersey.

Still Have Questions?

Properly prepared campers are happy campers. If your child or teen is looking for a fun and challenging sports camp in New Jersey, register now for summer tennis camp.

ARE YOU READY TO TAKE YOUR TENNIS GAME
TO THE NEXT LEVEL?