Kids should pack a properly sized tennis racket, court-specific tennis shoes, a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, a hat, moisture-wicking clothing, and healthy snacks for tennis camp. Full-day campers should also bring a packed lunch and an extra shirt for the afternoon. The camp provides all balls and training equipment, so the focus for parents is on personal gear, sun protection, hydration, and fuel that keeps children comfortable, safe, and energised across a full day of outdoor activity. Getting the packing right before the first session saves time on busy camp mornings, prevents blisters and overheating on court, and lets your child focus entirely on learning and having fun. This guide covers every item in detail, explains how to choose the correct sizes, and includes the practical tips most packing lists skip.
What Should Kids Pack for Tennis Camp?
Kids should pack court-ready equipment, weather-appropriate clothing, hydration supplies, sun protection, and a few personal items for tennis camp. The packing list breaks into five categories: equipment (racket and shoes), clothing (moisture-wicking tops, shorts, extra shirt), hydration and fuel (water bottle, snacks, lunch for full-day campers), sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses), and personal items (bag, towel, change of socks). Each category serves a specific purpose. Missing any one of them affects comfort, safety, or performance during a day that can stretch from 8 AM to 6 PM for families using extended care.
A research study published in PMC involving 157 junior tennis players at a training camp found measurable dehydration rates during practice sessions. Children and young adults face a greater risk of heat exhaustion during tennis training and competitions in warm conditions because they do not always have easy access to water or recognise early dehydration symptoms. Packing the right hydration supplies and sun protection is not optional. It is a safety requirement for any child spending hours on an outdoor court during the Canadian summer.
What Size Tennis Racket Does My Child Need?
The size tennis racket your child needs depends on their height, not their age, because height determines the reach and leverage that affect swing mechanics, contact quality, and long-term technique development. A racket that is too long forces a child to choke up on the grip or drag the frame along the ground during the backswing. A racket that is too short reduces power and reach. Both problems create compensations in the swing that slow skill development and raise injury risk, according to Lurie Children’s Hospital sports medicine guidelines.
Junior tennis rackets are available in lengths from 19 inches to 26 inches, stepping up in two-inch increments. The standard adult racket is 27 inches. A quick sizing test confirms the fit: have your child stand upright, hold the racket at their side with the head pointing down, and check whether the bottom of the frame hovers just above the ground. Dragging means the racket is too long. A gap of more than a few centimetres means the racket is too short. Wilson Tennis Camps, Mantis Sport, and Tennis Companion all recommend this standing test as the most reliable method for parents.
| Child’s Height | Recommended Racket Length | Typical Age Range | Ball Stage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 100 cm (39 inches) | 19 inches | 3-4 years | Red Ball (foam) |
| 100-110 cm (39-43 inches) | 21 inches | 4-5 years | Red Ball |
| 110-120 cm (43-47 inches) | 23 inches | 6-7 years | Red / Orange Ball |
| 120-130 cm (47-51 inches) | 25 inches | 8-9 years | Orange / Green Ball |
| 130-140 cm (51-55 inches) | 26 inches | 10-12 years | Green / Yellow Ball |
| Over 140 cm (55+ inches) | 27 inches (adult) | 12+ years | Yellow Ball |
Sources: Wilson Tennis Camps junior racket guide; Mantis Sport junior sizing chart; Tennis Companion parent’s guide; ITF Tennis10s ball stage recommendations.
A properly sized junior racket from Wilson, Babolat, or Head typically costs between $25 and $50 CAD, making it one of the most affordable pieces of youth sports equipment available. We recommend bringing your child’s own racket to summer camp rather than relying on loaner equipment, because consistency in weight, balance, and grip size helps build correct technique faster.
Our coaching team can advise on racket sizing during your first session or during a private lesson before camp begins.
What Shoes Should Kids Wear to Tennis Camp?
Kids should wear court-specific tennis shoes to tennis camp because tennis shoes provide the lateral support, flat outsole traction, and toe reinforcement that running shoes, basketball shoes, and sandals do not offer. Tennis involves constant side-to-side movement, quick stops, and direction changes. A shoe built for forward motion (like a running shoe) does not stabilise the ankle during lateral shuffles and can increase the risk of rolling or spraining the ankle. Court-specific shoes also feature a flat, non-marking outsole designed to grip hard court surfaces without leaving scuff marks.
Running shoes, cross-trainers, and fashion sneakers are the most common incorrect footwear we see on the first day of camp. The difference shows up immediately in how the child moves. A child wearing proper tennis shoes plants, pushes, and changes direction with confidence. A child in running shoes slides on lateral movements and hesitates because the shoe does not feel stable. That hesitation slows learning. Junior tennis shoes from brands like Asics, Nike, New Balance, and Adidas are widely available and typically cost between $40 and $80 CAD. If your child wears through shoes quickly, bringing a second pair to camp as a backup prevents a mid-week scramble.
What Clothing Is Best for Tennis Camp?
The best clothing for tennis camp is lightweight, moisture-wicking athletic wear in light colours that reflect heat and dry quickly during hot summer days. Cotton t-shirts absorb sweat and stay wet, which leads to chafing, overheating, and discomfort during a full day of outdoor activity. Moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics pull sweat away from the skin significantly faster than cotton, keeping the child cooler and more comfortable through multiple hours of movement. Most athletic brands offer affordable moisture-wicking shirts and shorts specifically designed for active children.
For full-day campers, packing an extra shirt for the afternoon session makes a noticeable difference in comfort. A child who changes into a dry shirt after lunch feels refreshed and ready for the second half of the day. Athletic shorts with an elastic waistband provide unrestricted movement for lunges, sprints, and wide stances on court. Avoid jeans, khakis, or any clothing that restricts leg movement. For cooler mornings early in the summer season, a light zip-up jacket that fits over the athletic shirt layers well and can be removed easily as the temperature rises.
How Much Water Should a Child Drink at Tennis Camp?
A child at tennis camp should drink water before arriving, during every break in the session, and after the session ends, with the general guideline of approximately 1 to 2 cups every 15 to 20 minutes during physical activity in warm conditions. Health Canada recommends that children drink water before, during, and after physical activity, with intake increasing in hot and humid weather. A PMC study of 157 junior tennis players at a training camp found that children and young adults face a greater risk of heat exhaustion during tennis because they do not always recognise early thirst signals and do not self-regulate fluid intake as effectively as adults.
A refillable water bottle with a minimum capacity of 500 mL is the single most important non-equipment item on the packing list. The bottle should be easy for the child to open and close independently, leak-proof in a tennis bag, and clearly labelled with the child’s name. Insulated stainless steel bottles keep water cold for hours in North York summer heat, which encourages children to drink more frequently than they would from a warm plastic bottle. For full-day campers, bringing two bottles or one large 1-litre bottle prevents running out before the afternoon session. Electrolyte tablets or diluted sports drinks can supplement water on extremely hot days, but plain water should remain the primary hydration source. Our fall programme coaches reinforce the same hydration habits during cooler-weather sessions so children carry the routine year-round.
What Sun Protection Do Kids Need for Tennis Camp?
Kids need broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), a hat with a brim, and UV-protective sunglasses for tennis camp, applied and worn before the first session begins. The Canadian Dermatology Association recommends SPF 30 or higher for children with reapplication every two hours during outdoor activity. Tennis camp sessions run for multiple hours on open courts with no shade overhead, so a single morning application of sunscreen will not last through the day. Parents should apply sunscreen before drop-off and pack the bottle so the child (or a coach, for younger children) can reapply after lunch.
A hat or visor protects the face and scalp from direct sun exposure. Many competitive tennis players prefer a visor because it allows heat to escape from the top of the head, but a full-brimmed hat provides more coverage for younger children who are less heat-adapted. UV-protective sunglasses with a sport strap prevent the glasses from falling off during movement. Sunburn on the first day of camp is one of the most common preventable problems we see, and it can sideline a child for the rest of the week. Applying sunscreen at home before the drive to camp takes two minutes and prevents days of discomfort.
What Snacks and Fuel Should Kids Bring to Tennis Camp?
Kids should bring healthy, easy-to-eat snacks that provide sustained energy without causing a sugar crash, and full-day campers should also pack a balanced lunch that includes protein, complex carbohydrates, and fruit. Tennis camp is physically demanding. A child who runs out of energy mid-morning because they skipped breakfast or brought only a candy bar will lose focus, slow down, and stop enjoying the session. The right fuel keeps blood sugar stable and energy consistent from the first drill through the last point of the day.
Good snack options include sliced fruit (apple, banana, grapes), trail mix, granola bars, cheese and crackers, or a small container of cut vegetables with hummus. For lunch, a sandwich or wrap with protein (turkey, chicken, cheese), a piece of fruit, and a refillable water bottle covers the nutritional bases without weighing the child down before the afternoon session. Avoid heavy, greasy foods that slow digestion and sugary snacks that spike energy for 20 minutes before causing a crash. Pack all food in an insulated lunch bag with an ice pack to keep items fresh through a full day in summer heat.
What to Put in a Tennis Backpack?
A tennis backpack should hold the racket, shoes (in a separate compartment or bag), water bottle, sunscreen, hat, snacks, an extra shirt, a small towel, and any personal items the child needs for the day. Organisation matters more than parents expect. A child who can find their water bottle quickly during a break drinks more. A child who can pull out their sunscreen without dumping the entire bag reapplies more consistently. A child whose clean shirt is separated from their sweaty shoes changes more willingly after lunch.
- Pack the racket in the dedicated racket compartment or strap it to the outside of the bag so it does not crush softer items
- Place tennis shoes in a separate shoe bag or the bottom compartment to keep the rest of the bag clean and dry
- Put the water bottle in an accessible side pocket so the child can grab it during every break without opening the main compartment
- Store sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses in a zippered front pocket for quick access before the session starts
- Pack snacks and lunch in an insulated section or a separate insulated lunch bag inside the main compartment
- Roll the extra shirt and small towel together and place them where the child can reach them at the midday break
- Label everything with the child’s name, including the bag itself, using a permanent marker or iron-on labels
A mid-size tennis backpack with a racket holder works best for camp. Full-size racket bags designed for adults are too bulky for younger children. A backpack with padded shoulder straps distributes weight evenly and leaves both hands free for the walk from the car to the court. Our tennis programmes provide all balls and training equipment on court, so the backpack only needs to carry personal gear.
What Should Kids NOT Bring to Tennis Camp?
Kids should not bring electronic devices, expensive jewellery, open-toed shoes, glass water bottles, or large amounts of cash to tennis camp because these items create distractions, safety hazards, or loss and damage risks on an active outdoor court. Phones and tablets distract children during instruction, attract theft from unattended bags, and can be damaged by heat or impact. Jewellery, including necklaces, dangling earrings, and bracelets, catches on rackets, gets lost in grass, and poses a safety risk during fast movement. Open-toed shoes and sandals offer zero ankle support and no protection from stepped-on balls or racket edges.
- Phones, tablets, and handheld gaming devices: leave them in the car or at home; coaches manage the schedule, and parents can reach the camp office if needed
- Jewellery and watches (other than basic sport watches): remove them before arriving to prevent loss, damage, or injury
- Glass water bottles: bring plastic or stainless steel only, because a dropped glass bottle on a hard court creates a serious safety hazard
- Flip-flops, sandals, or fashion sneakers: wear court-specific tennis shoes that provide lateral support and a non-marking outsole
- Gum and hard candy: choking hazards during physical activity; pack proper snacks instead
How Do I Prepare My Child for the First Day of Tennis Camp?
You prepare your child for the first day of tennis camp by packing the bag together the night before, arriving 10 to 15 minutes early for check-in, introducing the child to the coaching staff at drop-off, and setting realistic expectations about what the first session will look like. The night-before packing routine eliminates the morning scramble that creates stress for both parent and child. Lay out the clothing, fill the water bottle, pack the snacks, apply the name labels, and place the loaded bag by the door.
Arriving early on the first day gives the child time to explore the court, meet the coaches, and settle in before the session starts. A brief introduction between the parent and the coaching team helps the child feel secure because they see that the adults in their life trust each other. Set the expectation that the first session is about having fun and getting comfortable, not hitting perfect forehands. A child who expects to struggle a little and knows that struggling is normal arrives without pressure and leaves with genuine excitement about what they learned.
For children attending the full-day programme with extended care, a comfort item like a favourite water bottle sticker or a familiar snack from home adds a small piece of routine that eases the transition into a new environment. By the second or third day, most children have settled into the camp rhythm and no longer need those anchors. Our team groups every new camper with peers of similar age and ability, so no child walks onto the court alone on their first day. Parents who discover tennis while watching their children at camp can join our adult group lessons and start building their own game alongside their child’s development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do Kids Need for Tennis Camp?
Kids need a properly sized tennis racket, court-specific tennis shoes, a refillable water bottle (minimum 500 mL), broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+), a hat or visor, moisture-wicking athletic clothing, healthy snacks, and a tennis backpack to carry everything. Full-day campers should also bring a packed lunch and an extra shirt for the afternoon. The camp provides all balls and on-court training equipment, so personal gear, hydration, and sun protection are the parent’s responsibility.
What Are the Packing Essentials for Kids Summer Camp?
The packing essentials for kids summer camp are a sport-appropriate outfit, closed-toe athletic shoes, sunscreen, a hat, a water bottle, and snacks. For tennis camp specifically, add a correctly sized junior racket (19-26 inches depending on height), court-specific shoes with lateral support, and an extra shirt for full-day sessions. Label every item with the child’s name to prevent mix-ups, especially at camps with large groups. Our summer tennis camp provides a detailed orientation guide to registered families that covers everything you need to know before the first day.
Should Kids Bring Their Own Tennis Balls to Camp?
Kids do not need to bring their own tennis balls because the camp supplies all balls for drills, games, and match play. However, bringing two or three extra balls in the bag lets the child warm up independently or practise serves during breaks. The balls should match the child’s development stage: Red Ball for ages 5-8, Orange Ball for ages 8-10, and Green Ball for ages 9-10+. Our summer camp uses the ITF-mandated scaled ball system for all beginner and intermediate groups.
What Is the Ideal Age for Tennis Camp?
The ideal age for tennis camp is between 4 and 6 years old for most children, when hand-eye coordination, attention span, and social readiness align with the modified Red Ball courts and play-based coaching methods that junior programmes use. Children aged 7 and older can start at any time and progress quickly with proper instruction. We welcome children as young as 4 in our spring programme and summer camp, grouping them by age and ability so every player receives instruction matched to their level.
Do I Need to Label My Child’s Gear?
Yes, label every item your child brings to camp, including the racket, water bottle, bag, hat, sunscreen bottle, and lunch container. Camps with 30 to 60 children per session produce identical-looking water bottles, hats, and rackets that get mixed up daily. A permanent marker on the handle of the racket and the bottom of the water bottle takes 30 seconds and prevents hours of frustration. Iron-on or stick-on name labels work well for clothing, bags, and soft items. A club membership registration number on the bag can also help staff return misplaced gear quickly.
Putting It All Together
Packing for tennis camp comes down to five categories: equipment, clothing, hydration, sun protection, and organisation. A properly sized racket, court-specific shoes, a full water bottle, sunscreen applied before drop-off, and a well-organised backpack give your child everything they need to arrive ready, stay comfortable, and focus entirely on learning and having fun. The gear is simple, the investment is modest, and the preparation pays off every single morning of camp.
Our certified coaching team provides all on-court training equipment, structured programming, and personalised attention at student-to-coach ratios of 4:1 for advanced players and 6:1 for beginners. If you have questions about what to pack or need sizing advice for your child’s first racket, Hillcrest Tennis Camp is here to help.
Give us a call at 647-335-7473 or visit our contact page to learn about our summer camp sessions and get your child started on the court.
