Kids need to bring a properly sized tennis racquet, court-specific shoes, moisture-wicking athletic clothing, a large refillable water bottle, broad-spectrum sunscreen, healthy snacks, and a labelled backpack or sport bag to tennis camp. These seven items form the core of every tennis camp packing list, and each one directly affects how well a child performs, how comfortable they feel on the court, and how safe they stay during hours of outdoor play. The rest of this article walks through every item in detail, explains how to choose the right racquet size for a beginner, covers what to wear and what to avoid, breaks down why hydration and sun protection matter more than most parents realise, and includes a night-before preparation checklist so your child arrives at camp ready to play from the first session.
How to Choose the Right Tennis Racquet for Kids Tennis Camp
The right tennis racquet for kids tennis camp is a junior-sized frame matched to the child’s height, not their age. An oversized or heavy racquet forces a young player to compensate with incorrect swing mechanics, and those compensations become habits that are difficult to correct later. A racquet that is too small limits reach and power, reducing the child’s ability to rally effectively. Junior racquets weigh between 160 and 250 grams depending on size, compared to 280-340 grams for a standard adult frame. The lighter weight allows children to swing with proper form and develop the muscle memory that carries through years of development.
We recommend matching racquet length to your child’s height using the standard sizing guide from the International Tennis Federation (ITF). Stand the child upright with their arm relaxed at their side. Place the racquet head on the ground beside them, handle pointing up. The top of the handle should reach approximately to the child’s palm. A gap of more than a few centimetres in either direction means the racquet is the wrong size. Most tennis programs for beginners use modified equipment alongside the ITF progressive ball system, which pairs red balls (75% slower than standard yellow) with shorter racquets for the youngest players, orange balls (50% slower) for ages 7-9, and green balls (25% slower) for the transition to full-court play.
What Size Tennis Racquet Does My Child Need
The size tennis racquet your child needs depends on their height. Children under 100 cm tall use a 17-19 inch frame, suited to foam and red ball play. Children between 100 and 115 cm tall use a 21 inch racquet, which pairs with red balls for ages 4-6. Children 115-135 cm tall move to a 23-25 inch frame for orange ball play at ages 6-9. Children 135-150 cm tall transition to a 25-26 inch racquet with green balls. Children over 150 cm tall can begin using a 26-27 inch adult-sized frame. According to the USTA’s 2026 Participation Report, beginners now represent 15-20% of the total tennis player base, and the ITF sizing system is designed specifically to help these new players build correct technique from their first session on court.
Do I Need to Buy a Tennis Racquet Before Camp
No, you do not always need to buy a tennis racquet before camp because most programmes keep loaner racquets available for beginners. We stock junior racquets in multiple sizes at our summer tennis camp so children who are trying the sport for the first time can participate without a purchase commitment. That said, having their own racquet gives a child consistency from session to session. Switching between different loaner racquets each day changes the grip feel, weight distribution, and balance point, which can slow a beginner’s progress. If your child enjoys their first week and plans to continue, investing in a properly fitted junior racquet is worthwhile.
What Should Kids Wear to Tennis Camp
Kids should wear lightweight, moisture-wicking athletic clothing to tennis camp. Moisture-wicking fabrics pull sweat away from the skin and dry quickly, keeping a child cool during long sessions in direct sunlight. Cotton absorbs moisture and stays wet, which causes chafing, overheating, and discomfort on the court. Athletic shorts, sport skirts, or lightweight track pants paired with a breathable short-sleeve or sleeveless top give children full range of motion for forehands, backhands, and overhead serves. Avoid denim, heavy fabrics, or anything that restricts movement at the shoulders and hips.
Pack enough sets of athletic clothing for each day of camp, plus at least one extra set. Children who attend full-day programmes often benefit from a mid-day clothing change because a dry shirt in the afternoon session can make the difference between comfort and fatigue. For spring programmes and early-season camps where morning temperatures in Ontario start cool and climb through the day, dress your child in layers they can remove as they warm up. A light zip-up jacket over a moisture-wicking base layer works well for sessions that begin before 10 AM.
Do Kids Need Tennis Shoes for Tennis Camp
Yes, kids need tennis shoes or court shoes for tennis camp, not running shoes, basketball shoes, or casual trainers. Tennis shoes are designed with reinforced lateral support and a flat, durable outsole that grips the court surface during side-to-side movement. Running shoes are built for forward motion and lack the lateral stability a child needs when shuffling to a wide forehand or lunging for a low volley. The American Academy of Pediatrics has noted that wearing sport-inappropriate footwear increases the risk of ankle sprains and foot injuries in young athletes. Court shoes also feature a non-marking sole that protects the playing surface, which is a requirement at most facilities.
Break in new shoes at home for at least 3-5 days before camp starts. Stiff shoes that have not been broken in cause blisters within the first few hours of play, and blisters on the feet affect a child’s movement, mood, and willingness to continue for the rest of the day. Pack at least two pairs of athletic socks per day. Moisture-wicking socks with cushioned soles reduce friction and keep feet dry during sustained court movement. According to the USTA, 27.3 million Americans played tennis in 2025, and the growth in participation among beginners has driven footwear manufacturers to expand their junior court shoe lines significantly.
Why Hydration and Sun Protection Matter More Than Parents Expect
Hydration and sun protection matter more than most parents expect because children are physiologically more vulnerable to heat and UV damage than adults. Children generate more body heat per kilogram of body weight during exercise than adults, yet their sweat glands are less efficient at cooling the body. This means a child playing tennis outdoors on a warm day can overheat faster than an adult performing the same activity. Research from the National Alliance for Youth Sports, citing Dr. Susan Yeargin at the University of South Carolina, found that up to 75% of young athletes aged 8 to 18 arrive at practice already dehydrated. Starting camp in a dehydrated state puts a child at a disadvantage before they even pick up a racquet.
The performance consequences of dehydration are measurable. The National Alliance for Youth Sports reports that just 1% dehydration, equivalent to less than half a kilogramme of body weight lost through sweat in a 30 kg child, reduces endurance. In teen athletes, 2% dehydration impairs both endurance and cognitive function, which directly affects decision-making, reaction time, and shot selection on the court. The solution is simple: send your child to camp with a large, refillable water bottle and remind them to drink before they feel thirsty.
Sun protection is equally critical. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, one blistering sunburn during childhood nearly doubles the risk of developing melanoma later in life. Research published in the European Journal of Dermatology estimates that 50-80% of total lifetime UV damage occurs before age 18. Tennis camp places children on exposed outdoor courts for hours at a time, often during peak UV hours between 10 AM and 4 PM. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher, applied 30 minutes before the first session and reapplied every 2 hours, provides the protection young athletes need. A hat or visor adds another layer of defence for the face and scalp.
How Much Water Should Kids Drink at Tennis Camp
Kids should drink 4 to 8 ounces (120-240 ml) of water every 20 minutes during tennis camp, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Adolescents need 9 to 10 ounces every 20 minutes. Pre-hydration is equally important: have your child drink 200-400 ml of water in the hour before camp begins. A water bottle with a capacity of at least 1 litre ensures your child has enough fluid to last through a full morning session without needing a refill. Mark the bottle with your child’s name using a permanent marker or a waterproof label, because unlabelled bottles get lost or swapped on the sideline daily.
What Sunscreen Is Best for Kids at Tennis Camp
The best sunscreen for kids at tennis camp is a broad-spectrum, water-resistant formula with SPF 50 or higher. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends SPF 50+ for extended outdoor activity and reapplication every 2 hours, or immediately after heavy sweating. Lotion formulas provide more even coverage than sprays, which can miss patches of exposed skin. Apply a generous amount, roughly a shot glass full for the entire body, to all exposed areas including the ears, back of the neck, and the tops of the feet if the child wears low-cut shoes. Pack the sunscreen in a sealed plastic bag inside the camp bag to prevent leaks from ruining clothing and gear.
The complete hydration and sun protection kit for tennis camp includes:
- A refillable water bottle with at least 1 litre capacity, labelled with your child’s name
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50+, water-resistant formula, in a sealed plastic bag
- A hat or visor to shade the face and reduce glare during baseline rallies
- Lip balm with SPF 30+ to protect lips from cracking and UV damage during outdoor sessions
- Sunglasses with 100% UV protection for breaks between sessions and off-court time
What Snacks and Food Should You Pack for a Tennis Camp Day
The snacks and food you pack for a tennis camp day should be nutrient-dense, easy to eat between sessions, and free of excess sugar that causes energy crashes. Tennis is a stop-and-start sport that burns through glycogen stores quickly, and children who run out of energy mid-session lose focus, slow down, and get frustrated. Bananas provide potassium and fast-absorbing carbohydrates. Trail mix with nuts and dried fruit delivers sustained energy from healthy fats and natural sugars. Whole grain crackers with cheese or nut butter packets offer protein and complex carbohydrates that fuel steady performance across a full day.
Avoid candy, chips, sugary juice boxes, and processed snack bars with high fructose corn syrup. These cause a rapid blood sugar spike followed by a crash that leaves a child sluggish during the afternoon session. If your child attends a full-day kids tennis camp, pack a full lunch in an insulated bag with an ice pack. A sandwich on whole grain bread, a piece of fruit, and a refillable water bottle cover the nutritional needs for a 7-hour day of physical activity. Check with the camp about allergy policies, as many programmes maintain nut-free environments to protect children with allergies.
What Should I Pack for Tennis Camp
You should pack a tennis racquet, court shoes, 2-3 sets of moisture-wicking clothing, athletic socks (2 pairs per day), a large water bottle, sunscreen (SPF 50+), a hat or visor, healthy snacks, a lunch (for full-day camp), and a labelled backpack to hold everything. Additional items that improve comfort include a spare shirt for mid-day changes, flip-flops or sandals for airing out feet during breaks, sunglasses with UV protection, a light rain jacket, and a small towel. Place sunscreen and any liquids in sealed bags to prevent leaks. Label every item with your child’s name, including the racquet, water bottle, hat, and bag.
| Item Category | Day Camp Essentials | Overnight Camp Additions |
|---|---|---|
| Tennis gear | Junior racquet, court shoes, athletic socks (2 pairs/day) | Extra racquet (if available), backup court shoes |
| Clothing | 2-3 moisture-wicking outfits, spare shirt, hat/visor | Street clothes, pyjamas, swimsuit, laundry bag |
| Hydration and sun | 1L+ water bottle, SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm with SPF | Same, plus after-sun lotion |
| Nutrition | Healthy snacks, packed lunch (full-day), ice pack | Spending money for camp store (if applicable) |
| Comfort and safety | Flip-flops for breaks, sunglasses, rain jacket, small towel | Pillow, twin XL sheets, blanket, bath towels, toiletries, shower shoes |
| Organisation | Labelled backpack or sport bag | Labelled backpack, phone charger, alarm clock, books or cards |
Sources: ITF junior equipment guidelines; American Academy of Pediatrics hydration recommendations; Skin Cancer Foundation sun protection standards; industry-standard tennis camp packing frameworks.
What Should Kids Not Bring to Tennis Camp
Kids should not bring jewellery, open-toe shoes, glass water bottles, expensive electronics, or standard yellow tennis balls to tennis camp. Rings, bracelets, and necklaces catch on racquet strings and court fencing, creating a risk of cuts and finger injuries during fast-paced drills. Open-toe shoes provide zero lateral support and expose the feet to impact from balls and other players’ racquets. Glass water bottles break on hard court surfaces and create a safety hazard for every child in the area. Expensive electronics that are not needed for camp activities risk damage, loss, or theft in communal spaces.
Standard yellow tennis balls are not appropriate for young beginners. Programmes that follow the ITF 10-and-Under pathway use modified red, orange, or green balls matched to the child’s age and court size. Bringing standard balls creates confusion during group drills and can frustrate a beginner who finds the faster, heavier ball impossible to control. The camp provides all balls, nets, and on-court training equipment. Your child only needs to bring their personal gear and the items listed in the sections above.
How to Prepare Your Child the Night Before Tennis Camp
Preparing your child the night before tennis camp reduces morning stress, prevents forgotten items, and sets a positive tone for the entire day. Children who arrive at camp calm, fed, hydrated, and carrying everything they need perform better and enjoy the experience more than those who rush out the door missing half their gear. Before the first day, confirm that your membership and registration are complete so there are no administrative delays at drop-off. A simple night-before routine takes 15 minutes and eliminates the scramble that leads to forgotten racquets, unlabelled bottles, and wet shoes from last week’s rain.
Follow this step-by-step preparation checklist the evening before each camp day:
- Lay out the full outfit for tomorrow: moisture-wicking shirt, shorts or skirt, court shoes, two pairs of athletic socks, and a hat or visor
- Pack the camp bag with sunscreen (in a sealed bag), a filled water bottle, healthy snacks, and lunch if attending a full-day session
- Place the tennis racquet beside the bag so it is visible and impossible to leave behind
- Check the weather forecast and add a rain jacket or extra layers for cool mornings if needed
- Label any new items that have not yet been marked with the child’s name
- Confirm that court shoes are dry, clean, and broken in; replace laces if they are fraying
- Set an alarm that allows enough time for breakfast, hydration, and a calm departure
Pre-hydration the morning of camp is just as important as packing. Have your child drink a full glass of water with breakfast, at least 30-60 minutes before the first session begins. Research from the National Alliance for Youth Sports shows that children who begin activity in a hydrated state maintain better endurance, sharper focus, and more stable mood throughout the day. A good breakfast with protein and complex carbohydrates, such as eggs on whole grain toast or oatmeal with fruit, provides the fuel a child needs for hours of court movement.
What Happens if My Child Forgets Something at Tennis Camp
If your child forgets something at tennis camp, the coaching team can usually help. Most camps keep spare racquets, extra balls, and basic first aid supplies on hand for exactly this situation. We maintain loaner racquets in every junior size at our facility so no child misses a session because of a forgotten item. Sunscreen is typically available on the sideline, and water refill stations are accessible throughout the day. The one thing a camp cannot replace is properly fitted court shoes, so double-check footwear before leaving home. If your child consistently forgets items, a printed checklist taped inside their bag gives them a visual reminder they can review independently each morning.
What Are the 5 R’s in Tennis
The 5 R’s in tennis are ready position, read the ball, react to the shot, recover to the centre, and repeat the cycle. Ready position is the balanced, athletic stance a player holds between shots, with knees bent, weight forward, and racquet centred in front of the body. Reading the ball means watching the opponent’s racquet angle, body position, and contact point to anticipate where the ball will travel. Reacting involves the first explosive step toward the ball, using the split-step timing that coaches introduce during beginner drills at camp. Recovery is the movement back to the centre of the baseline or the optimal court position after completing a shot. Repeating the cycle means resetting into ready position immediately, prepared for the next ball. These five steps happen in sequence during every single rally, and fall training programmes reinforce them through progressive drills that build speed and automaticity over the 6-week session.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do Kids Need for Tennis Camp
Kids need a junior tennis racquet sized to their height, court shoes with lateral support, moisture-wicking athletic clothing, a refillable water bottle (1 litre or larger), broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50+, healthy snacks, and a labelled bag. These essentials cover gear, clothing, hydration, nutrition, sun protection, and organisation. Camps typically provide all on-court training equipment including balls, nets, cones, and targets.
What Do Kids Need to Bring to Camp
Kids need to bring their personal gear (racquet, shoes, clothing), hydration and sun protection supplies (water bottle, sunscreen, hat), nutrition (snacks and lunch), and a bag to carry it all. Day camps require less than overnight camps, which add bedding, toiletries, street clothes, and personal comfort items. The comparison table earlier in this article breaks down day camp vs. overnight camp packing in detail.
How Many Times a Week Should You Take Tennis Lessons
Beginners benefit from 2-3 tennis sessions per week to build consistency without burnout. Camp delivers this frequency naturally by running 5 consecutive days. After camp ends, maintaining 2-3 sessions per week through seasonal programmes or private lessons keeps the skills a child developed during camp sharp and progressing. The USTA’s 2026 report found that core players who practise 10 or more times per year represent 53% of all participants, confirming that regular frequency drives long-term engagement with the sport.
Can My Child Borrow a Racquet at Camp
Yes, most tennis camps keep loaner racquets available in multiple junior sizes for children who do not own one yet. We stock racquets from 19 inches through 26 inches at our facility so every child can play from day one regardless of whether they have purchased their own equipment. Loaner racquets are a good option for a first camp experience, but children who plan to continue playing benefit from having a personal racquet that provides consistency in grip, weight, and balance from session to session.
What Shoes Are Best for Kids Tennis Camp
Court shoes designed specifically for tennis are best for kids tennis camp. These shoes feature reinforced toe caps for drag during serves, lateral support for side-to-side movement, flat non-marking outsoles for court grip, and cushioned midsoles for shock absorption. Running shoes, basketball shoes, and casual trainers do not provide the lateral stability that tennis demands. Brands that produce dedicated junior court shoes include Babolat, Nike, Adidas, and Asics, all of which offer models sized for children from age 4 upward.
Should I Pack Different Gear for Spring vs. Summer Camp
Yes, you should pack different gear for spring vs. summer camp because temperature, UV intensity, and weather patterns change across seasons. Spring and fall programmes at outdoor facilities may start sessions in cool morning air that warms quickly. Pack a light zip-up jacket or long-sleeve layer the child can remove. Summer sessions demand maximum sun protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, a hat, and a spare water bottle in case the first runs empty. Our junior day camp runs through North York’s warmest months, and extended care options from 8 AM to 6 PM mean children may spend up to 10 hours outdoors.
How Do I Label My Child’s Tennis Gear
Label every item with your child’s full name using permanent markers, iron-on tags, or waterproof adhesive labels. Write directly on the inside collar of shirts, the tongue of shoes, and the grip of the racquet. Use a waterproof marker on the water bottle and backpack straps. For items that cannot be written on, attach a durable luggage-style tag with contact information. Labelling prevents the daily cycle of lost-and-found searches that slows down the start of sessions and frustrates children who cannot find their belongings.
The Takeaway
Packing for tennis camp comes down to seven essentials: a properly sized racquet, court shoes, moisture-wicking clothing, a large water bottle, sunscreen, healthy snacks, and a labelled bag. Everything else builds on that foundation. Choosing the right racquet size prevents bad habits. Wearing court-specific shoes protects ankles and feet. Staying hydrated preserves the endurance and focus a child needs to improve. Applying sunscreen every two hours shields young skin from damage that accumulates across a lifetime. Preparing the night before eliminates morning chaos and sends your child to camp calm, confident, and ready to play.
At Bayview Village Tennis Camp, we provide all on-court training equipment, loaner racquets, water refill stations, and a safe supervised environment on six outdoor courts. Your child just needs to show up with their personal gear and the willingness to learn.
Reach out to our team at 905-889-7293 to discuss session dates, membership options, and which programme suits your child’s age and experience level.
