After working in summer ministry for the past few years, I've learned a thing or two about caring for kiddos in the summertime. Whether you're going to be a summer missionary, camp counselor, or summertime nanny, these 18 items are essential supplies for a safe and fun summer!
1. A backpack
To carry everything listed below.
2. Bandaids
For every scrape, scratch and bug bite, there's Band-aid.
3. Wet Wipes
Trust me; you'll use every last one.
4. A flashlight
What if the power goes out, or you have to walk somewhere in the dark?
5. Snacks
Even the youngest of kids get hangry.
6. Water
Hydrate or die-drate, my people.
7. A portable speaker
There's nothing like a good impromptu dance party!
8. Sunscreen
Life's no fun after too much sun.
9. Creams
Say hello to your new best friends, Neosporin, Hydrocortizone, and Aloe Vera.
10. Bug spray
Mosquitoes are everywhere, and they have the power to ruin your day if you don't put in the effort to keep them away.
11. A ball
There are so many games you can invent with a ball to pass the time.
12. Tweezers
Splinters are practically inevitable.
13. Germ-X
Germ-X will fix anything. Dirty hands? Germ-X. Bug bite? Germ-X. Hurt feelings? Yep, Germ-X.
14. A portable charger
You'll need to keep your phone charged in case of emergency situations.
15. Spare flip-flops
You seriously never know when a kid's shoes are going to blow out.
16. A storybook
Sometimes you just need to sit under a tree and relax.
17. Pen and paper
For drawing, journaling, and taking notes on that one kid who has a million allergies.
18. A camera
Capture every moment you can. You won't believe how quickly the time will pass!
four wine glasses
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brown wooden barrels in a room
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white and black labeled bottles
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Menu-printed board with brown frame on table
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people tossing their clear wine glasses
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group of people holding footed glasses
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pink and white flowers with green leaves
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person's feet on seashore
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golden retriever on gray rock during daytimePhoto by 
woman in black t-shirt and brown shorts sitting on brown grass field with white dogPhoto by 
adult golden retriever with cookie bone on nosePhoto by 
a woman kissing her dog on the cheekPhoto by 
golden retriever lying on floorPhoto by 
golden retriever in water during daytimePhoto by 
golden retriever puppy on grey wooden fence during daytimePhoto by 
golden retriever biting white and pink ballPhoto by 
selective focus photography of short-coated brown puppy facing right sidePhoto by 
man standing near Golden Labrador retriever viewing bridge and high-rise buildingsPhoto by 
golden retriever puppy on focus photoPhoto by 
