If your child is heading to sleepaway camp this summer, chances are they'll experience one of the most exciting traditions in the camp world: color war. It's the multi-day team competition that campers talk about all year long, filled with relay races, talent shows, spirit contests, and non-stop energy. But if you're a parent trying to figure out what to pack for it, the whole thing can feel a little overwhelming.
Don't worry. This guide covers everything you need to know about preparing your child for color war, from what to pack to how to get them excited about the experience. Whether this is their first summer at camp or their fifth, we'll help you make sure they're ready to cheer, compete, and have the time of their lives.
What Is Color War at Summer Camp?
Color war is a multi-day team competition where campers are divided into color-coded teams (think red vs. blue, or green vs. yellow) and compete in a series of events. It typically lasts 3-5 days and includes everything from athletic challenges and relay races to talent shows, trivia contests, and spirit competitions.
Some camps call it "Olympiad," "Games," or other names, but the concept is the same: teamwork, camp spirit, and friendly competition all rolled into one unforgettable experience.
For many campers, color war is the highlight of the summer. It's a chance to bond with their team, step outside their comfort zone, and create memories that last long after camp ends. And while the competition is real, the focus is always on sportsmanship, effort, and having fun.
What Should Kids Wear for Color War?
The number one rule for color war? Wear your team colors. Whether your child ends up on the red team, blue team, green team, or any other color, they'll want to show their spirit loud and proud.
Here's what works best:
Comfortable, athletic clothing that's easy to move in. Think graphic tees, tank tops, athletic shorts, and leggings. Color war involves a lot of running, jumping, dancing, and general chaos, so comfort is key.
Layering options for indoor and outdoor activities. Mornings and evenings can be cool, even in the summer, so pack a hoodie or sweatshirt in their team color.
Accessories for spirit. Bandanas, hats, face paint, and temporary tattoos are all fair game. The more spirited, the better.
One important note: check your camp's specific color war guidelines before you start packing. Some camps provide team t-shirts or bandanas, while others expect campers to bring their own gear. A quick email to the camp office can save you a lot of guesswork.
Shop color war essentials at Denny's x Lester's: graphic tees, athletic shorts, tank tops, and accessories in every color.
Color War Packing List: What to Bring
Here's a practical breakdown of what to pack for color war, organized by category.
Clothing in Team Colors
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4-6 t-shirts (solid colors or graphics) – Plan for at least one per day, plus extras in case of spills or multiple events in one day
Boys Royal Apparel Soft Blend Tee
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2-3 pairs of athletic shorts – Lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric works best
Girls Suzette Collection Flyaway Short
Boys Under Armour Tech Mesh Short
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Tank tops or sleeveless shirts – Great for layering or hot afternoons
Girls Katie J NYC Longer Livi Tank
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Sweatshirt or hoodie – For cooler evenings or indoor activities
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Leggings or joggers (optional) – Comfortable for talent shows or spirit events
Accessories
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Bandanas or headbands – Easy way to add color and keep hair out of their face
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Socks in team colors – A small detail that shows spirit
Nike Everyday Plus Cushion Ankle 6 Pack
Girls Lil Darlings Color War Socks | Go Blue, Go Gold, Go Green, Go Red, Go White
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Sunglasses – Practical and fun for outdoor events
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Hats or visors – Sun protection plus team spirit
Footwear
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Sneakers – For sports, relay races, and running events
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Comfortable sandals or slides – For downtime between activities
Spirit Extras
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Face paint (washable, non-toxic) – Check camp guidelines first
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Temporary tattoos – Fun and easy to apply
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Glow sticks or accessories – Perfect for evening events
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Hair ties, scrunchies in team colors – Functional and spirited
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Camp Tutu – added fun and flair
Practical Essentials
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Extra sunscreen – Reapply throughout the day
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Water bottle – Hydration is key during high-energy events
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Towel – Useful for water-based activities
How to Prepare Your Child for Color War
Packing the right clothes is only half the battle. Here's how to get your child mentally and emotionally ready for color war.
Get Them Excited
Talk about teamwork, trying new things, and stepping outside their comfort zone. If you went to camp yourself, share your own color war memories. Frame it as a fun challenge, not something to stress over. The goal is to build excitement, not pressure.
Pack Together
Let your child help choose outfits in the color theme. Practice layering and quick outfit changes at home. And most importantly, label everything with their name. Color war means a lot of outfit changes, and things can easily get mixed up in the chaos.
Set Expectations
Explain that not every event will go perfectly, and that's completely okay. Emphasize sportsmanship and supporting their team, even when things don't go their way. Remind them that color war is about fun, effort, and making memories, not just about winning.
Color War Outfit Ideas by Activity
Different color war events call for different outfits. Here's how to dress for success across the most common activities.
For Sports & Relay Races
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Moisture-wicking athletic shorts
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Lightweight graphic tees
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Sneakers with good grip
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Bandana or headband to keep hair back
For Talent Shows & Spirit Events
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Bold, colorful statement pieces
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Layered accessories (bandanas, face paint, temporary tattoos)
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Comfortable shoes for dancing or performing
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Sweatshirt or hoodie if needed
For Evening Activities
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Hoodies or sweatshirts in team colors
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Joggers or sweatpants
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Slides or comfy sneakers
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Glow sticks or light-up accessories for nighttime spirit
Tips for Shopping Color War Essentials
When you're shopping for color war, keep these tips in mind:
Buy versatile pieces in multiple colors. Red, blue, green, and yellow are the most common team colors, but every camp is different. If you're not sure which color your child will be assigned, stock up on basics in a range of colors.
Stock up on essentials. Solid tees, athletic shorts, and tank tops are the foundation of any good color war wardrobe. These pieces can also be mixed and matched for other camp activities.
Look for moisture-wicking fabrics. Color war involves a lot of physical activity, so breathable, quick-dry fabrics will keep your child comfortable all day long.
Don't forget accessories. Bandanas, hats, and socks are small additions that make a big impact when it comes to showing team spirit.
Label everything before packing. Use iron-on name labels or a permanent marker to make sure nothing gets lost in the shuffle.
Make Color War Prep Easy with Denny's x Lester's
Color war is one of the most memorable parts of the summer camp experience, and packing for it doesn't have to be stressful. With the right preparation and the right gear, your child will be ready to cheer, compete, and make memories that last a lifetime.
Denny's x Lester's carries everything you need to get your camper ready for color war: athletic wear, spirit accessories, and camp essentials in every color. Whether you're shopping for graphic tees, moisture-wicking shorts, or bandanas, we've got you covered.
Not sure where to start? Book a camp appointment for personalized packing help from one of our camp specialists. With 45+ years of experience outfitting campers, we know exactly what your child needs for color war and beyond.
Shop online or visit one of our 12 locations across NY, NJ, and FL.
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