Summer camp is a time for fun, independence from mom and dad and running out of fresh underwear? If you want your child to have a fabulous time without the embarrassment of calling their camp counselor for extra clothes, you should help him or her pack for the trip. Most summer camps do send a packing checklist so that campers won't forget the essentials. Here are a few more tips to send your kid off into the great beyond with style.

Begin packing a few weeks in advance to avoid the last minute rush. You may be forced to rush to camp just to give your son his favorite shirt or your daughter her hairbrush.

Make sure you have a large duffel bag and a traditional trunk. You can either buy or borrow from your neighbors or relatives.

Label your child's clothings. It may sound incredibly geeky to your child but assure him that losing his clothes in the laundry would be more awkward.

Include your child in the packing. He or she will be the one who needs to know where you put everything. If you don't want phone calls every minute asking where the toothbrush is then make sure you explain what you placed in every compartment of the bag. The more you include your child the more comfortable he will be about leaving.

Pack a small toiletries kit. This will help your child keep track of the essentials such as soap, shampoo, toothbrush, deodorant, comb and toothpaste.

Add a plastic bag for dirty clothes.

Don't send your best towels. Chances are your child will be using them for swimming and the towel will be going through mud.

Don't pack expensive or new clothes. Your child will be doing a lot of physical activities and comfortable and worn out clothes will be better.

Your son or daughter will be spending a lot of time under the sun so a lip balm, sunscreen, hat and sun glasses are essential.

Ask the camp if there will be opportunities for your child to spend money. If they will be going on a trip outside the camp and there are souvenir stores that your child may visit then you should let your kid bring some spending money.

Pack warm clothing. The nights can get cold on the great outdoors. A jacket and gloves will do but it will depend on the camp's location.

Find out how often they launder clothes at camp. You don't want your child to be running short of clothes.

If your child needs medication send a signed medical release form along with explicit instructions to the camp nurse.

Before packing any snacks ask if the children are allowed to bring their own food.

Pack your child's journal or a small notebook to make daily letters home.

A disposable camera will be less of a hassle to bring than a digital camera. It's cheaper and you don't have to worry about it being lost.

Your child might want to bring a book or a board game to play with the other kids.

If your child is afraid of getting homesick pack a reminder of home like a picture or a stuffed animal.