I paid almost $5,000 on supplies for summer camp for 2 kids. They needed so much stuff for a 2-week stay.

• My two kids went to a two-week sleepaway camp in the summer of 2022.

• On top of the cost of the camp, we had to spend almost $5,000 on supplies.

• The camp cost $6,000, so we spent almost as much on clothes and shoes.

In summer 2022, I sent my kids to a two-week sleepaway camp. That sounds privileged (because it is) and cool, but what was not cool was the large expenditure I was about to face getting two preteens ready for camp.

My kids had been desiring a camp experience for the past two years during COVID-19 lockdowns. Some of their favorite shows are about summer camps, such as "Bunk'd" and "A Week Away."

We found a camp in Texas that seemed reasonable. The tuition was $2,900 a kid for a two-week experience. After comparing other camps that were upward of $5,000 for similar experiences, I thought, "I'm getting a deal!" We saved our money and made payments through an installment plan. Before I knew it, it was time to get the kids packed.

There was a packing list

The camp emailed me a packing list, and I quickly realized we did not have two weeks' worth of clothes for these kids. The packing list included tips like not sending nice clothes to camp. Instead, choose everyday shorts, T-shirts, and tennis shoes.

We had to send our kids with:

• Fifteen pairs of shorts, 15 shirts, 16 pairs of socks, and 16 pairs of underwear.

• Two pairs of athletic shoes, one pair of water shoes (Tevas, Chacos), and one pair of shower shoes.

• Four bath towels and one beach towel.

• Three pajama outfits, three swimsuits, one raincoat, and one jacket.

• Two twin-sheet sets, including a pillow and pillowcases, and a blanket or sleeping bag.