Table of Contents

• Why Custom T-Shirts Matter for Summer Camps
• Choosing the Right Camp T-Shirts
• Fabric Types
• Design Considerations
• Branding and Fundraising Opportunities
• Screen Printing for Summer Camp Shirts
• Sizing and Ordering Tips
• Why Work With a Custom Printing Company?

No summer camp would be complete without a custom T-shirt. Whether you use custom shirts as uniforms for campers and staff, take-home souvenirs, or marketing tools, the right camp shirt does a lot to enhance camp spirit and organization. 

At Bell Printing, we specialize in providing custom T-shirts for all kinds of Utah summer camps, including Young Women camps, Young Men camps, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Youth Conference, High Adventure, sleepaway camps, sports camps, and more. Whatever the theme of your camp is, we’re here to help make sure your campers look and feel great. 

If you’re planning a summer camp, keep reading to learn more about the role of custom T-shirts, some popular styles to consider, fabric and design considerations, printing methods, sizing and ordering tips, and the role of a reliable apparel printing company like Bell Printing. 

Why Custom T-Shirts Matter for Summer Camps

Summer camps are all about creating a sense of belonging and team identity. Custom T-shirts help campers and staff feel connected from day one, and once the campers go home, their shirts serve as keepsakes their families love. 

Furthermore, for large camps, T-shirts make it simpler to keep everyone organized. For example, with a large stake Girls’ Camp, you can use different colors to identify campers, leaders, and individual wards, giving everyone an easy way to identify each other at a glance. 

Choosing the Right Camp T-Shirts

Not all camp T-shirts serve the same purpose. You may choose to have different shirts for campers than for counselors, staff, leaders, parents, or volunteers. You may find it helpful to have color-coded shirts for different age groups, cabins, or activities. Some camps give everyone event-specific shirts for field trips, camp-wide games, or theme days. 

Fabric Types

Summertime — especially in Utah — is hot. Camp T-shirts should be made from lightweight, breathable fabrics to keep everyone cool and comfortable. Cotton is a great choice — it’s breathable, durable, and absorbs sweat. A lot of synthetic fibers trap heat and sweat against the skin, but some are designed to wick moisture away and dry quickly. We’ll guide you toward the right options to ensure your campers remain cool and comfortable. 

Design Considerations

Camp T-shirts usually feature logos, mascots, slogans, and themes, along with fun, age-appropriate graphics. Many camps include the year or session, as well, so returning campers can build their collections. 

With most T-shirts, you can print on the front, back, and/or sleeves, giving you endless customization options. We’ll help you ensure your shirts’ design looks great, no matter what elements you choose to include. 

Branding and Fundraising Opportunities

Some summer camps, like local day camps or sports camps, can use their shirts as promotional tools. You can add sponsorship logos to the back to offset costs and sell extra shirts to parents and alumni.

Screen Printing for Summer Camp Shirts

Most summer camps need a large number of T-shirts, which is why screen printing is typically best, especially if the design only has one or two colors. Screen printing is extremely durable, meaning it can stand up to outdoor activities. It’s also cost-effective for large quantities — the more you order, the smaller the setup fee per shirt. Plus, it provides consistent results across batches, ensuring uniformity. 

Sizing and Ordering Tips

It’s always best to get an accurate count of how many shirts you’ll need (and in what sizes) before placing your order, but that’s not always possible. In these situations, do your best to estimate how many shirts you’ll need and order a wide range of youth and adult sizes, plus extras just in case. If you’re not quite sure about sizing, it’s a good idea to size up — it’s better to wear a T-shirt that’s a little too big than one that’s uncomfortably small. Plus, the oversized look is in right now!

Additionally, make sure you plan ahead to avoid a last-minute rush. Depending on the size of your order and what the printing company has in stock, you may have to wait a few weeks before receiving your shirts. It’s always best to order early just in case there are unexpected delays. 

Why Work With a Custom Printing Company?

Bell Printing is your top choice for custom summer camp T-shirts. With bulk pricing, reliable turnaround times, and consistent quality control, you and your campers are sure to love their shirts. If you’re planning for the upcoming camp season, contact us today to get started on your T-shirt printing project!