What Every Director in the Austin Area Should Be Ordering Now
Summer camp in Texas is truly one of a kind. With hot days, cooler evenings, and unforgettable moments, it’s an experience kids carry with them for years. From day camps around Austin to overnight programs in the Hill Country, the right branded gear adds to the experience and gives campers something they’ll remember long after summer ends.
I grew up going to Camp Champions in Marble Falls, and it was the highlight of my year. I looked forward to it for months, just waiting for summer to come back around. The friendships I made there still stick with me today. And while the real memories are tied to the people and the place, I’m pretty sure there’s still an old camp T-shirt tucked away at my mom’s house. It’s a small reminder of summers I never wanted to end.
If you're getting ready for your summer session, here’s a roundup of fun, functional, and affordable promo items that are a hit with campers across the state.
Drawstring Bags: The Ultimate Camp Essential
Custom printed drawstring bags are an absoloute must-have for summer camps. They’re lightweight, easy for the kiddos to carry, and perfectly sized to hold sunscreen, a snack, and a water bottle. Basically everything a camper needs for the day.
Why they work for Texas camps:
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Budget-friendly for large camper counts
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Wide variety of colors to match cabins or age groups
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Durable enough for the pool, the field, and the craft hut
Pro tip: Some camps we work with use different colors to group campers by age or activity groups. It’s a smart way to stay organized and build identity.
Cooling Towels & Neck Wraps: A Hill Country Heat Hack
If you’ve ever experienced a July afternoon in Bastrop or Kerrville, you know that keeping cool isn’t optional. Branded cooling towels are a great solution. Just soak, wring, and drape around the neck as they offer instant relief from the heat.
Perfect for:
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Field days and obstacle courses
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Canoeing trips on the Guadalupe or Lake Travis
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Outdoor meals when the breeze disappears
Add your camp’s logo or a custom message like “Keep Cool at Camp Wildflower” and you’ve got both branding and utility in one product. Counselors love these too plus, they’ll use them every day.
Sweatbands & Headbands: Spirit Gear That Pops
From color wars in Dripping Springs to talent shows in Wimberley, custom branded sweatbands and headbands are small but powerful spirit items. Campers love to match with their cabinmates and show off their team pride.
Why they’re a Texas camp favorite:
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Lightweight and great for action-packed days
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Instantly boost team spirit and camp identity
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Fun to mix and match for weekly themes or competitions
Bike Bottles: Hydration Without Breaking the Budget
Texas summers = serious heat. Hydration is key, and budget-friendly branded bike bottles are an easy win. They’re simple, durable, and perfect for campers to refill throughout the day.
Why camps love them:
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Way cheaper than stainless steel bottles
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Reusable and eco-conscious
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Kids can write their names on them or wrap with colored tape
We’ve worked with several Austin-area camps that place water refill stations near each activity zone. Branded bottles help cut down on waste and keep kids energized.
Fanny Packs: Functional and Texas Trendy
Fanny packs are making a comeback, and they’re not just for staff anymore. Campers love having their essentials close at hand without needing to carry a full backpack. They’re perfect for holding bug spray, lip balm, snacks, or even a friendship bracelet kit
Also ideal for:
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Camp counselors managing multiple responsibilities
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Keeping first-aid and sunscreen accessible
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Nighttime activities or hikes
Customize these with your camp logo or a fun full-color sublimated design. They're both practical and surprisingly stylish.
Custom Socks: A Cozy, Unexpected Favorite
Customized socks might not be the first thing that comes to mind for summer, but custom camp socks are always a hit. Campers wear them during their stay for themed events or cabin pride, and once they head home, they often become part of their regular sock rotation. It’s a fun and functional keepsake that sticks around.
Why they work for Texas camps:
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Perfect for cool evenings or chilly cabins
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Great for dance nights, theme parties, or talent shows
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Unique and Instagram-worthy
I know one camp in the Hill Country that handed these out on the final night of camp with the phrase “See Y’all Next Summer.” Parents even started asking for extras in the post-camp survey!
Bonus Ideas to Level Up Your Camp Merch
Looking to round out your giveaway plan? Here are a few more Texas-tested favorites:
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Custom bandanas – For themed dress-up days or cabin color coordination
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Branded journals – A great item for reflection time or camper memory books
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Printed Youth T-Shirts – Great keepsake for camp-goers to bring home and cherish.
Make This a Summer to Remember
Campers remember the little details. The chants, the cheers, the inside jokes, and yes, the branded gear they take home. An imprinted bag or cooling towel might seem small, but it turns into something they hold onto to remind them of the summer they'll never forget.
If you run a camp in Austin, the Hill Country, or anywhere in Texas, we’re ready to help. We’ll walk you through the best options to match your group size, budget, and timeline.
Ready to build your custom camp merch kit?
Let’s chat and get your order moving—so your campers can show up, gear up, and make this summer unforgettable. Feel free to email our sales director Grant at grant@512promos.com or fill out our Project Request Form and we'll get back to you right away!