STEM Camp Merch: Apparel for Campers, Counselors, and Camp Families

STEM camp merch is more than t-shirts. A real merch program covers the camper tee that gets included with tuition, the family hoodie that parents buy at pickup, the sibling tee that turns into a recruiting tool, and the counselor polos that signal staff. Below is the full STEM camp merch program: what to stock, how to price it, how to merchandise it, and what kind of annual revenue a real program drives.

The seven categories of STEM camp merch

1. Camper t-shirts: the daily wear, often free with tuition
2. Premium camper merch: optional hoodies, hats, name-tag tees parents buy upgraded
3. Family bleacher and pickup gear: parent tees and hoodies bought at the showcase
4. Sibling tees: matching gear for brothers and sisters
5. Counselor and staff uniforms: polos, performance tees, quarter-zips
6. Camp leadership and director gear: premium polos, embroidered hats for the director and senior staff
7. Souvenir and gift items: hats, beanies, joggers as add-ons

The starter catalog

• Cotton youth tee ($19.88) - main camper tee
• Cotton adult unisex tee ($19.88) - older campers + counselors
• Performance wicking tee ($23.86) - outdoor activity day
• Youth Hoodie ($36.88) - cool-evening cabin layer
• Comfort Soft Hoodie adult ($36.88) - parent and counselor
• Sport-Tek Polo ($34.88) - counselor uniform
• Mesh Trucker Hat ($25.88) - souvenir item
• Embroidered Rope Hat ($29.86) - premium souvenir

Bear Grips Pro Shops: Custom Apparel for Your Team. No Minimums. Free Shipping.

How a STEM camp uses the shop year-round

STEM camps run in three windows:

• Pre-camp (April-May): parents register, get the shop URL in confirmation email, pre-order the camper kit
• Camp week itself: campers wear tees, parents buy hoodies and hats at pickup with QR codes
• Post-camp (Aug-Sept): end-of-camp ceremony, family gear sales, alumni purchases

Plus winter spike: holiday gifts. Grandparents buy STEM camp hoodies for camper birthdays and Christmas.

How camps fund camper tees

Two models that work:

• Included in tuition: the $19.88 cost of the camper tee is built into the camp price. Every camper gets a tee free at arrival.
• Optional add-on: tuition price separate, parents add the tee at registration as a $25-$35 extra. Higher margin for the camp.

Most STEM camps go with the included model because the tee drives recruiting photos and visibility outside camp.

Merch revenue math

Camp size	Camp weeks per year	Total campers	Merch revenue (avg)
Small camp	2 weeks	60	$1,200-$2,500
Mid-size camp	6 weeks	200	$4,000-$8,000
Large camp	10 weeks	500	$10,000-$22,000

See full STEM camp profit math.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a camp sell merch year-round if the camp only runs in summer?

Yes. The shop stays live 12 months. Alumni purchases and holiday gifts often double the off-season revenue.

What if our camp has multiple weeks with different themes?

Each week can have its own tee design listed in the shop. Same camp brand, different print per week.

Do counselors pay for their own polos?

Depends on the camp. Most camps either provide polos as a uniform benefit or run a stipend model.

Can sibling tees ship to a different home from camper tees?

Yes. Each order ships independently to the address provided at checkout.