Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
When to Order Summer Camp Shirts (A Timeline for Church Leaders)
Every summer, the same scenario plays out in churches across the country.
Camp is five weeks away. The shirt design hasn't been started. Someone finally sends an email, feedback takes longer than expected, and suddenly production is cutting it close.
It doesn't have to go that way. Here's a realistic timeline for getting your camp shirts done without the stress.
Feb 26, 2026
min read
Copied!
Late shirt orders are one of the most avoidable camp planning mistakes. Here's a practical timeline to get your summer camp shirts done right — and on time.
12 Weeks Out: Lock In the Basics
You don't need a finished design at 12 weeks — but you need direction.
Making these decisions early prevents the downstream slowdowns that come from changing the plan mid-process.
8–10 Weeks Out: Start the Design
This is the window to begin.
If you're personalizing a Customizable Template, this phase moves quickly — you're editing, not building from scratch. If you're working with Sunday Cool's Creative Services on a Custom Design Package, starting here gives you time for revisions without pressure.
Going in after 8 weeks doesn't disqualify you, but it does reduce your options. Earlier is always better.
6 Weeks Out: Finalize and Collect Sizes
By six weeks out, your design should be approved or close to it.
This is also when to send out the size collection form to your group. Set a hard deadline — not a suggestion. Sizes are where orders stall most often, and a vague "let me know by next week" gets ignored.
Having design approval and a confirmed size count at the same time puts you in a strong position.
4 Weeks Out: Place the Order
Four weeks before camp is a comfortable margin.
Sunday Cool's 72-hour turnaround after art approval means production is fast once you're in — but that clock doesn't start until everything is finalized. Building in four weeks gives you buffer for shipping and any last-minute changes without turning into a fire drill.
Once the order is placed, you're done. That's a good feeling heading into a busy camp prep season.
What If You're Already Behind?
If camp is four weeks away and nothing has started — don't spiral. Just move fast.
The biggest time-saver at this stage: start with a Customizable Template rather than a fully custom design. You'll skip the longer concept-and-revision phase and get to an approvable design in hours instead of days.
Sunday Cool's team has helped churches navigate tight timelines before. The sooner you reach out, the more options remain on the table.
Both tees are great—it just depends on the look you’re going for.
If your vibe is clean and classic, the Signature Super-Soft Tee is your go-to. If you're leaning relaxed, bold, and a little oversized, the Oversize Boxy Tee is calling your name.
Ready to Start Your Next Order?
If you are planning shirts for camp, church, or any summer event, this is a solid place to start.
👉 Ready to Get Started? Start your custom order HERE
Retro-inspired designs are having a moment, and they fit camp perfectly.
Think warm tones, vintage fonts, and throwback layouts that feel fun without trying too hard. These are the kinds of shirts students actually keep wearing.
For many churches, the most meaningful shirts are rooted in Scripture.
Whether it is a full verse or a short phrase, these designs carry the message of camp beyond the week itself. The key is keeping it readable and wearable.
Some of the most worn designs are the simplest ones. Subtle graphics, clean layouts, and intentional spacing often lead to shirts that feel more versatile.
%201.avif)
.png)
