Are you ready for the best summer of your life? You better, because being a camper or camp counselor is awesome! You get to play tons of games, roast s’mores by the campfire and make so many new friends.
But wondering what to pack for camp can be a real headache. Your parents can’t often bring you anything you forget if they live far away.
This guide will help you decide what to bring to camp so you are as prepared as possible to have an epic summer.
Pack Enough For Two Weeks
If you are a camper, you may only be at camp for a couple of weeks. But if you are a camp counselor you might go to camp for up to three months.
Regardless, you should pack enough clothes for two weeks.
Most camps have a “laundry day” where they will pick up and drop off laundry. This means you will be without a week’s worth of clothes for one whole week.
The easiest way to pack for camp with this in mind is to write down what you will wear in one week and then double it.
Check Your Camp Rules and Guidelines
Every camp is different and has its own clothing rules. Camp staff members are busy (find out more information on how to combat this) so you may need to ask for the guidelines.
Many camps do not allow open-toed shoes, aerosols, or mobile phones. They may also need campers and camp counselors to bring their own sleeping bags and sports gear.
If there is a “no phones” rule, you should write down any contact information you need elsewhere. You might also need a separate alarm clock, torch, watch, and notebook.
Camp Packing List
Here is an example camp packing list you will need as a camper or counselor. You may need different camping supplies depending on the style of camp you are attending e.g. arts camp, sports camp, etc.
- Raincoat
- Sweaters and hoodies
- T-shirts
- Nice outfits for evening activities
- Long pants
- Shorts
- Pajamas
- Underwear
- Swimsuits
- Socks
- Sneakers
- Flip Flops for the showers and pool
- Toiletries e.g. toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, sunblock, etc.
- First aid kit and medicines
- Hat
- Water bottle
- Sunglasses
- Photos of friends and family
- Stationary including letter-writing equipment
- Books and magazines
- Small games e.g. playing cards
- Torch
Your camp may take any medicines from you to store them somewhere safe. If you are a musical camper or counselor, an instrument may be an essential part of your camp gear.
Camps often have rest hours or rainy days, so bring activities you can do with your campmates in case you have spare time.
Everything You Need to Pack For Camp
Do not let the stress of wondering what to pack for camp spoil your fun. Start packing early so you can spend more time preparing your song for the counselor or camper cabaret.
And those cannonballs will not practice themselves!
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