The Ultimate Guide to Packing for Summer Camp!

Packing for summer camp can be both exciting and overwhelming, but with the right preparation, you’ll be ready for everything the great outdoors has to offer! Whether you're hiking through rugged terrain, swimming in the lake, or just relaxing in your cabin, having the right gear is essential for making the most of your camp experience. This ultimate guide to packing for summer camp will help you cover all the bases—from clothes and toiletries to swim gear, cabin essentials, and fun extras. Read on for everything you need to ensure a smooth and memorable camp adventure!

Clothes:

• Around 7 T-shirts: You’ll need enough T-shirts to rotate through the week, especially considering the camp may have theme days (bring a few that align with those). Extra shirts help in case you get sweaty or dirty.
• 5 Athletic Shorts: Perfect for warm weather activities like hiking, sports, or camp games.
• 2 Jean Shorts: Great for casual outings or when you want something a bit sturdier than athletic shorts.
• 4 Tank Tops/Athletic Tops: These are ideal for staying cool during active outdoor activities like swimming or sports.
• 1-2 Long Sleeve Shirts: For chilly evenings or sun protection during outdoor activities.
• Sweatpants/Leggings/Long Pants: Essential for cooler nights, evening campfires, or hikes through areas with lots of bugs.
• 10 pairs of underwear: Always pack extra underwear for comfort and convenience.
• 3 Bras: Enough for rotation; bring more if you prefer.
• 10 pairs of socks: Having extra socks ensures you’re prepared for wet or dirty conditions (and for all the physical activities) trust me, you can never have enough socks! I always pack more than needed and end up running out still!
• 2-3 Sweatshirts: Layering is key for cold mornings or evenings at camp.
• Rain Jacket: Be prepared for rain showers by packing a lightweight, breathable rain jacket.
• 2-4 Pairs of Warm PJs: For cool nights at camp, where temperatures may drop even in the summer.

Shoes:

• Hiking Boots: Essential for hiking and exploring rough or muddy terrain.
• Shower Shoes (Crocs/Flip-flops): For use in communal showers or bathrooms, keeping your feet clean and protected.
• Converse/Sneakers: Comfortable for everyday camp activities, like walking or playing games.
• Rain Boots: Useful if it's rainy, muddy, or if you’ll be walking through wet terrain.
• Water Shoes (KEENs, Crocs, or any Closed-Toed Sandals): Needed for water activities such as lake swimming, canoeing, or tubing, providing comfort and protection.

Toiletries:

• Toothbrush and Toothpaste: Oral hygiene is important, especially in camp's shared spaces.
• Deodorant: Stay fresh during all the activities!
• Contacts and Glasses (if you wear them!): Don’t forget your eyewear for day-to-day vision needs.
• Body Wash: Camp may have communal bathrooms, so pack your own preferred body wash.
• Shampoo and Conditioner: Make sure you have what you need to keep your hair clean, whether it’s curly, straight, or something in between.
• Hair Brush: For detangling and maintaining your hair after a day of activities.
• Hair Products (Curl Products): If you have curly hair, don’t forget styling or maintenance products.
• Razor and Shaving Cream
• Face Wash: Keep your face clean after spending the day outdoors.
• Face Wipes: Convenient for quick freshening up, especially on hotter days.
• Hair Ties: Essential for keeping hair out of your face during activities.
• Q-Tips and Tweezers: Personal hygiene essentials for extra care.
• Mascara or Any Makeup: Optional, but if you like wearing makeup, pack what you need.
• Skin Care Products: Cleanser, moisturizer, and any special products you use for your skin.
• Pads and Tampons: Be prepared for your period with enough supplies.
• Mirror: A small mirror can be useful for any personal needs such as doing your hair or checking your face.
• 2-4 Bath Towels: Bring a few towels, so you always have a dry one available.
• Shower Caddy: Keeps toiletries organized and easy to carry to the communal showers.
• Tissues: Handy for when you need them, particularly in outdoor environments.
• First Aid Items: Band-aids, antiseptic, and any other necessary medical supplies.
• Medication: Be sure to bring enough for the whole stay, along with a doctor's note if needed for over-the-counter medication like Tylenol or Benadryl, you’ll turn these into the camp nurse when you arrive.

Swim Gear:

• 2-4 Swim Suits: Always pack extra swimsuits for frequent swimming days or if one gets wet. Rash guards offer extra sun protection, if you prefer. I personally like having a long sleeve zip up one piece to protect against the UV.
• 2 Swim Towels: It’s always good to have a couple of towels for swimming or lake activities.
• Swim/Shower Bag: A waterproof bag to store your wet swimsuit and towel after use.

Cabin Items:

• Sleeping Bag: Make sure it’s rated for the temperature you may experience at camp. 
• Extra Blanket: For additional warmth if needed.
• Sheets: Some camps provide bedding, but if not, bring your own sheets to fit the camp’s bunk beds. Most camp beds are twin sized.
• Pillow and Pillow Case: Essential for a good night’s sleep. 
• Drawer Tower (optional): A small, stackable unit to organize your clothes and gear. I personally didn’t have one, but my friends who did said they really enjoyed it.
• Lanterns and Flashlights: Useful for nighttime navigation or during power outages. Make sure to pack loads of extra batteries as well. I like to have a small lantern that can hang and a flashlight that stays with me in my backpack.
• Command Hooks: Great for hanging up clothes, towels, or bags in your cabin.
• Laundry Bag: To keep your dirty clothes separate from clean ones.
• Alarm Clock: To help wake up for early activities.
• Stuffed Animal (Optional): If you want something comforting, a small stuffed animal can help with homesickness. I’ve brought the same stuffed giraffe with me to camp every year since I was little and it’s my comfort from home year after year.

Extra Fun & Essentials:

• Backpack: For carrying items to and from activities or hikes.
• Embroidery Floss: For craft activities or making friendship bracelets.
• Stationery: You can write letters to friends or family back home; pre-write addresses for easy sending.
• Books: Bring reading materials for your downtime.
• Notebook: A journal for reflecting on your camp experience or keeping track of special moments.
• Coloring Supplies: For creative activities in the cabin.
• Playing Cards and Board Games: A great way to pass time with cabin mates during rainy days.
• Water Bottle: Always have water on hand to stay hydrated.
• Fan: If your cabin gets hot, a small battery-operated fan will help.
• Mess Kit: If you're required to eat in specific areas, a personal mess kit helps with hygiene.
• Hats and Sunglasses: Protect yourself from the sun while being stylish. I love my goodr sunglasses for camp as they have a non-slip coating so they don’t fall off through the sweat and water activities of camp.
• Sunscreen and Bug Spray: Protect yourself from sunburn and bugs. Bring multiple bottles as well, I usually run out so it’s good to have extras.
• Sit Upon: A small, portable cushion chair to sit on during outdoor activities.
• Volleyball or Other Outdoor Games: Pack sports equipment for some fun outside!
• Extra Batteries: For your flashlight, camera, or other battery-operated devices.
• Spirit Day Outfits: For themed camp days, prepare by bringing accessories or outfits.
• Cleaning Supplies: A small bottle of disinfectant wipes or hand sanitizer for quick cleanups.
• Watch: A functional and portable way to keep track of time, especially if it doubles as an alarm clock.
• Water Flavoring/Gum: For those who like to add flavor to their water or chew gum.
• Snacks: Optional, but if allowed, bring some non-perishable snacks for your downtime.
• Camera (Polaroid/Disposable): Capture camp memories. If using a Polaroid, make sure to bring extra film.
• White Shirt for Tie Dye: If your camp does tie-dye activities, this is essential.

General Tips:

• Label Everything: Clearly mark your belongings with your name to avoid confusion or lost items at camp. I personally love name stickers to put on the tags, and other items it’s super helpful to avoid having to take a trip to the lost and found.
• Pack Smart: Think about weather, activities, and how long you'll be at camp to avoid overpacking. Keep in mind that it’s easier to bring extra items than to forget something important!

This list ensures you have everything needed for a comfortable, fun, and active camp experience! With everything packed and ready, you're all set for an unforgettable summer camp experience! From the clothes you’ll wear to the small comforts that make camp feel like home, this packing guide has got you covered. Remember to pack smart, label your items, and stay organized so you can focus on having fun and making lasting memories. No matter the weather or the activities, you’ll be prepared to enjoy every moment at camp. Happy packing, and have an amazing time!