If you are wondering what you need to pack (by wondering I mean stressing because RT) for sleep away camp this summer, no worries. I’m the go to. With 8 years of being a camper under my belt I think I have this counselor thing down pat already. Get ready for a summer of counselor flings, clothes that forever smell like lake water, and memories at your favorite place on Earth to last a lifetime. Here’s what your camp tells you to bring versus what you should actually bring.

1 ‘Happy’ Attitude

To be around kids making under minimum wage 24/7 will no cell service is exhausting, I won’t lie. But the same girls that pull your hair and refuse to clean the cabin will also be your favorite snapchat stories or your best friend by the end of the summer.

6 Shirts, 1 Sweater

When they say this, they really mean 16 shirts and a going out jacket, a hoodie for scary stories around the campfire, and your staff sweater. Oh, and 3 shirts of each color during Color War. Duh.

4 Shorts, 1 pair of Jeans

ARE YOU KIDDING? As a counselor, depending on your activity or job you will need like 5 pairs of Norts, 2 pairs of jean shorts because 4th of July, 2 pairs of sweatpants for hanging around the bunk, and

0 Dresses

Why isn’t this mentioned on my packing list this year?? Socials can be fun for counselors too! Impress your cute lifeguard crush and bring at least 2 dresses because most camps do a first dance and a “prom”.

“2” Bathing suits

Obviously bring 8. It’s implied. Not kidding, you will be in the water everyday and everyone hates an outfit repeater @LizzieMcGuire, just saying.

3 pairs of Shoes

No. I won’t even begin to tell you how many socials you’ll be standing in your sneakers wondering why your mom insisted you listen to the list. You’ll need sneakers, hang out sneakers, sandals, water flip flops, rain boots, and at least one pair of wedges for nights off.

Miscellaneous

More is more when it comes to undergarments, but you get that. Bring cute baseball caps, fun sunglasses, LOTS of bug spray, and some funny things to dress up in. My favorite summer ever was the summer of the Tiger Suit, when one girl brought it and we’d all run and do bunk song around as a four foot tiger.

Camp will be the best years of your life, and being a counselor will be the craziest one. It’s an experience everyone needs to have once, and it’s so important to live up every day of it. I’ll be the one perfecting my lifeguard insta, braiding my campers hair, and avoiding the red juice in the cafeteria. Make this your best summer ever and don’t forget your sunscreen!