If you’re like me, you’re very much an overpacker. Being away from the comforts of home is a little nerve-wrecking, and overpacking in the least one can do to feel in control. However, sometimes you just can’t bear to pack too much - one of those times being when your life has to get squared away into a single trunk before you head off to your job at summer camp. So in order to help anyone like me who's got the overpacking bug, here's your ultimate summer camp packing list - just in time for camp season!
First and foremost, your ultimate necessity - clothing:
- T-shirts and Nike shorts. These will be your basic uniform for the summer, so make sure you bring enough to make it between laundry days - times two. Chances are you'll want a fresh set to sleep in or will need to change after a long, hot day in the sun. Pack what you can fit!
- All the necessary undergarments. Again, be prepared with enough in case you have unexpected water or mud activities and need to change.
- At least two swimsuits. No one likes having to re-wear the same wet suit!
- Socks. Figure out what kind of shoes you'll be wearing each day and plan accordingly to your need!
- Sneakers. Depending on your job, you may need one pair or two!
- Chacos. Is it even camp if you don't bring them?
- Bandanas, headbands, or hats. Whichever you prefer as a method of getting your hair out of your face is!
- A rain jacket. You never know when it might storm and a jacket is much easier to handle than an umbrella.
- A sweatshirt or fleece. Something you might be tempted to forget, but you'll be glad you remembered this during any chilly mornings, nights, or in the cold bunks!
Next, the shower and bathroom needs:
- Shampoo and conditioner. Gotta keep the mane in check.
- Body wash and a loofa. Because after a long day, you deserve to treat yo' self. Plus - you can toss the loofa after camp instead of bringing a wet washcloth back home.
- Razors. I've discovered that forgetting shave your armpits is generally a no-no...
- Face wash and moisturizer. You won't be wearing makeup during the days, so this is your skin's only line of defense against acne!
- Toothbrush and toothpaste. Optional: those super cute retainers you've been stuntin' since fifth grade.
- Two or more towels. We all know that one is never enough.
- Shower shoes. Ain't nobody got time for that nonsense.
- A shower caddy. Not a necessity, but it will make your life a thousand times easier.
- Tampons. Thousands of them. Check yo'self before you wreck yo'self, ladies. (Bonus points if you're that girl who brings enough for a small village - your fellow womankind will thank you.)
Other toiletries and self-care things:
- Hair ties and bobby pins. These will be a necessity every day, so make sure you take more than a few.
- Hairbrush. We all know that forgetting this would be traumatic.
- Dry shampoo. We all know camp hair can be rough, but make it slightly less rough with this dear friend. She's a lifesaver.
- Any other haircare necessities. My hair is damaged so I have to use a leave-in conditioner every night. Grab what you can't live without and leave the rest at home.
- Waterproof mascara. Keeping makeup to a minimal is key, but there's nothing wrong with bringing a few things like this!
- Sunscreen. Just bring a can or two. You can always run to Walmart on your days off!
- Bug spray. I know they say that Deet will kill us all slowly in time, but so will getting West Nile from the 87 bug bites you're guaranteed to get. Just buy the dang can.
- Bug bite cream. Once again, an inevitable need.
- Deodorant. Your campers will thank you!
- A nail file. This sounds high maintenance (and maybe it is), but it's small and it's inevitable that you'll use it.
- Cotton balls and q-tips. Just bring a ziploc full. No reason to bring the whole bag!
- Bandaids. Put these in your bag of cotton balls and save you or your camper a trip to the nurse's station.
- Chapstick. A small thing to throw in your backpack, but it could be a lifesaver in the summer heat!
Cabin needs:
- Bedding. A set of sheets, blanket, and pillow should do.
- A laundry bag. You'll want to make sure you have somewhere to stash your dirty clothes, as well as a way to get them to and from the laundry.
- An iPod and speaker. Use an old iPod if you can't have your phone or don't want campers to have access to yours. Having music in the cabin can lift the mood like crazy in the mornings!
- An alarm clock. A necessity if you can't have your phone.
- A Command strip and hook. Use this to hang up your wet towel or suit!
Extras:
- A backpack for daily use.
- Any crazy costumes. Camp dances and parties are always more fun this way! Go big or (literally) go home.
- A watch. You probably will want to have your phone away during most activities but you still need to make sure you're on schedule for the day. Make sure it's waterproof!
- A flashlight. Or if you want to be really cool, the headlamp option is always fashionable.
- A reusable water bottle. Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate! And don't kill the environment with throw-away bottles!
- Your ENO and straps. Always a good time.
- A phone/iPod charger. Whatever you're using, make sure it stays charged.
- Vitamin C packets. No one likes camp sicknesses!
- Duct tape, scissors, Sharpies, and a notebook. These kinds of things always come in hand.
There always is and always will be a ton of things to bring to camp. This list is pretty all-encompassing to get you through. If this is too much for you to bring, don't worry! Pack the things you can't live without (like clothing) and get the other odds and ends once you get there. Days off are always useful for Walmart runs! And besides, while be prepared is nice, the whole point of camp is wearing yourself out for a bit and having a good time. Don't sweat the small things! Prepare what you can, expected the unexpected, and get ready to have fun - it's what matters most in the end anyway!
