We regularly get asked "what should I pack for camp?" and so we wrote this blog to answer that very question. Every single camp is unique and the one lucky enough to hire you should provide you with a specific list of the dos and don't of packing. However, in our years in Camping we have found that a general list can be applied to all the amazing camps out there, meaning you can get a head start on things.
To make things even easier, if we don't sell an item we recommend taking with you then we will provide recommendations and links to save you time and hopefully a few pennies too. So lets get started with the ultimate summer camp packing list.
First things first, you're going to need a small backpack/duffle.
Your backpack should be strong and sturdy, hold all your important items and if possible, look good. We recommend Nordace. Ben has been using the same Nordace Siena backpack everyday for work for the past 4 years and takes it to camp with him every year too.
Nordace also make duffles which are also really good. A small duffle will come in handy if you have small trips planned or decide to visit a nearby town for the night on your time off during the summer. There are definitely cheaper options out there but you get what you pay for and that's why we recommend paying a bit extra for quality.
We are not an affiliate of Nordace and do not make any commission if you purchase from them.
Second thing you're going to need is a suitcase or large backpack to put all your stuff in. Before you decide what to take with you, ask yourself what sort of travelling do you want to do. Our advice, if all your travelling will consist of remaining in the US then a suitcase will probably do the job and will be easy to travel with. If you're going to sit on a beach, visit cities/tourist spots or head to Disney then it's likely that planes and trains will be your primary form of transport and a suitcase just makes sense (to us at least).
If you're planning on going off the beaten track, hiking and camping for example or backpacking elsewhere around the world then a backpack (and travelling slightly lighter) may be best for you.
Ok, you have your carry-ok bag and hold-all bag sorted, next you need to decide what to pack. We're going to start with the essentials.
Short and long sleeve t-shirts
Comfys
Accessories
You're going to need t-shirts for a huge variety of reasons and ours have got you covered for most occasions. Sitting around a camp fire, day to day camp life, going out for dinner or for a drink and even tie-dying. You can wear our shirts in any number of scenarios and we would love to see where you end up wearing them! Remember purchase your camp counsellor t-shirts today and post/tag us on instagram!
Comfys! Even though you're going to work at a summer camp the weather isn't always perfect. It sometimes rains and the evenings can get cooler (especially in August). Our hoodies are perfect for the cooler evenings sat around a fire or on those rainy days when it's a little chilly in the mountains.
Essential accessories! Hats, sunglasses, water bottle, travel adapter and bum bag. Our trucker and bucket hats are perfect for wearing around camp in the sun and our water bottles are perfect for keeping you hydrated while you're running around after the kids. You're going to want a good water bottle, you're going to drink a lot of water this summer and the Upstate Living bear will really help you to distinguish your water bottle from everyone else's. We also have a variety of options (sports bottle, travel mug and stainless steel).
Travel adapters are going to be crucial for charging your electronics and we recommend getting a universal one. Simply click the picture to see the exact adapter we recommend.
Bum bags (fanny pack to the Americans) are really useful, they're great for going through airports and for carrying the essentials around camp. Lastly sunglasses, get yourself a good set of sunglasses with UV protection - you don't need expensive ones to get good UV protection. We recommend an affordable pair of sunglasses for day to day life at camp. They can easily get damaged or lost so maybe keep the Ray-Bans or Prada sunglasses for your post-camp travels (even then you may want to leave them home).
More Essentials:
4.Socks and Underwear
5.Trainers
6.Athletic wear/shorts
7.Pyjamas
8.Smart-casual outfits
9.Light Weight Rain Jacket
10.Travel adapter
Socks and Underwear: Socks and underwear - socks magically disappear at camp, nobody knows why and nobody knows where they go, it's one of life's mysteries. Have plenty of spares!
Trainers/sneakers: You're going to be on your feet a lot this summer, regardless if you're teaching tennis or arts & crafts, so get yourself some comfortable and durable trainers.
Athletic wear/shorts: It's the summer, you're going to want to get several pairs of shorts: athletic, yoga, cycle, comfy, dress. Take a pair for every occasion but you're going to mostly need athletic ones.
Pyjamas: It's likely are you're going to be living in a cabin with kids and/or co-counsellors. Sleeping in your underwear (or less) probably isn't going to be an option. Alternatively, PJs always come in handy when heading to breakfast first thing in the mornings.
Smart-casual outfits: There are several types of occasion during the summer when you're going to want to dress a bit nicer than your camp counsellor outfit. Camp may have an end of summer party/prom, you may have the opportunity to go to a restaurant or bar on your time off or even after camp on your travels.
Rain Jackets: It does rain in the US during the summer unfortunately and a rain jacket will probably come in handy. Try and find yourself a small, light jacket (that maybe folds up really small) to throw into your suitcase for the summer.
There is an endless list of things that could be on your packing list that we would call non-essential. They are the type of items that may show on the packing list provided by camp or they could be items that you could simply do without. For example a digital camera.
For you budding social media influencers out there the hardest part of camp is going to be not having access to your phone 24 hours a day. Many camps will have various phone policies that restrict your usage. In this situation a camera will come in handy. Unless you know what you're doing there probably isn't much point in getting an expensive DSLR. We recommend a simple, easy to use, inexpensive camera like this one.
Next up on the list that we see on a lot of camp packing list is a torch aka a flash light. in 22 combined years of working at camp neither of us have ever needed a torch. That doesn't mean you won't need one, if camp recommends bringing one then ask a returning member of staff. If you're role at camp involves camping or hiking then a torch will come in handy and you may wish to go for something that will survive the hectic camp life. If you're not anticipating daily torch usage but still want to take one then we recommend a pocket sized one like this one.
Music Speakers: The only reason these aren't on the essential list is because someone you will become friends with will have brought speakers with them already. Music makes every situation better and you will no doubt end up with a summer soundtrack by the time you come home. Shower Hour, days off, hanging out at the lake, stuck on a bus travelling around the US or sat at the beach soaking up the sun, you're going to want to have music playing. We're big fans of JBL speakers, Ben has been using the same one at home and at camp for the past 6 years. He uses the JBL Charge which doubles as a power bank, perfect for those long relaxing days off at the local river. If that's a little out of your budget then go for the more pocket sized JBL Go 3. If you don't want a JBL speaker you can always try one of ours, which is a recent addition to our list of products. It will be perfect for listening to country music!
Power Banks: We feel like a power banks speaks for itself and will come in handy on your flights trip to camp or days off. We recommend this one but there are plenty of other choices out there that will suit your needs.
We could go on and on with the list of things you could take with you on your travels. If you have a question about a specific item do not hesitate to reach out or comment on our blog for us or others to give you their thoughts.
*All links to the products on Amazon are affiliate links and we make a commission if you purchase anything we recommend.
*We are not an affiliate of Nordace and do not make any commission if you purchase a product, we just like the bags.
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