What to Pack for Summer Camp: A Guide to Your Summer Camp Essentials

Heading off for a summer camp job abroad inspires a mix of emotions, from excitement to a fear of the unknown, so planning the little details in advance helps prepare you for it. We tend to overthink everything, even down to not wanting to forget something (or taking the completely wrong stuff), so knowing what to pack for summer camp can make all the difference in ensuring your departure is stress-free. 

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‍(By the way, if you’re asking ‘what is summer camp?’, then check out our article to get up to date first).

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When remembering your summer camp  essentials, striking the perfect balance between being well-equipped and packing light is crucial. 

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Having what you need is important; overpacking unnecessary fashion items is not.

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As a solo traveller, you’ll be carrying it all on your back or wheeling it behind you, so ditch the extra weight where possible.

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Think about the activities you'll be leading or participating in at summer camp and the range of weather and conditions in which you'll be doing them. 

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A few must-haves include durable outdoor gear, versatile clothing, and personal care items.

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But, more than anything, when it comes to packing for summer camp, two essential characteristics are more important than anything regarding what you take: being comfy or being useful. 

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Ask yourself if what you're taking falls into either of these; if they don't, leave them at home. 

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You'll realise quickly that these two characteristics matter, and all other items get forgotten at the bottom of your case.

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So whether you're hiking trails, out on the lakes, or simply lounging by the campfire in the evening, having the right summer camp essentials will ensure you're ready for anything that comes your way.

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Here's what to pack for summer camp. 

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1. A durable backpack

Now, we're not talking about your big suitcase or backpack here (which is another argument altogether). We're talking about an everyday backpack to carry the main stuff. 

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A sturdy, spacious backpack is essential for carrying daily necessities and keeping everything organised, especially amid chaos. 

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2. Weather (and summer camp) appropriate clothing

Pack a mix of lightweight, breathable clothing for warm days and layers for cooler evenings (should you be placed at a camp further north), including a light, waterproof jacket.

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It won't rain much, but it comes down hard when it does.

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In terms of everyday wear, comfort and usefulness come first. You'll learn quickly that this is not a place about brands or that you should look a 10/10 every day. 

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It's about being comfy and being able to do your job. 

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As an added note, don't bring things you'll be upset to get dirty; summer camp can be a messy job. 

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3. Comfortable footwear

Again, comfort is king. 

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If you've got shoes you love but they give you blisters, leave them at home. 

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You'll be covering a lot of ground at summer camp, so well-cushioned, comfortable shoes are a must. Feeling comfy is the authentic summer camp fashion.

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All-rounder trainers or sliders work well for daytime activities, and comfortable sandals or flip-flops are great for relaxing around the camp. 

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Oh, and who can forget Crocs, one of the key summer camp essentials.

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4. Personal care kit 

It's important to take a few summer camp essentials to get you started, and then these can be topped up on your first trip to Walmart. 

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You should include sunscreen, insect repellent, toiletries, necessary medications, and any personal care products you prefer. 

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Value-pack shampoos and other bigger, more space-consuming products should wait until you're there and can do a supermarket shop. But that could be a good few days in, so take the essentials or just small travel-size products to begin with. 

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5. Reusable water bottle

Staying hydrated is crucial (as the kid's chant of "hydrate, hydrate, hydrate to dominate" goes), so a durable, refillable water bottle is a must. 

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The only thing to consider is whether you've already got a favourite or want to buy one there. If you've got one you love and you're okay on space, definitely bring it to save money. 

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You'll decorate it with stickers as your summer camp adventure goes on, and your little humble water bottle will become a really meaningful item in your life.

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6. Sleeping comfort aid

Now, if you can fall asleep anywhere easily, great. 

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But sometimes, being in a new environment for the first few nights can be challenging, especially if you're prone to being homesick. 

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You'll always have people around you in summer camp to help, but if you have a little comfort item which helps you sleep, like a particular Oodie or a comfort blanket, don't deprive yourself. 

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Now, we're not suggesting shipping over your double deluxe bed, duck feather pillows and mum's homemade duvet, but summer camp staff love bringing pictures of family or other companion items to decorate their bed area, so don't feel bad for bringing yours. 

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7. Flashlight or headlamp

This is a lesser-thought-of but handy summer camp item, especially at night. 

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If you're navigating the campgrounds at night, a reliable flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries will make things much easier. 

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You may be at a summer camp where the bathroom is a short walk away, or you could have night watch responsibilities in the evening to ensure the kids are sleeping and not sneaking around (we've all done it as kids, let's be honest). 

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A good flashlight makes those times a little easier and your feet a lot safer by stopping you stubbing your toe on a branch (and we've all done that, too).

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8. Notebook and pen

Whether you enjoy writing or not, a little notebook is great for jotting down things to remember, experiences you want to remember, or little note messages (especially when you don't have access to your phone). 

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You'd be surprised how much you'll use it in your daily life. It becomes a nice way to unplug, and if you use it more regularly as a travel journal, you'll find the benefits that come with it.

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9. Swimwear and towel

These are obvious for a summer season away, but make sure they're packed.

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They're essential for swimming activities, whether in a lake, pool, or river, and there'll be a lot of that when at summer camp, regardless of your role. Every season, there'll be people who forget and must spend an extra 20 bucks to get something they've got back home. 

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Save your money.

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It may also sound obvious, but keep your swimwear appropriate. Even if you're working on the lake or watersports, your swimwear must be appropriate for the fact that you're working with kids. Keep it respectable and work-worthy.

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A good towel also makes a difference, but it takes up a lot of space. If you can get a rolled-up microfibre towel, they're your best bet. They keep sand and dirt off the towel, are light, and take up much less space. 

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This 'what to pack for summer camp' list covers the summer camp essentials you'll need to take with you.

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There'll be opportunities to grab other bits once you're settled in, but it's a lot easier taking that task away by fully preparing your case before going.

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By arranging the above in advance, you'll give yourself the best chance of settling into summer camp immediately.