What to Pack for a U.S. Summer Camp (Without Overpacking)

Packing for camp can be a bit stressful. It’s hard to imagine what you might need for an entire summer in the States. Most people either massively overpack or forget half the things they actually need. I turned up to camp during my first summer with two large suitcases and a carry-on. Now, as a returner, I wouldn’t bring half of the stuff I packed that first summer.

One of the biggest mistakes first-time counselors make is bringing too many clothes. At camp, you will usually be given six staff shirts to wear whilst you are there, meaning you only need to bring a few extra tops for days off and orientation. I also recommend bringing five to seven pairs of comfortable shorts to wear around camp. Camps are messy, active environments, so practicality and comfort matters for these.

The essentials are: comfortable clothes, trainers, swimwear, toiletries, medications, chargers, and important travel documents. A reusable water bottle is also something you will use constantly at camp. It’s not required but it’s always nice to bring a few shorts or tops that are your camp colours and then you can wear these on spirit days! 

You should also prepare for changing weather. Even camps with very hot days can have surprisingly cold evenings, so bringing hoodies and tracksuit bottoms is a good idea. Many counsellors forget this, but it’s not a huge problem as you can always buy a jumper or two at Walmart or a local mall.

Another thing I really recommend is bringing a few small comfort items from home. Photos, favourite snacks, tea bags, or personal items can make your cabin feel more familiar during the first few weeks. The kids also love seeing the decorations we bring, and it’s a great way to get to know them early on.

At the same time, there are plenty of things you probably do not need to bring. Fancy outfits, too many pairs of shoes, lots of toiletries (which are much easier to buy in America), and huge suitcases usually become more annoying than useful, especially when travelling after camp. Camps have laundry facilities, so you do not need enough clothes for the entire summer, just enough for 7 to 10 days is perfect.

It’s also smart to leave some extra room in your suitcase. More than likely you might end up buying camp hoodies, souvenirs, or extra clothes while travelling after camp, and nobody wants to struggle with an overflowing suitcase at the airport.

Based on the recommendations above, this is the packing list I use each summer. Of course, not all of it will be relevant to everyone, so take what you think you will need for 7 to 10 days. Don’t worry if you forget something, you can always buy bits while you’re out there. You camp might also give you a suggested packing list as well!

Suggested Packing List

• A handful of tops

• 7 pairs of shorts

• Trackies/joggers

• Waterproof jacket

• Swimming costumes/trunks (check what your camp allows)

• Sports trainers

• 2 hoodies/sweatshirts

• Watch

• 12 pairs of socks

• Flip-flops/slides

• Clothes for days off/travelling

• Toiletries — buy most of these at Walmart or Target

• Sunglasses

• Job-specific items

• Travel adaptor

• Water bottle