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Home » Traveling » Summer Camp Counselor Packing List: What You Need

Summer Camp Counselor Packing List: What You Need

May 10, 2023 by Lauren Leave a Comment

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Do you have a child ready to serve as a camp counselor this year and now you need a camp counselor packing list? When children go from campers to staff members, it’s a good idea to have a great summer camp packing list to keep you organized! Serving as a camp counselor is such a great opportunity for your teenage kids. I hope this complete camp counsellor packing list prepares them well for their summer adventure.

Before you fill your shopping cart, your first great resource will be the camp director. The camp should provide you a list of the absolute essentials, along with a general timeline for the summer routine. Before camp starts, it is also a great idea to connect with camp counselors! Perhaps plan a social media group or an outing to ask questions and get to know one another. By the end of summer camp, I guarantee your camp counselor will have some new best friends. Happy packing!

Clothing

kids on the grass

The first thing you want to decide is what type of clothing you will need. Check the average temperatures for your camper’s area. In general, you will want to have enough clothing for 10-14 days. Ask about laundry facilities, as you will want to pack enough clothes to last between laundry sessions, but also prevent overpacking. Ask about the best way to pack, whether it is suitcases, duffel bags, or a plastic container with lid. If you are traveling overseas, check on any luggage allowance rules.

Underwear and Socks

Pack 7-10 pairs of underwear and socks to make sure you have a week’s worth. Girls will want to pack comfortable bras and sports bras to last 7-10 days. Ask about laundry facilities before camp begins.

Tank tops and Short Sleeved Shirts

Pack 7-10 tank tops and/or short sleeved shirts that you can layer throughout camp. During chilly mornings and evenings, you can throw on another layer to stay warm! Camp clothes will get quite dirty and worn out, so consider packing some cheap t-shirts that you don’t mind leaving behind at the end of camp, if needed.

Sweatshirt

Pack a sweatshirt or a warm hoodie to throw on in the mornings or evenings when the temperature goes down.

Pair of Jeans or Long Pants

Pack one pair of jeans or long pants for a nice event for any dressier special events during the camp week.

Sneakers

Include two pairs of sneakers to alternate, in case one pair is wet or muddy. Be sure to pack comfortable shoes

Dress shoes or sandals

Pack one pair of dressier casual shoes when you need a break from tennis shoes.

Flip Flops

Flip flops are nice to have around the pool, running quick errands, or in the bathrooms.

Shorts

Pack 3-4 pairs of shorts to alternate throughout the week.

Swimsuit

Include at least 2 swimsuits for your summer camp adventure and fun water activities! Check camp rules about any modesty rules at the camp’s swimming pool.

kids swimming

Pajamas

Pack breathable, comfortable pajamas. I would include at least two pairs per camp counselor.

Poncho or Rain Gear

If your camp area is succeptible to summer showers, pack a poncho or rain jacket for rainy days.

Sunglasses and Baseball Cap

The sun may be strong during summer days. Be sure to include sunglasses and a baseball cap to protect your skin and eyes.

campfire in the mountains

Toiletries

Toiletries are, of course, must be included in summer camp essentials. Pack toiletry items in a toiletry bag that is easy to transport to and from the restrooms. Some toiletry items to include would be:

  • toothbrush and toothpaste
  • hairbrush
  • face wash and sunscreen
  • bug spray
  • make up
  • hair ties
  • personal items for girls, tampons and pads
  • medication
  • shower gels
  • shower shoes (if needed)

Money/ID

Check with your particular camp to check and see what money and identification may be needed over the summer. Be sure to add what you need to your individual camp counselor packing list!

Paperwork/Documentation

Check to see what paperwork and documentation you may need at camp. If you are coming from outside of the United States, make sure your travel papers and important documents are current. Small pieces of information like your health insurance card and driver’s license can also be copied to have an extra copy while at camp.

kids on mountain

Outdoor Gear

Do you need outdoor gear? Make sure to pack a head torch or flashlight for night hikes. An inexpensive waterproof watch is great to have to keep track of time while at camp.

Electronics

If you are bringing along electronic devices, be sure to add charging cables and cords to your camp counselor packing list. A portable charger is also nice to have during camp sessions. If you are traveling to the United States from abroad, international counselors should be sure to pack the appropriate American travel adaptor for devices.

Bedding

If it is your first summer as a camp counselor at this camp, ask about what type of bedding you may need to bring. Consider lightweight fabrics for twin sheets or a sleeping bag. Pack at least two pillow cases, to switch them out between laundry.

Laundry

If you will be doing your own laundry, ask about the laundry process. Is there a laundry service at camp? Will you need coins to pay for laundry? Pack mesh laundry bags to easily transport your clothing to and from laundry facilities.

lake view and dock

Theme Days for your Camp Counselor Packing List

Will you have special camp family theme days while at camp? Be sure to pack some red, white and blue for the July 4th holiday! If your camp does special activities like tie-dye t-shirts, you may want to pack a plain white t-shirt for tie dying. Such a fun camp experience!

If you have room in your main luggage for particular sports equipment, like a Frisbee or tennis balls, throw them into your suitcase! A deck of cards, some books, and a journal with pens may also come in handy. Do you play a musical instrument? Consider bringing it with you!

Water Bottle

Be sure to pack a refillable water bottle. Days at summer camp can be hot and long, so stay hydrated during camp!

I hope this list of our favorite things for your summer camp counselor packing list helps you and your teen prepare for summer camp this year! It will be filled with lots of new friends and outdoor adventures. I hope it’s a great time!

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