The Parent Trap, Camp Rock, Heavyweights, Moonrise Kingdom, and Friday the 13th are just a few of the most memorable summer camp films. Based on these films, summer camp can be fun or horrific. Jason Voorhees aside, summer camp is definitely something that young children and even teenagers should look forward to. Now that school is almost over and summer is fast approaching, it’s about time to wipe the dust and cobwebs off your camping gear. To make sure you don’t forget anything and have a hassle-free outdoor adventure, make a summer camp packing list.
When you go camping, you don’t pack everything that pops up in your mind. Bringing your favorite stuffed toy or your set of comic books may be tempting and would definitely help you cope with boredom but they aren’t really necessary at camp. Besides, packing too much will only make it more difficult to lug your stuff around. Remember that when you’re flying, it’s best to travel light. You should apply that principle to your summer camp packing list.
Summer Camp Packing List: The Essentials
Start by checking if there is an official summer camp packing list. Some of these summer camps may require or not require particular items. Some camps, for example, may ask you to bring your own bedding while others will provide them. For now, let’s take a look at each item that’s a lock to make it to camp.
Bag
Start with the bag. Before you pack your stuff, you quite obviously need a bag. Don’t settle on just any bag, you need something sturdy and spacious. Backpacks are the best choice for any outdoor activity such as summer camp since it frees both of your hands to do or carry something else.
If you don’t have a backpack and will not be able to purchase a new one, you can settle for a duffel bag, a trunk, or a suitcase. Still, your first choice should be a backpack.
You must also bring a smaller backpack. Use this to carry some of your stuff as you go around the camp from one activity to the next.
Linens
You may want to bring your own linens to summer camp. You’re not sure how clean the ones provided are so packing your own bedding and towel will give you some assurance. Some activities will get you wet and dirty and you may unwittingly mess up the clean sheets provided by the camp. An extra set of bedding will surely be useful in this case.
Clothes
It goes without saying that you need to pack clothes for summer camp. What you need to know is what kinds of clothes you will need.
First, pack comfortable clothes. You need clothes in which you can move freely. You’ll be doing lots of physical activities so movement-constricting clothes are not recommended. You will need lots of these since you’ll surely get messy and sweaty all the time.
Second, pack swimming attire. Summer camp is not complete without having a dip in the lake or pool. Pack at least a couple of swimwear. This way, you’ll have a new set while waiting for the other to dry.
You’ll also want warm clothes. The night may get too cold for comfort so warm clothes will come in pretty handy. Other wearables you will need include hats, bandannas, scarf, wool socks, quick-drying socks, lots of underwear, rain gear, a poncho, hiking shoes, flip flops, and rubber shoes or sneakers.
Personal Hygiene
Summer camp is no excuse to go to bed without freshening up a bit. Your summer camp packing list should include personal items such as a hygiene kit. Clean yourself up after a day of fun activities by taking a quick shower, brushing your teeth, and doing whatever is in your routine back home.
Your hygiene kit should include soap or body wash, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, comb, toothbrush and toothpaste, dental floss, nail clippers, feminine hygiene products, tissue, toilet paper, and others.
Water Bottle
You’ll be sweating a lot from all the activities you’ll be doing. Plus, you’ll be under the sun for most of the day. Bring your own water bottle so you can stay hydrated. Aside from a water bottle, you can also include a hydration pack or bladder to your summer camp packing list. They’re easier to use while out on a hike.
Sunscreen
Your summer camp packing list is not complete without any kind of protection from the sun. The most obvious choice is sunscreen. The sun’s UV rays can cause skin cancer so it would be wise of you to use sunscreen all the time at camp.
Bug Spray
The sun is not the only thing you should be wary of. There are also mosquitoes and other critters that may make your stay a miserable one. Pack a bug spray to help you deal with these annoying and sometimes dangerous insects.
Medications
Those with existing medical conditions should bring their medicines and other medical needs to summer camp. Make sure you inform the adults of your condition and explain to them what you need them to do in case something untoward happens to you.
The items mentioned above are not the only ones that should be on our summer camp packing list. There are lots of other camping gear that you can bring. Visit The Gentleman Pirate if you wish to know more about the stuff you can bring on your next outdoor adventure.
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