The 2023 Summer Camp Packing Guide

It’s summer camp season, and the 2023 packing guide is here! In this guide, there are several categories of items, from organization to essentials.

Organization

The first item you need for packing is a place to put your things! A trunk or suitcase are great options for compacting many clothes, shoes, tolietries, and other items in a small space. I also use packing cubes to organize outfits for easy dressing in the morning and to keep clothes neat and folded. Additionally, bring a backpack of smaller bag you can wear on your shoulders to carry items around camp.

• Trunk/suitcase
• Backpack/Kavu/crossbody bag
• Packing cubes (optional)

Clothes

Play clothes that you can get dirty in are a must; you never know if there will be a surprise color war, shaving cream battle, or water balloon fight at camp! Depending on how long you’ll be staying at camp and if you can do laundry, I recommend bringing 6-7 t-shirts or comfy tees that you don’t mind messing up. Another item to note is layer for colder weather. As most camps are in the mountains, weather can vary week to week, so it’s wise to pack a rain jacket and a war layer just in case. If your camp has off-campus excursions or other dressier activities, pack a few cute outfits.

• 6-7 t-shirts or tees
• 3-4 pairs of athletic shorts
• jean shorts
• jeans
• leggings
• 1 nicer outfit
• undergarments
• 2-3 sweatshirts
• 1 jacket/windbreaker
• 1 rainjacket

Shoes

Shoes are a wonderful way to pull together an outfit and determine how dressy or casual an outfit is. For summer camp, Chaco sandals are my top pick for a comfortable shoe that can handle the outdoors – water, mud, paint, you name it. I have owned a pair of Chacos for over four years, and they are still in excellent condition. While Chacos are highly worth the investment, they are not the only shoe you should pack for camp; close-toed sneakers are essential for hiking, rock climbing, and other outdoor activities. I also usually bring a pair of running shoes and a pair of lifestyle sneakers.

• waterproof sandals – Chacos
• sneakers
• dressy shoes (nice events)

Toiletries

I never realize how many beauty products I have until I go to pack my toiletry bag! I normally pack all my skincare and beauty products in one bag, and then bath and shower items in another bag.

• laundry detergent or pods (optional)
• bath towel
• hair towel (optional)
• pool towel
• shampoo & conditioner
• hair brush
• hair tools (optional)
• any other hair products
• skincare products
• toothbrush
• toothpaste

Essentials

There are a few more items to note that don’t quite fit any one category, except that they are all essential summer camp supplies!

• stopwatch
• waterbottle
• journal & pen
• Bible
• flashlight
• bug spray
• sunscreen
• crafting supplies, maybe yarn or thread (for friendship bracelets)

Feel free to tailor this guide to fit your camp packing list, and use it to give you an idea of what you might need.

Warmly,

Seabrook