12 Pro Tips for Packing for Overnight Camp 🧳✨

Everything you need (and nothing you don’t) to help your Camper have their best week ever.

Shhhhhhhh!!! whispers Do you hear that sound?
The sound of trucks being loaded, popcorn being popped, theme songs blasting, and flags flapping in the wind?
Yeah — that one! That’s the sound of CAMP, and it’s ALMOST HERE!!!!

We’re here to help you prep like a pro so your Camper is packed, pumped, and ready for the best summer ever. Packing is the first step in your Camper’s adventure—and with these tips, it’ll be a breeze.

Packing Light 🛄

We know one or two weeks at camp feels like foreverrrr, but trust us—your Camper needs less than you think. However, you need a lot less than you might think. You can pack light by using duffle bags only.

• Stick to 1–2 duffle bags (no trunks or suitcases, please!).
• Turn it into a game: reward your Camper for leaving behind a few things they THINK they need.
• Duffle bags = easier to carry, easier to store.

Flat Underbed Storage 🗃️ 🛼

Do you find that your Camper often comes home from school or camp missing a few miscellaneous items? Well, then we’ve got a tip just for you! Pack small miscellaneous items in a flat under bed storage box. This will be easily accessible to them during the camp session for them to roll it out, throw it in, and let the fun commence!

• Bible
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Stationery and pens
• Pool towel
• Playing Cards
• Shoes or Sandals
• Extra Sheets

A smaller box (about the size of a piece of paper) is also handy for Campers to keep at the foot of their bed for easy access during ‘kickback’ time. In here Campers can keep letters, stationary, and photos of their family! So maybe, (just maybe) they’ll write you a letter home. 😉

Pre-plan Individual Outfits 🧢👚👖👟

Camp is all about adventuring and exploring the great unknown  — but there is one unknown that could make a big difference if it’s actually NOT an unknown, but a known. And that thing is what to wear each day (especially for younger Campers)!

Take the guesswork out of getting dressed! Pre-planning outfits helps your Camper stay organized and makes those early camp mornings easier.

SUPER PRO TIP: Try packing each day’s outfit in a labeled ziplock bag:

• Include a shirt, shorts, underwear, and socks

• Label by day or activity (“Wednesday – Theme Night!”)

Your younger Campers (and their counselors) will thank you.

Roll Em’ Up  🗞️

Ever been to one of those burrito places that make your food right in front of you and been BLOWN AWAY by how much stuff they fit into one tightly wrapped tortilla? You wanna know their secret? It’s ALL in the roll.

Want to fit more in less space? It’s all about the roll. Rolling clothes (instead of folding) saves space and helps prevent wrinkles.

This works great for:

• Towels and washcloths
• Linens
• T-shirts
• Shorts

Rep Your Group 💪

Groups and teams are a HUGE part of the camp experience. Whether they’re in a Club, Squad, Pack, or Village—your Camper will want to wear their group’s gear with pride! Unless you registered in the last few days, by now Campers should know which group they’ll be reppin’ all week at camp!

• Pay special attention to your Camp-Specific packing list inside of your Get Ready Guide located under the Important Links section of your WinShape Account.
• 💰 Camp Store = great spot to snap official gear
• Be sure to pack their group t-shirt (or purchase it at the Camp Store)–they’ll wear it during certain Camp-Wide Events

Label Everything  🏷️

Seriously, everything. Towels, water bottles, socks—you name it. The odds are HIGH that your Camper will leave something behind after a skill, lunch, or down at the lake. Labeling ensures that even if your Camper’s items get taken to the Lost-and-found, when we go through the pile of lost goods, we can return them to their rightful owner.

Most frequently lost items (and you can probably guess why):

• Water Bottles
• Beach Towels

Anything you leave behind gets donated after each camp session, so labeling is a sure-fire way to make sure your Camper’s gear makes it back home.

•  Mabel’s Labels offers washable, long-lasting labels perfect for camp life. Stick them on anything and everything!

Packing Smart, Not Sentimental 💡

Even if it’s labeled, there’s no 100% guarantee it’ll return from the lake, the field, (or another Camper’s bag). Only send items that you wouldn’t be heartbroken to lose.

We know this might sound a little contradictory after our labeling tip, but here’s the deal: Campers are encouraged to check our Lost-and-Found at every mealtime, but some things just don’t make it back. If a GoPro takes an unexpected dive into the lake or a favorite pair of Lululemon shorts accidentally ends up in another Camper’s bag, there’s no guarantee they’ll be found. So, when in doubt, pack practical over priceless!

Keep these guidelines in mind:

• Don’t pack high-end or sentimental items

• When in doubt, choose practical over priceless

Make their Bunk Feel like Home 🏠

Want your Camper to feel at home? Some Campers like to bring fairy-lights or family photos to personalize their space. Totally optional, but a fun touch!

Optional items:

• String lights (battery-operated)

• A few family photos

• Their favorite blanket

Quiet Time Essentials 📖

A book, journal, or devotional is great for quiet moments before bed or during rest times. And don’t forget a headlamp or flashlight to make it easier to read when the lights are off! 

• Devotional or journal
• Summer reading assignments (optional, but possible)
• Flashlight or headlamp

Pre-address and Pre-stamp Envelopes  📬

Your Camper can send letters the old-fashioned way—through good ol’ Snail Mail! Each day, during scheduled cabin rest time, Campers have a chance to receive letters and Care Packages and even write a few of their own. Summer Staff collect the letters and drop them in the mailbox, where they’re sent off with the mailman!

To make it easy for your Camper, consider pre-addressing and stamping the envelopes before camp—one less thing for them to worry about!

Involve Your Camper 🎒

Don’t pack for them—pack with them. Yes–even your young ones!

Talk through what to bring, let them help label things, and teach them how to roll those burritos! When Campers are part of the process, they’re more confident, more prepared, and way more likely to keep track of their stuff.

Bonus: It makes getting ready in the morning so much easier—because they actually know what’s in their bag and where it is.

Lastly: Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize 📷 🕶️ 📖

There are a few last-minute camp essentials that you possibly haven’t thought of! Here’s our list:

1. Bible  📖 (If you don’t have one, no sweat! We’ve got you covered!)
2. Backpack (Those little drawstring bags are super helpful!)
3. Water Bottle 💧 (Hydration is kind of a big deal at camp.)
4. Pair of Jeans 👖 (Signed up for Horseback Riding? You’ll need a pair!)
5. Crewneck or Sweatshirt (For those chillier summer mornings!)
6. Sunscreen (Because they’ll be out in the sun, and sunburn is no fun!)
7. Optional: Flashlight or headlamp 🔦 (There’s so much to see at night!)
8. Optional: Disposable camera  📸 (Capture your camp experience, then develop your photos when you get home!)

Friendly reminder—even if you pack the bare minimum, your Camper is still going to have a blast at camp! 

As we mentioned, each camp location will have specific packing list, just for your Camper! You can find the full packing list in your Camper Handbook, located under the ‘Important Links’ section of your account! We’re just here to share a few extra pro packing tips. Meet ya at camp!