10 Pro Tips for Packing for Overnight Camp
Shhhhhhhh!!! *whispers* Do you hear that sound? The sound of trucks being loaded, popcorn being popped, theme songs being blasted, and flags flapping in the wind? Yeah — that one! That’s the sound of CAMP because IT’S ALMOST HERE!!!!!
We want to do everything we can to make this the best (and easiest) summer EVER. Picking out and packing up items for camp is just the beginning of the ultimate camp experience! Pack the necessities (costumes for themed nights such as Late Nites, Nite Lifes & Camp Wide Events are considered “necessities” at camp) and embrace the challenge together to load up everything tight and go light.
Pack Light 🛄
We know that one or two weeks at camp seems like forevvvveeeer! However, you need a lot less than you might think. You can pack light by using duffle bags only. Limit the amount of luggage you pack to 1-2 duffle bags. Trust us, you won’t regret it. Find ways to make packing light fun by rewarding your camper for choosing to leave behind a few things they THINK they need. And remember – please no trunks or suitcases!
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 items like pens, stationery, bible, flashlight, playing cards, pool towel, shoes, and whatever else usually gets lost in the shuffle 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!
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. 😉
Preplan Individual Outfits 🧢👚👖👟
Camp is all about adventuring and exploring the great unknown — but there’s 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)! SUPERPRO
TIP: Preplan campers’ outfits for each day! From comfort to activity-specific, to theme nights—it’s always a great idea to set aside individual outfits. To take it one step further, you could even pack each day’s outfit in separate plastic zip lock bags with the day your camper should wear that outfit written on the bag. Take the guesswork out completely!
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. One tried-and-true way to keep things organized and packed tight is to roll articles of clothing, towels, and linens before putting them in your duffle bag or luggage. It’s easy and saves space.
Rep Your Squad/ Club/ Village/ Pack/ Legacy 💪
Groups and teams are a HUGE part of the camp experience. Your campers is going to want EVERYONE to know which group they’re in. Unless you registered in the last few days, by now campers should know which Squad/Club/Village/Pack 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. Visit our Camp Store when you arrive to camp to purchase their Squad/Club/Village/Pack shirt. There will be occasions (and next-level activities!) where campers will have the opportunity to rep their group’s colors.
Label Everything 🏷️
Seriously, everything. Towels, water bottles, socks—you name it. Beach towels and water bottles are the top items that get lost. 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 straight to lost and found, when we go through the pile of lost goods, we can return them to their rightful owner.
Anything left behind at camp 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 Wisely 💡
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: while we do have a Lost & Found (lovingly called LOFO at camp), and campers are encouraged to check it at every mealtime, 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!
Make their Bunk Feel like Home 🏠
Some Campers like to bring fairy-lights or family photos to personalize their space. Totally optional, but a fun touch!
Packing for Quiet Time 📖
A book, journal, or devotional is great for quiet moments before bed or during rest times. Older campers sometimes even bring their summer reading assignments for these times (not that we can speak for the amount that actually gets read.) And don’t forget a headlamp or flashlight to make it easier to read when the lights are off!
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!
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Lastly: Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize 📷 🕶️ 📖
There are a few last-minute camp essentials that you possibly haven’t thought of! Here’s our list:
- Bible 📖. (If you don’t have one, no sweat! We’ve got you covered!)
- Backpack (Those little drawstring bags are super helpful!)
- Water Bottle 💧 (Hydration is kind of a big deal at camp.)
- Pair of Jeans 👖 (Signed up for Horseback Riding? You’ll need a pair!)
- Crewneck or Sweatshirt (For those chillier summer mornings!)
- Optional: Flashlight or headlamp 🔦 (There’s so much to see at night!)
- 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!