Pack Like a Pro: The Ultimate Summer Camp Checklist from a Camp Counsellor

Starting with my co-counsellors’ recommendations:

Alice

“I found the best clothes to wear for camp are generally easy to move in and alright getting dirty, this often ends up being sportswear. One thing I forgot to bring is a bag for laundry. I ended up sourcing a Walmart bag to use the whole summer, which was fine, but in the future, I would take a bag with me. My Crocs were essential, I wore them every day, but I'd also bring a good pair of trainers as they are needed for some activities. When packing light it would be tempting to only bring one towel, but, I was very glad to have brought two- using separate ones for showers and the lake."

Arianna

“One item I found very useful when at camp was a shower bag, it made taking things to the showers and organization so much better. Don’t overpack, which is easier said than done but you tend to buy more clothes and toiletries when you’re there. Another item I found that helped with any homesickness was bringing photos of people and pets at home. I’d say to also bring a notebook to use as a journal because there is so much that goes on every day that writing it down means when I come back to read it, I can remember everything. The item that I will be bringing when I go back is a smaller portable camera."

Katie

“I think the number one thing that I packed was crocs! They don’t even have to be real ones, I found some on Amazon for £6 and they lasted about 8 weeks before falling apart (I invested in some real crocs in the end, but the fake ones did the job!). Really up to personal preference but I wish I had packed more vests/ tank tops just because it gets so warm sometimes. One last thing is that I don’t think it’s essential to pack bedding stuff (sleeping bag etc.) because you can buy it all at Walmart when you get there."

And finally, my recommendations!

Bedding

Some packing lists have the option of bringing a duvet instead of a sleeping bag, but I found the sleeping bag so much easier to use, especially considering luggage constraints! I used my sleeping bag for nights we slept in our cabin, and for any camping trips we went on. I also would recommend bringing a spare sheet or tapestry- this can hang from the bunk above you or from the ceiling if you’re on the top bunk to create a cozier space.

Laundry

I brought a fabric laundry bag with me, and it was the best packing decision I made. It was super easy to hang over the ladder of my bunk and to store when I wasn’t using it. I would also recommend bringing a netted bag for when you’re doing laundry, as it’ll keep all your stuff together and makes moving clothes into the drier a lot easier and quicker.

Shower bag

Consider bringing a bag/small basket for your shower stuff, because trying to walk out of your cabin quietly after lights out, with a torch in one hand and two towels, bottles of shampoo/shower gel, your phone, clothes to get changed into and a hairbrush, in the other hand, is a bit of a struggle.

Warm Pyjamas

It can get surprisingly chilly some nights, especially during cooler periods of summer! So I would recommend packing warmer pyjamas or an extra fleece for sleeping in.

Waterproof Clothes

It also rains a lot more than you would expect in Canada! Pack a waterproof coat, and also waterproof shoes (i.e. not canvas ones).

Books

If you like reading and don’t have a Kindle, paperbacks are great! While you’re at camp you can swap books with other counsellors, so bring a couple of books that you’re not too attached to.

A Watch

Despite the awful ‘watch tan’ that you might have at the end of summer, a watch is so helpful for making sure that you’re on time for activities!

A torch

I remember packing a torch and thinking I wouldn’t use it much, but it made such a huge difference at night when I was walking to the shower house or around camp.

Water bottle

I brought two water bottles with me: a regular one and an insulated one. I used the insulated one the most - cold water throughout the day during a heat wave was a lifesaver.

Waterproof phone pouch

Super useful if you’re taking a canoe out on your day off, or when going on a camping trip!

Phone

Despite having Wi-Fi in the main area of the camp, I would recommend organising some sort of phone data for the duration you’re at camp! It was nice to be able to text my family from my cabin in the morning instead of having to walk to the main building in the camp. It also made travelling through Toronto much easier.

And that’s my ultimate camp checklist. I hope it helped give you an idea of things that could make a huge difference during your time at camp!