Who better to give advice than the campers themselves? They've packed, unpacked, made friends, battled homesickness, and had the time of their lives. Their tips are honest, quirky, and tested in the wild. Read on for real-deal camper wisdom to help you crush your first (or fifth!) summer away.
Don't Wait To Start Packing
Start packing early—don't wait until the last minute or you'll forget things. Once you get the list, pack little by little.
Pack Early
Start packing early and chip away at it. Last-minute packing leads to forgotten items—slow and steady wins.
Bring An Instrument
If you play guitar, uke, or another small instrument—bring it! Talent shows and jam sessions are the best.
If You Think You Need It, Pack It
Unsure about an item? Bring it. It's better to have it than wish you did.
Mattress Pad
An egg-crate mattress pad can turn any bunk into a cozy hangout.
Shower Caddy
Bring a shower caddy and a wrap-around towel—both make trips to and from the showers way easier.
Egg Crate Foam
Thin mattresses? Add egg-crate foam and a topper. Pack two sheet sets and a warm blanket or quilt.
Setting Up Your Bunk
Pack in reverse so essentials are on top. Make your bed first, set up lights/fans, pick a laundry spot, and keep the trunk organized.
Pack in Reverse
Layer outfits by day at the bottom, PJs near the top. Keep hygiene and small items in cubes; duffle holds extras.
Packing for Younger Kids
Outfit-a-day in gallon zip bags (plus extras). Makes mornings (and staff assists) super easy. Always pack extra socks/undies.
Claim Your Items
Put your name on everything. Everything. EVERYTHING.
Mad Libs
Rainy-day MVP: a big book of Mad Libs for cabin laughs.
Extra Bed Sheets
Bring a spare sheet set—fresh sheets mid-session help with sand and dirt.
Glide & Go Trays
A Glide & Go tray is perfect extra storage in tight bunks.
The Perfect Spot for Stickers
Your trunk makes an excellent sticker canvas—and helps ID it fast.
Write Down Your Experiences
Bring a notebook to journal camp memories. You'll love reading it later—and it builds excitement for next year.
Always Ask
Don't be afraid to ask for what you want or need—advocating for yourself is part of camp growth.
Essential Items
Extras: water bottles, glow sticks, labels, a few snacks (if allowed). Tuck dryer sheets in luggage to repel bugs. Label everything.
Don't Be Afraid to Ask
Ask questions! Counselors will help you figure things out.
Limit the Items You Bring
Less is more. Ask experienced campers what they actually used and plan from there.
Birthdays at Camp
If your birthday falls during camp, celebrate big—don't let homesickness steal the fun.
Pre-Address Letters
Pre-address envelopes before you go. It saves time when you're excited to write home.
Skip the Sadness
You'll make friends. Bring a family photo, ask for help when lost, and enjoy the freedom to make good choices.
Embrace the Outdoors
Expect bugs and a little mess—pack bug spray. Keep shower lines moving; bring everything you need the first time.
Don't Wait to Start/Finish
Keep gear accessible so you spend more time having fun—especially as a first-year camper.
Accessibility Helps
Keep gear accessible so you spend more time having fun—especially as a first-year camper.
Bring Friends Along
Invite a friend or sibling—share a "day in the life" to get them excited. Familiar faces make camp even better.
Don't Pack Perishables
Skip food and moisture-related items in your trunk.
Try New Things
Feeling nervous is normal—counselors will help. Jump in and try the activity anyway!
Bring Entertainment
Long bus ride? Pack something to do. Beds are thin twins—pro tip: call the bottom bunk!
Lists Prevent Over-Packing
Make a list early and edit it down. Bring only a few quiet-time items; a camera is fun if allowed.
Preventing Homesickness
Photos and letters help. Dive into activities—you may miss camp more than home by the end!
Showering
Shower when you can—don't wait for the perfect window.
Duffle Bags
A sturdy trunk is great. If allowed, add a duffle and backpack for overflow that won't fit the trunk.
Bring Memories
Pack photos and some tape to decorate your bunk. A little piece of home can really help with homesickness.
Don't Forget To Pack Your Crocs
Crocs are perfect for pool time, showers, and walking around—and make a fun autograph keepsake with your cabin.
Packing Cubes Make Life Easier
Packing cubes are game-changers. If not your style, experiment with folding/rolling to fit more.
Listen, Listen, Listen
Pay attention to activity instructions—you'll have more fun when you know the plan.
Avoid Battery Acid
After camp, unpack right away. Air things out and remove batteries from flashlights/fans—then repack so you're set for next year.
Branch Out, Try New Things
Try new activities—they might become your favorites. (Riflery was a surprise hit!)
These tips aren't from manuals—they're from campers who earned their stripes (and maybe a few mosquito bites). Take their advice, make it your own, and get ready to come home with your own legendary camp stories.
