So you just got your first job as a camp counselor at an overnight camp – congratulations! Your summer is about to be filled with adventure, growth, and unforgettable memories.
What to pack for summer camp is one of the first things you may wonder while you begin to prepare for this exciting journey. At Camp Starfish, we believe counselors do their best when they are both prepared and comfortable – but you also don’t want to overpack (you’ll need to save leftover space in your bag for souvenirs to bring home!).
Here’s a carefully curated guide to packing for your first summer as a camp counselor created by our overnight camp experts:
Clothing Essentials
Camp life is active, messy, and full of surprises. Pack clothes that are durable, comfortable, and appropriate for various weather conditions.
- T-Shirts & Tank Tops – Summer camp (usually) takes place in the sun, so, most days, you’ll be wearing a T-shirt or a tank top. Choose basic fabrics that are breathable, simple, and comfortable to move around in!
- Shorts & Athletic Wear – With all of those hot summer days, you’ll want to wear shorts. We recommend shorts meant for activewear, rather than shorts that are denim or khaki material. However, you’ll want to check with your camp to see if they require you to wear a pair of “camp fancy” shorts for opening and closing days – at Camp Starfish, we ask our counselors to bring one pair of khaki or denim shorts to wear with their staff T-shirts when parents are on site!
- Long-Sleeve Shirts & Pants – Though the days at camp are hot, the nights can be cool. If you’re looking forward to campfires and s’mores, you’ll want to pack a few pairs of longer pants to put on so you can focus on singing campfire songs instead of shivering. Expert tip: pack a pair of sweatpants you can wear in the mornings over your shorts so you can just take them off mid-morning once the weather has gotten warmer and put them in your backpack.
- “Nice” Clothes for Days Off – On your days off, you may want to wear clothes that are not just activewear for going out for a meal with friends, exploring nearby towns, etc. Don’t overpack on these clothes, but have them available!
- Sweatshirts & Hoodies – The key to always being comfortable at camp is to pack layers. A few hoodies or zip-up sweaters are necessary for your camp wardrobe, but these also take up a lot of space in your luggage, so make sure you only pack a few!
- Rain Jacket/Poncho – Sudden summer storms are common at camp – the weather may look like it will be sunny all day and suddenly you see “the cloud” roll in. Some counselors like to bring single-use plastic ponchos which are better for hot weather (no one likes sweating in a waterproof jacket), but others are totally fine with a regular rain jacket. And don’t forget the rain boots!
- Swimsuits – We recommend swimsuits that provide adequate coverage from the sun and are built for sportswear. If your camp has a lake and you’re not too comfortable with the dirt/sand, invest in a pair of water shoes so you can still enjoy waterfront time!
- Comfortable Sneakers & Outdoor Footwear – Two pairs of sneakers and a pair of hiking shoes/boots should be suitable for the whole summer (and don’t forget the rain boots that we already talked about!). Some camps allow Crocs, but with the amount you’ll be on your feet during the day as a camp counselor, we recommend shoes with more support so your ankles don’t hurt by lunchtime.
- Hats & Sunglasses – Sun protection is a must! We recommend wearing ball cap-style hats, bucket hats, etc. for daily wear. If you’re a lifeguard or working on a ropes course, you’ll also want to pack a pair of sunglasses!
- Pajamas & Cozy Clothes – Comfort is key after long camp days. Remember that, though it cools down at night, cabins can get stuffy. We recommend sleeping in light pajamas (or t-shirts and shorts) and packing some sweatpants and sweaters to layer over them if you get cold.
To summarize, pack clothes that are easy to move around in and can get messy. Do NOT pack clothes that you don’t mind getting messy – a great rule of thumb to follow when packing for camp is if it can’t be replaced, it shouldn’t come to camp.
Gear & Supplies
Having the right gear will make your camp experience smoother and more enjoyable.
- Cozy Bedding and Pillows – Remember, your cabin will be your home for the summer. We know a sleeping bag is the quintessential summer camp item, but you’ll be much comfier with actual bedding including extra sheets, cozy blankets, and a few pillowcases for a nice-quality pillow. If your camp has frequent overnights in tents outside, you will need to pack a sleeping bag (and maybe even a sleeping mat, if you’re extra concerned about comfort!)
- Flashlight/Headlamp & Extra Batteries – Nights at camp can be very dark! Some camps have electricity in their cabins, while others do not. You may also need to be prepared to walk in the dark if you have night duties. At least one flashlight (that isn’t just your phone) is absolutely necessary for a successful camp experience.
- Water Bottle – Staying hydrated is crucial – we recommend packing a sports bottle that is easy to carry around and holds enough water so you only have to fill it a few times per day. A Stanley is NOT an ideal camp water bottle.
- Sunscreen & Bug Spray – Most of your day as a camp counselor is spent outside. You’ll need sunscreen and bug spray for daily wear. Check to see if your camp is near a shopping center that sells sunscreen and bug spray – if it isn’t, you may want to pack a few bottles of each.
- Backpack or Daypack – A small backpack for carrying around daily essentials is something many counselors find helpful. Make sure you bring a bag that is easy to carry around for the entirety of the day (not a duffel bag).
- Notebook & Pen – Ask a camp counselor – the one thing you always find yourself needing but never have on you is a PEN. If you wear a lanyard at your camp, keep one attached there. If you have a fanny pack you carry around, keep a few pens in there. Pro tip: label your pens with your name so that they cannot “go missing.”
Toiletries & Personal Care
Camp days are long and sweaty, so personal hygiene is essential. Plus, most of your day is spent caring for other people – you’ll need to have things to take care of yourself, too!
- Shampoo, Conditioner & Body Wash – Bring a waterproof shower caddy with you so you can get all of your shower supplies to the bathhouse and back. For a full summer of work, we recommend ditching the travel-size containers and opting for full bottles.
- Toothbrush & Toothpaste – Again, a travel-size tube of toothpaste is not going to last. Get a full-size tube of toothpaste and pack a toothbrush with a cover for easy (and cleaner) transport to and from the bathhouse.
- Towels (Bath & Beach) – You’ll want a few towels dedicated for showering and a few towels that can live at the waterfront. Make sure to label your towels with your initials – towels are the most frequently lost item at our camp!
- Deodorant – Have we mentioned that camp can be hot and sweaty? Bring your favorite deodorant, but make sure it will keep you smelling and feeling fresh even in mid-July.
- Hairbrush & Hair Ties – If you have long hair, you can guarantee you’ll be pulling it back while working at camp (and probably braiding it with your fellow cabin counselors). Pack extra hair ties for when your original ones go missing.
- Lip Balm & Lotion – Being in the sun all day can dry your skin. Pack a lip balm with SPF for extra protection and lotion that can be used in addition to your regular sun cream.
- Shower Shoes – Camps have communal showers. You need to pack a pair of shoes you can shower with to avoid athlete’s foot. Crocs and foam flip-flops work great for this!
- Personal Care Supplies for Days Off – We do not recommend wearing daily makeup while working as a camp counselor, but you may want to dress up for a day out during your off-time. Travel-size containers of these supplies are usually enough to last you the summer!
Extras & Nice-to-Haves
Not all of these items are mandatory, but you may want to consider packing them all just in case!
- Watch – At Camp Starfish, we run a tight schedule. Each of our counselors wears a watch set to the same time to ensure we’re all where we need to be when we need to be there. Look for durable, waterproof watches that are not costly to replace (i.e. not a smartwatch).
- Camera (Disposable or Digital) – You’re going to make a lot of memories while working at camp – you’ll want to take a few photos. Some people find that having a disposable or digital camera makes taking photos at camp more meaningful. While iPhone photos can be fine, not all camps allow counselors to carry their phones on them, and you may not want to risk breaking it!
- Books, Cards, or Small Games – Camp is packed with fun, but there is also a decent amount of downtime. Bring some small forms of entertainment for rest hours, night duties, and other times when you need to keep yourself occupied.
- Costumes or Fun Accessories – Most camps have fun spirit/theme days to celebrate with your cabin. This doesn’t mean you need to go out and buy spirit gear – random mismatched clothing items will do. Ask your camp ahead of time if there are certain theme days you can prepare for!
- Small Decorations – Some pictures from home that can be taped in your bunk go a long way in making your cabin feel like home. Don’t bring anything huge, but a few personal items in your space can make camp feel like home more quickly.
- White T-Shirt – Or other white items that can be tie-dyed!
What NOT to Bring
- Large Electronics – Most of your time at camp will be spent outside being active. You do not need to pack your gaming system or other large electronics, and your camp likely won’t have the facilities for you to use it.
- Valuables – Again, if it cannot be easily replaced, it should NOT come to camp.
- Oversized Camping Gear – While you want to be prepared when you pack for camp, you don’t want to overpack and run out of room in your cabin. In most situations, you do not need to bring your own camping gear as a camp counselor. Check with your camp – but they likely have fishing rods, sleeping cots, paddleboards, etc. that you will use while on the job.
- Heavy Makeup or Fancy Clothes – Except for on days off, you will not be getting dressed up for camp. Do not overpack on makeup or fancy items, as they will largely go unused during the summer.
Final Packing Tips
- Label Everything – Clothes, water bottles, towels—everything should have your name on it!
- Pack Smart – Roll things neatly in your bag, separate items into different compartments – anything to make sure it all fits in one or two bags!
- Bring Extra Socks & Underwear – You’ll be thankful for spares.
- Be Flexible – Camp life is different from normal life. You may dress differently, have a different morning routine, etc., but the experience will be worth the change.
As a first-time summer camp counselor, your summer will be filled with laughter, learning, and lifelong friendships. Knowing what to pack for summer camp will help you be well-prepared for anything camp throws your way. Get ready for an incredible adventure!
