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Packing for church camp is a mix of getting ready for outdoor adventure and preparing for a special community experience. You want to pack enough to be comfortable in cabins and around the campfire, but not so much that you’re overwhelmed with stuff. It’s easy to forget the small things that make a big difference in your week.
This list will help you cover the basics and the not-so-obvious. We’ll focus on items that work for dusty paths, evening worship, and making new friends.
The goal is to have everything you need to fully participate, stay comfortable, and create great memories without any packing stress.
1. A Bible, Notebook, and Pen
This is the heart of your camp pack. You’ll use it for morning devotions, evening services, and jotting down notes or thoughts during quiet times. Having your own pen means you’re always ready to write down a meaningful verse or a new friend’s address.
2. Modest, Weather-Appropriate Clothing
Pack for a mix of activities. Think t-shirts, long shorts, and comfortable pants. Include clothes that are okay to get dirty for games, and maybe one slightly nicer outfit for a special service. Always check the camp’s specific dress code before you go.
For People Who Love to Make Things ✂️
3. Sturdy, Closed-Toe Shoes and Shower Flips Flops
You’ll be walking a lot on uneven ground. A pair of reliable sneakers or hiking shoes is essential. A cheap pair of flip-flops is also a must for the shared shower floors to protect your feet.
4. A Reliable Sleeping Bag and Pillow
Cabins can be basic. Your own sleeping bag ensures you’ll be warm at night. Bring a pillow from home too—it’s a simple comfort that makes a bunk bed feel a little more familiar and helps you sleep better.
5. A Large Water Bottle
Between games, hiking, and singing, you’ll need to stay hydrated. A durable, labeled water bottle you can carry all day is crucial. Refill it at meal times so you always have water with you.
6. Toiletries in a Shower Caddy
A plastic caddy is perfect for carrying your shampoo, soap, toothbrush, and toothpaste to and from the bathhouse. Don’t forget a quick-drying towel and washcloth—microfiber ones pack down small and dry fast.
7. Sun Protection and Bug Spray
You’ll spend most of your day outside. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to prevent sunburn. A bottle of insect repellent will make evening campfires and outdoor sessions much more pleasant.
8. A Rain Jacket or Poncho
Weather can change quickly. A lightweight, packable rain jacket or a disposable poncho will keep you dry during a sudden shower, so activities don’t have to stop just because of a little rain.
9. A Flashlight or Headlamp with Extra Batteries
It gets very dark at camp. A hands-free headlamp is ideal for walking back to your cabin at night, reading after lights out, or finding your way to the bathroom. Don’t forget backup batteries.
10. A Backpack or Daypack
You’ll need something to carry your Bible, water bottle, jacket, and sunscreen as you move around camp from activity to activity. A simple backpack keeps your hands free and your essentials together.
11. Prescription Medications Clearly Labeled
If you take any daily medication, bring enough for the entire trip plus an extra day or two. Give them to your camp counselor or nurse in their original pharmacy bottles with clear instructions, as per camp policy.
12. An Inexpensive Camera or Disposable Camera
If your camp has rules about phones, a simple camera lets you capture memories without the distraction. It’s a fun way to remember your cabin mates and the beautiful surroundings.
13. Group Game Supplies
A deck of cards, a frisbee, or a football can be the start of a great friendship. These items encourage fun, unstructured hangout time with your new friends during free periods.
14. A Bag for Dirty Laundry
A large plastic bag or a dedicated laundry sack will keep your muddy, sweaty clothes separate from your clean ones all week long. This makes unpacking at home much easier.
15. A Comfort Item from Home
Whether it’s a favorite book for quiet time, a family photo, or a small stuffed animal, having one small piece of home can be comforting if you feel a little homesick, especially on the first night.
16. An Open Heart and a Willingness to Participate
This is the most important thing you can pack. Be ready to try new activities, sing loud, listen during devotions, and include someone who seems shy. Your attitude will define your experience more than anything in your suitcase.
17. All Required Camp Forms and Spending Money
Don’t forget the paperwork! Have your signed permission slips and health forms ready to go. Also, bring a small amount of cash for the camp store, t-shirts, or offering, kept in a safe place or given to your counselor for safekeeping.
Pack these camp-ready items, and you’ll be set for a fantastic week. You’ll have what you need to be comfortable, engaged, and present for all the fun, growth, and connection that makes church camp so special. Get ready for an amazing time
