With our church's summer camp just days away I find myself scrambling to remember all the camp essentials for my husband. I have been to many summer camps in my short life so you think by now I would have my list mastered...not quite. I always find a new necessity every year that makes camp life a little easier. Although I won't be going to summer camp this year...I hope this helps you...and me for next year! Plus, I have a husband to pack for!
In addition to the basics that I hope are easy to remember such as sleeping bags, pillows and clothes...here are a few things you won't want to forget to pack!
1. BUG Spray! - This stuff will not disappoint! Buy 2 bottles of it and use it! I took this to camp last year and I don't think I would have made it through the week without it.
2. Sunscreen- Another must have! Summer camp=outdoor camp. I am not a big fan of wearing sunscreen...mostly because I hate the smell and feeling it gives me all day, but this sunscreen I don't mind at all. Try it :)
3. Flashlight - Late night bathroom trips? Early morning prayer? No electricity in the cabin? Can't find your cell phone? Trust me, you won't want to go to camp without a flashlight....at least not to the camps I have been to. This flashlight is my camp favorite although there are so many to choose from...it's lightweight, easy to carry and bright!!
4. Towels - Lots and lots of towels...summer camp means water, mud, and sweat. You will need towels for swimming, tubing, white water rafting, and most importantly showering...and even more importantly for that time that you drop your clean towel in the mud or bathroom floor...gross. Towels are an easy thing to overlook the importance of or forget...don't do it.
5. An Easy Container to take to the Shower/Bathroom- Don't get caught carrying several bottles of shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, a towel, clean clothes, etc. all to the bathroom in your hands... something won't make it there or back with you. This makes life easier!
6. Water Bottle!!! - When spending all that time outdoors at summer camp with the "cafeteria" or (whatever your camp calls the place to eat) far away...carrying a water bottle full of water will keep you hydrated and enjoying your time! Get two...just in case!
7. Battery Powered Alarm Clock- Sounds strange I know, but you never know if your cell phone battery is going to be charged, if you will have an outlet in your room, or what crazy time they schedule the youth leader meeting in the morning. You won't want to be last in line for the showers so use this!
8. Fan!- One thing is for sure when you go to summer camp...it's going to be hot, in most cases VERY hot. I can tolerate the heat during the day, but I WILL. NOT. MAKE. IT. if I don't have a fan at night. Depending on where you are going to camp, you can either take one that is battery powered or you can take on that needs to be plugged in. Whatever works best for you! In my mind, this is what I want to take:
Yes, it's an 18" Industrial Grade Heavy Duty Fan...but in reality this is what works:
There are other things I could have added to this list...but there are the most important! In my mind, it's always better to be over-prepared than under-prepared!
Happy Summer Camping!
