The Essential Camp Counsellor Packing List
So if you're here that means at some point you'll be heading off to another country to be a camp counsellor. Now, there are two types of travellers in this world; those who get over excited and pack 3 weeks ahead, and those who put it off and rush to pack the night before. Regardless which you are, the dilemma still remains, what exactly do I pack?
Now there are the things that everyone says to bring; shorts, shirts, socks.. you get the idea, and well, I’m saying those too, you need to bring clothes, but that’s not the point. I’m here to inspire you to pack things that you wouldn’t find on your average packing list. Hopefully, with these few extra tips I can give you, you will avoid most of those ‘damn I should have packed..’ moments.
The Boring (yet essential) Stuff
Shorts
Bring plenty. A mix of Boardies and khakis works well for most camping experiences.
Shirts
You only need shirts that have one of three qualities. They have to breath, are comfortable or they’re so cool that you make all the campers and counsellors so jealous that they offer you all their cool stuff at trading post. Take some of all three kinds.
Socks and Jocks
Bring every decent pair you have, then go out and buy more. Then ask your friends and family to pick you up some. When you get to camp, go to the local shopping centre and get a few more pairs. You will regret it if you don’t.
Bug Spray
Look we’ve all seen it. The millions of bites on some poor person’s legs who didn’t come prepared. You know you need it, so just get it. Ain't no-one that looks tough red and bumpy.
NOT A PONCHO
You read it right. Everyone will tell you ‘you don’t need a rain jacket. Here take this poncho.’ DO NOT TAKE THE PONCHO! They suck, alright. Just buy a decent raincoat. If you decide to pack a poncho you deserve whats going to happen to you.
(Side Note. Take ponchos for those kids that don’t bring a raincoat. It’s better then making them wear a black rubbish bag, which you will end up doing.)
Towels
To paraphrase the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, a Towel is about the most massively useful thing a camp counsellor can have. So much so that I recommend always having two, or if you’re really smart, three. That goes against most travel packing lists who recommend not even taking one. But the space they take up is more than worth it.
First Aid Kit
Come on. Get your head in the game. Have one.
Wetpack Stuff
Just get the stuff you know you need. You can buy most of this there so don’t panic. Make sure you set a good example with those pearly whites. But also remember, at summer camp, deodorant showers are abundant, so plan accordingly.
A Camp Matress Of Some Kind
Now this isn’t necessary, but it’s a good idea. Those camp mattresses get hard after a few nights and unless you’re sneaky enough to steal a second mattress and keep it hidden, this will be your next best option. Mine is a small, single, self inflating, camp mattress. Mine has a small hole in it though because I'm a clutz. Don't have an axeldent, look after yours.
The Long List Of Shoes
Yeah you have to take a few.
1. Thongs. They make great shower shoes, or if you’re australian, great everyday, every situation shoes. (Side note. Everyone will laugh when you call them thongs. Just a fair warning).
2. Sports shoes. (Runners, Joggers, Sneakers, Trainers, Pumps, Daps, Tennis Shoes. Whatever you call them back home, for the love of Summer bring a decent pair).
3. Good practical shoes. (Self explanatory. You do actually get days off on this job, you want to look good for those. Trust me. Make sure you can still use them at camp though.)
4. Hiking Shoes. (Make sure they can last a trip without reducing your feet to one giant painful blister. Wear them in.)
A Camera
Sometimes its better to put your phone away and get out the trusty digital camera. If you’re at a camp that’s anything like mine, they outright ban electronics in front of kids, but turn a blind eye to cameras. Bring one that you know can handle it. Waterproof and shockproof help.
The Fun Stuff
Journal or Video Camera - Why Not Both??
Ok this is a big one. You need to keep a running diary or video blog of your days at camp. Some out there stuff will happen and the kids will say some crazy things, you will want to remember it all. Trust me.
Exciting Clothes
Pack the clothes you would never be caught dead wearing in public. Whether its too bold or too ugly, camp is a special place where the craziest garb will demand respect and admiration.
Then go a step further, most camps have skits. My camp also has Super Saturday, a theme day. The activities for the day differ to usual activities, the counsellors dress up, the kids love it. So I personally try to plan ahead, with items of clothing that I can use to dress up, for all occasions. Take a note and take clothes that you can use to dress up in.
Anything To Make Living Comfortable
I have a small battery powered fan that clips onto my bunk. Yep. I know, it’s awesome. So think outside the box. A door matt, a shower caddy, your county’s national flag, a hiking pole. Anything that’ll make your camp life easier.
Something For The Kids
Small mementos for the kids to remember their amazing summer wouldn’t go amiss. I gave each kid I had a small koala, because you know, 'Straya. This year I’m taking a few disposable cameras. I’ll hand them out, let the kids take photos on trips and what not and hey presto, camp photos without the effort and the kids have fun. Just be Quirky.
And Last..... Duct Tape
Bring it or buy it over there, just get it. You have no idea how much you’ll use it.
At the end of the day you can’t pack ‘wrong’. Unless you forget clothes to wear, that would be wrong. If you forget to pack anything, you can always get it there. So I guess this is less of a ‘packing list’ and more of a ‘good things to have at camp’ list. Oh well, it’s written now, you’ll just have to forgive me. What are you waiting for…. Get packing.
So if you're feeling brave enough check out Camp America here and get started on the process. You'll be over having the best summer of your life in no time!
If you want to check out Hayo-Went-Ha, my camp, go here!
