What to Pack for Working at a Summer Camp in the USA

What should you bring to summer camp in the USA? Here is a list of items, packing tips, tricks and where you can find what you need.

NOTE: This video was made specifically for camp counselors/staff who have never been to summer camp before, or who are international workers coming to a USA summer camp for the first time.

Tips before you start:
1. Check for a packing list provided by your camp (via their website).
2. Before buying these things check with your camp if there are websites or stores near them that offer discounts for camp staff.
3. You should have time to go and buy the majority of what you need once you get to camp.

Time Stamps & Packing List

2:05 Essentials
-Watch
-Water bottle
-Coffee mug/Take-away mug
-Flashlight/Headlamp/Lantern
-Extra batteries
-Sleeping bag
-Sunglasses
-Hat
-Sunscreen
-Bug spray
-Hair Ties & Headbands

7:21 Helpful Extras
-Day pack
-Hammock
-Crazy creek
-Ear plugs
-Goggles
-Pictures from home
-Lights for your cabin
-Something to do with campers: Cards/ Friendship Bracelet String
-Book
-Journal / Notebook / Pen
-Guitar/ Uke

11:34 Clothing
TIP: Check with camp rules to see what you can/can’t wear, or will
need to wear.

Types of things to consider for clothing:
-Training Time
-Work Days & Your Role
-Dress up Days
-Days Off
-Weather

-Shoes: Outdoor Shoes / Sneakers / Flip-Flops / Boots
-Swim Suites
-Towels
-Comfy Clothing: Sweatpants / Sweatshirts
-An outfit that can get gross
-Rain Jacket / Umbrella
-Laundry Bag

18:42 Toiletries
Tip: Most people end up not using tings like make-up & hair
sprays.

-Shower Caddy
-Extra Tooth Brush
-Chapstick

-Shampoo/ Conditioner / Body Wash
-Hair Brush / Hair Ties

20:28 Medicine
Tip: For International Staff: Bring a supply of your prescriptions for
the whole summer.

-Prescription Medication
-Tylenol / Advil / Midol (ONLY for you, not to share)
-Bandages (the nurse will probably have these for you)

22:00 Electronics
Tip: Dont bring expensive items.

-Headphones
-Phone & Charger
-Laptop & Charger
-Alarm (I do not suggest bringing this but some people like it)
-Speaker


Final Tips
1. Put your name on everything!
2. If you are driving, bring everything you can with you.
3. Don’t bring anything that you are not okay with loosing or damaging.
4. Keep looking a different lists / Reach out to staff who have been to camp before to see what they recommend.


Other Helpful Blog Posts...

Advice for Summer Camp Counselors: https://www.theworkingexpat.com/post/...

30+ Summer English Language Camp Jobs in Europe: https://www.theworkingexpat.com/post/...

10 Reasons You Should Work at a Summer Camp: https://www.theworkingexpat.com/post/...

20 Summer Camp Jobs in Canada for International Workers: https://www.theworkingexpat.com/post/...

How to Add a Summer Camp Counselor Job to Your Resume: https://www.theworkingexpat.com/post/...


Please put the things you love to bring to camp, or what you bring and never end up using, down in the comments below!