Packing for Camp: Expect Adventure, Not Perfection

Packing for camp can feel a little like preparing for an expedition, a sleepover, and a scavenger hunt all at once. Whether you’re a first-time camper, a returning camper, or a staff member preparing for a full summer on Johns Island, the good news is this: you do not need to pack perfectly.

Every summer campers and staff arrive with overstuffed backpacks, carefully packed bins and trunks, mystery tote bags, and at least one item they absolutely did not mean to bring; somehow, it all works out.

The secret to packing for camp isn’t having the fanciest gear or the most organized trunk. It’s understanding what camp life actually feels like.

Camp is dusty shoes by day three. It’s sweatshirts borrowed between friends. It’s discovering that you really can wear the same favorite pair of shorts several times in a week. It’s learning how little you actually need to feel comfortable, capable, and happy.

The best packing mindset? Pack for real life, not for an imaginary version of camp where everything stays clean and perfectly folded.

For Campers: Pack Like an Adventurer

One of the biggest surprises for new campers is how quickly camp starts to feel normal. After a few days, nobody is thinking about what they packed or whether they brought the “right” thing. Everyone is too busy sailing, hiking, singing in the Lodge, laughing during meals, or trying to remember where they left their rain jacket.

A few packing philosophies that experienced campers swear by:

Bring clothes you actually like wearing

If something is uncomfortable at home, you definitely won’t want to wear it after a long day at camp. Pack clothes that can get messy, survive island life, and make you feel like yourself.

Layers are your friend

Nor’wester weather can do a little bit of everything. Mornings can be chilly, afternoons sunny, evenings sweatshirt-worthy, and it occasionally rains just to keep things interesting. Bring rain gear and pack layers!

Don’t stress about looking cool

One of the best things about camp is that you’re invited to come as you are. Wear the clothes that you want to wear. By the end of the first week, everyone looks a little windswept, a little sunscreen-covered, a little tired, and happy.

Make the experience your own

What do you love? What makes a space feel like home? What’s something that you can share with new friends? Be it an instrument, a small lantern, or a favorite card game, you have the power to bring a personal spark and shape your experience.

Label EVERYTHING

Seriously. Future-you will be grateful. Camp lost-and-found piles are legendary across the summer camp world. If you care that something comes home, label it. If you want to have something available to you the whole session, label it. If you want to help reduce waste and mailing costs for camp, label it. 

Leave room for camp

Physically and mentally. You’ll probably bring home friendship bracelets, notes, treasures from the beach, Camp Store purchases, and memories attached to specific sweatshirts and water bottles. Camp has a way of transforming ordinary objects into meaningful ones - sometimes literally through screen printing and tie dyeing and sometimes metaphorically through overnights and camp dances. 

Remember the staff

From the time you arrive at the bus stop to the time it reaches your unit, each item of luggage you bring will be lift, handled, and moved by a staff member at least 5 times. That’s a lot of heavy lifting! Overpacking means asking over-exerting your staff before you even get to camp!

For Staff: You’re Not Moving In Forever (Even Though It Feels Like It)

Packing for a summer on staff is its own special challenge. Somewhere between “minimalist outdoor adventurer” and “I might need this someday” lies the sweet spot.

Every experienced staff member eventually learns the same lesson: the things that matter most aren’t usually the things you packed.

Yes, you need practical gear. Yes, having enough socks matters. But the real essentials are adaptability, humor, and a willingness to live closely with other humans for a long stretch of time. Not to mention, you have to be able to move and transport all of your own items!

Keep things simple, expect weather changes (throughout the summer, session, week, and even within a single day), and organize your space in a way that makes daily life easier.

A few staff packing truths:

You do not need your entire wardrobe

Nobody at camp knows — or cares — if you repeat outfits. Bring the outfits that feel the most “you” (while being practical for camp). Adventure-ready, camp-appropriate is the way to go!

Comfort matters more than style

Especially after a long day of activities followed up a campfire skit and sleep duty.

Create tiny routines

A designated headlamp spot. A laundry system. A place for wet things to dry. These small systems become surprisingly important during a busy summer. Making your space your own can make all the difference and this is hard to do with too much stuff. 

Your space will never stay perfectly clean

And that’s okay. Camp is lived in.

The most valuable thing you can bring is flexibility

Rain happens. Boats are late. Shoes get soaked. Camp teaches everyone — campers and staff alike — how to adapt with good humor.

Self care matters

So make sure you’re ready to make the most of breaks and time off. That looks different for everyone! Maybe it's some face masks for a little pampering, curating a playlist for time off, bringing weights (not too heavy please!) to work out, or a yoga mat for mindfulness. 

You will acquire new things

Whether it’s the gift you receive during the gift exchange at the end of the summer, a stellar thrift store find from time off, or a big filled with seaglass, leave space to take things with you.

Packing Is Part of the Experience

There’s something special about packing for camp. It marks the beginning of transition: from school-year schedules to island time, from screens to face-to-face conversations, from everyday routines to something different.

Packing is anticipation.It’s imagining yourself on the dock, in the Lodge, out on a trip, or laughing with your unit late at night. It’s the first step toward summer.

Think about how you want to capture the summer; will you bring a journal, camera, or sketch book? How will you carry your memories (and gear)? A trusty backpack makes all the difference - both a daypack and an overnight pack.

So don’t aim for perfect, aim for prepared; camp will take care of the rest.

For official packing lists, camper resources, FAQs, and summer updates, visitnorwester.org and follow@campnorwester on Instagram for camp tips, photos, and reminders throughout the summer.

-Written by a chronic overpacker