SUMMER CAMP ESSENTIALS

     summer camp essentials

hi guys! so, last week i attended church camp and it was so much fun! i've gone to the same camp since i was little bitty and attended the day camp for toddlers, so camp has always been very special to me. through the years, i've learned a good deal of tips and tricks for surviving a week in basically the middle of nowhere during my time at camp LSBC, so i thought i could share them with you guys to make your camp seem a little less overwhelming and so you feel a little more prepared.

bedding.

• okay, so on bedding i always make sure to bring the whole shebang. bed covers, sheets, my old comforter, two pillows, and an extra blanket. our camp uses the same mattresses every year so i always fear that someone has previously wet the bed or vomited on it - lol i'm kind of a germaphobe - so i avoid bringing only a sleeping bag and a pillow, however if the mattress doesn't bother you, totally go for it! - less things you have to bring with you!
• i always also try to bring a light blanket in case it's too chilly or the camp has a movie night as well.

clothes.

• i always bring just the basic camp clothes - shorts, t-shirts, tennis shoes, etc - but it's always nice to have an extra change of clothes in case disaster strikes. 
• also, summer can have very warm days and very chilly evenings so make to to pack a jacket or sweatshirt for those cold nights.
• when you go to camp, make sure to pack a pair of active shoes. walking around the whole week in flip flops is not very fun, however i do personally love to bring my burkinstocks to wear when not being super active.
• it's also a good idea to bring a swimsuit in case of swimming or water activities. if you are going to a camp that offers lake activities, check with someone to see if you will need swim shoes as some camps require them.
• i also enjoy bringing my a hat for when i'm outdoors. 
• don't forget to bring pajamas, and socks, as well.

shower supplies.

our camp has some really old showers. we do have separate "stalls" for showers at least, but we don't actually have doors on the stalls. we have curtains. and sometimes not even warm showers. but whatever, it's part of the camp experience. because of this, us girls try to get out of the shower as soon as possible. 

• a few years ago i found this on pinterest and it is the best i've ever found for camp showers. never again will i fumble around with soap bottles and drop my lufa on the nasty shower floors. i have used this idea every year since i first saw it and i have never had a problem with it. it's so cheap and simple to put together too! i've made a few adjustments to the original pinterest idea. i could not find any travel containers that had holes to clip to the lanyard so my dad and i came up with using these travel bottles in the plastic package they came in because of the hole at the top of the bag. i think it works even better. we also wrote shampoo and body wash on the bottles so i didn't get them confused. i used a lanyard i got from an event i went to earlier this year but you can buy one here if you do not have one already.
• i also bring a shower caddy with me to the showers every night holding my pajamas for after the shower, tooth brush, and other toiletries.
• shower shoes are VERY important. everyone at my camp uses them. the ground in the showers can be very, very disgusting. shower shoes do not have to be anything special. just an old pair of flip flops or crocs will do. i HIGHLY suggest to bring them.
• don't forget to bring a bath towel! it's also a good idea to bring a beach towel as well if you are planning on doing a lot of swimming.

extras.

• i always bring this storage drawer with me to camp. it is so helpful for organizing my things. it's also a really great nightstand.
• i also bring this little mirror in case the cabin i'm in doesn't have one. it is also really helpful in the mornings when the bathroom is packed.
• i also bring a small portable fan for during the really not days when the air conditioner just doesn't do it.
• got some free time? bring a book! you can read on your time or before bed when you're just not ready to sleep yet.
• always bring a flashlight! you'll need it for reading in bed and when it gets dark at night. 
• a drawstring bag is always helpful to carry around your things in. i used mine for my flashlight, book, notebook, pencils and markers, lady products, and more. 
• notebooks are perfect for doodling, taking notes, and writing about your day. don't forget to bring writing utensils as well!
• i LOVE having my hanging organizer with me! it holds my jewelry, medicine, brush, makeup, toothbrush, and perfume. it is so helpful! here is one similar to mine.
• make sure to bring sunscreen and bug spray!
• i like to bring a mesh bag to put all of my dirty clothes in, instead of throwing them into my suitcase with my clean clothes. a trash bag can work for this as well.

well, i think that's pretty much all. if i helped you prepare for your camp drop a comment! i love to hear from you guys! 

         xoxo,

                 reags