What To Pack For Summer Camping As a Teenage Girl Overall Edition: Our Top Picked Items + Downloadable Checklist

If this is your first time summer camping as a teenage girl, I know how frustrating it can be, especially when it comes to packing and preparing but not knowing what to pack with you.

Even for most parents with knowledge of summer camp, at most times, they need help knowing what is required and what’s not needed.

You would need clarification about what and how to pack and sometimes worried about how many things you are packing not to overwhelm you or seem too much.

Packing for summer camp is always fun ordering the things you need, going to the store to get them, and documenting your experience is what makes it fun.

But unfortunately, it can be the other way around, especially if you need clarification about what you must bring to the camp.

But you don’t need to anymore. On my first day camping in summer — I was anxious and, at the same time, happy I would meet new people, make new friends, and share new experiences.

Reaching the camp, most of the things I needed needed to be included. I felt disappointed, lost, and didn’t participate in most activities because I was shy and didn’t like asking others to lend me their stuff.

However, my next time at summer camp was fantastic; I had everything I needed, participated in almost all the activities in the camp, and at the same time, built some memories.

I know you won’t like to experience the same thing as me on my first summer camp, that’s why you are reading this article, you want to know what you can pack for summer camp as a teenage girl.

With all I’ve said, here are my top recommended things you should consider packing for summer camp as a teenage girl.

Some important things you should take note of in summer camps regarding the things you are packing include:

• You would experience a mixture of items in camps, so you should endeavor to mark or label your items. Whenever such a mixture happens, you will be able to identify yours.
•  There are a lot of different teenage girls like you in the camp who want to be a friend. Just be yourself, and stay safe with the camp organizers’ rules.

What Should You Pack for Summer Camping As a Teenage Girl?

#1. Camping Clothing

The first thing that should come to your mind when packing for summer camps is your clothing. It doesn’t necessarily mean all the clothes but a few, at least for your time there.

Some items of clothing you can pack with you include:

• T-shirts, shorts, and pants: Packing T-shirts, shorts, and pants are highly needed for everyday wear at camp. T-shirts would make you comfortable and easy to move in every activity going on the camp, while shorts and pants provide options for different weather conditions or activities.
• Sweatshirts/jackets: Nights at camp can get more relaxed, so having a sweatshirt or jacket will keep you warm and comfortable during evenings or in unexpected weather changes.
• Underwear and socks: Underwear is important in camp; you will only have a little time to take care of them. Hence, packing enough clean underwear and socks daily ensures good hygiene and prevents discomfort.
• Sleepwear: Just like having your t-shirts, having comfortable sleepwear would allow you to rest and sleep properly at night after a whole day having fun. When packing your things, at least you can come to the pack with two (2) sleeps in case one gets dirty.
• Swimsuit: Many summer camps offer swimming activities such as pool time or trips to the lake. Packing a swimsuit ensures you can participate in and enjoy these activities.
• Raincoat/poncho: During summer camps, the weather can be unpredictable, and having a raincoat or poncho will keep you dry during rainy days or sudden showers.
• Sun hat/cap: Protecting yourself from the sun is essential to prevent sunburn and overheating. Wearing a sun hat or cap shields your face and head from direct sunlight.
• Extra pairs of shoes: Having different types of shoes for various activities is beneficial. For instance, you need sneakers for sports, hiking shoes for traction on trails, and sandals or flip-flops for casual wear or water activities.

Note: While packing your clothes, pack them moderately; they should be a little, at least for the estimated time you would be at the camp.

Also, Read Off-Grid Escapes: Planning Solar-Powered Camping Adventures

#2. Personal Items to Pack

Sharing personal items at camps is not recommended, so I advised you to bring your items. Some of the kinds of stuff you can pack with you include:

• Towels: Towels are essential for showering and drying off after water activities such as swimming, bathing, or being soaked in rain. It would help if you packed a bath towel for general use like bathing and a smaller hand towel for convenience like swimming.
• Toiletries: Bringing your toiletries as a teenage girl is important for personal cleanliness and hygiene. Things like toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap, and deodorant are needed daily to keep you clean and fresh in camp, standing out from other girls.
• Hairbrush/comb: If you prefer to avoid brushing or combing your hair, you shouldn’t come with this, which is impossible for teenage girls. It would help if you had them to keep your hair neat and manageable throughout your stay at camp.
• Sunscreen: Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is essential, especially when camping with others. In that case, you can choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF and apply it regularly to your skin.
• Insect repellent: Camps often occur in nature, where insects can be prevalent — that’s why you should also pack insect repellent while coming. Using insect repellent helps to prevent bug bites and discomfort in your camp tent or room, as the case may be.
• Feminine hygiene products: Most teenage girls forget this, which is very important. If you menstruate, you must pack an adequate supply of feminine hygiene products, such as tampons, sanitary napkins, etc, to ensure your comfort and well-being in camp. If you still need to bring one, you can buy one around the camp, but you should pack it while coming.
• Prescription medication: If you have any prescribed medication, make sure to pack enough for the entire duration of the camp. Please keep them in their original packaging and follow any instructions or guidelines provided by your healthcare professional.
• Glasses/contact lenses: If you wear them, pack them with any necessary cleaning solutions or supplies.
• Extra pair of prescription glasses: If you rely on prescription glasses, having a spare pair can be helpful in case your primary glasses get lost, damaged, or require repair during your camp activities.

#3. Beddings

To feel at home, you need the right bedding supplements. That’s why you also pack them while coming. But what are the things to pack?

• Sleeping bag: In most cases, camps do provide sleeping accommodations in cabins or tents, and depending on your camp’s sleeping accommodations, a sleeping bag will provide you with warmth and comfort during your sleep.
• Pillow and pillowcase: Sometimes, you might not be offered a pillow. So, having your pillow and pillowcase would ensure a familiar and comfortable sleep environment.
• Sheets: If you are the type that can’t use the camp sheets, you should also consider coming with yours for hygienic purposes — two (2) might be preferable depending on your time stay.

#4. Miscellaneous Items

Apart from the previously mentioned items you need personally for your upkeep, there are more miscellaneous items to make your summer camp stay lively and fun.

Some of the items you should bring with you include the following:

• Flashlight/headlamp and extra batteries: At times in camps, there might be power outages, and there would be any means to light your way in the dark, especially during nighttime bathroom visits or outdoor activities. So, extra batteries, headlamps, or flashlights would help keep your light source functional throughout your camp during power outages.
•  Water bottle: During summer, we are primarily dehydrated because of the physical activities and hot weather. So, drinking more water is highly recommended. And having a reusable water bottle allows you access to water at all times and reduces waste on camp.
• Backpack/daypack: A backpack or daypack helps carry your items during outings, hikes, or other activities. It provides convenience and keeps your belongings organized.
• Camera: If you enjoy capturing moments and creating lasting memories, bringing a camera allows you to document your experiences at camp. Whether it’s a standalone camera or a smartphone, make sure you have a way to capture those special moments. Before bringing one, ensure you check with the camp’s prohibited items.
• Books/magazines: During downtime, reading can be a relaxing and enjoyable activity. Bringing books or magazines allows you to unwind and have some quiet time.
•  Journal/diary and pens/pencils: Writing in a journal or diary is a great way to reflect on your experiences, record memories, and express your thoughts and feelings. Packing pens or pencils ensures you have the means to write.
• Money or camp store card: If the camp permits, having some money or a camp store card allows you to purchase snacks, souvenirs, or other items available at the camp store.
• Cell phone and charger: Not all camps allow cell phones. Check with the camp organizers regarding cell phone policies. If qualified, having a cell phone and charger can be useful for communication with family members or emergencies. However, be mindful of any restrictions on cell phone usage to immerse yourself in the camp experience.

Note: Some items, like smartphones, chargers, etc., might only be allowed in some camps. So you must check in with the camp’s official list of things you can pack for the camp.

What Not to Pack for Summer Camp As a Teenage Girl?

While it’s advisable to pack many things, some things are prohibited. And some of these items depend on the camp you are staying in for the summer.

Among the items you are prohibited from packing, according to Camp Barney Medintz, include the following:

• Cigarettes, e-cigarettes, lighters, vape pens, matches.
•  Cell phones are not permitted while at camp (See Parent Handbook for more information)
•  Walkie-Talkie
•  Harmful tools such as pocket knives.
•  Food, soda, etc.
•  Any electronic device capable of video playback or a Cellular/Internet connection (e.g., smartphone, iPod Touch, iPad)
•  Big electronics such as games or television.
•  Uncultured music.
•  Unmoderated or sexualized clothing

How to Pack for Summer Camp As a Teenage Girl

Now that you know a few things you need for summer camp, how can you pack them so they won’t congest you or seem too much while on your way to camp?

Here are a few tips to follow:

• Only pack a few items. Pack small. Think of how long you are staying at the camp and pack accordingly. A few clothes and other items are allowed if you’d like to stay for a week.
•  Please speak with the camp organizers to know what is permitted and what isn’t before you depart.
•  Be positive in all your dealings while packing.

Also, Read Navigating the Wilderness with an All-Terrain Electric Scooter: A Modern Twist on Family Camping

Before You Go…

Summer camp is a fun place to be as a teenage girl. And if you are considering the best items you should pick, you can select from the listed items in this article.

Most importantly, remember to check in with your camp organizers to know what’s allowed in the camp and what’s not so that you would bring in prohibited items in such camp.