Packing List

updated 3/2026

Please follow this list as you and your camper(s) prepare for their time at camp. Having enough (but not too many) of these essential items will help them be comfortable in just about any weather, activity, or trip. Be sure to check the list of what not to bring to camp at the end of this list as well.

LABEL EVERYTHING with first and last name! Even if you don’t care if the item comes home from camp! Use a laundry marking pen, labels, or a clothing stamp, as ordinary permanent markers fade. Check here: everythingsummercamp.com/clothing-stamp or mabelslabels.com.

What he needs

Linens

• 2 top sheets and 2 bottom sheets.
  camp mattresses are 30" x 74" x 6"; standard twin sheets work fine, though they are a bit oversized. Cot size or "antique twin" fit snugly. 
• 2 pillowcases.
• 1-2 pillows.
• 2 warm blankets and/or comforters.
  it can get cold at night!
• 4 large towels.
• 2 laundry bags.
  large, heavy-duty mesh bags work best. 

Footwear

• 2 pairs of sneakers, or 1 pair of sneakers & 1 pair of light hiking shoes.
• 1 pair of sandals or water shoes.
  Chacos , Tevas , and Keens  work well. NO flip-flops, sliders, or Crocs – they don't stay on the feet. Sandals must secure around the back of the heel
• Smooth-soled tennis shoes  are encouraged but not required on our tennis courts.

Clothing & Outerwear

• 10-12 pairs of socks.
• 10-12 pairs of underwear.
• 2-3 pairs of loose-fitting pants.
• 6-8 pairs of shorts.
• 3 pairs of swim trunks.
• 10 t-shirts.
  include a few non-cotton tops if you can.
• 2-3 long-sleeve t-shirts.
• 2 sweatshirts or flannel shirts – something warm.
• 1 wool or fleece sweater.
  non-cotton.
• 1 waterproof rain jacket with hood.
  preferably no ponchos.
• wool or fleece hat.
• sun hat or ballcap.

Other Essentials

• 2 water bottles. 
• headlamp or flashlight + extra batteries.
• toiletries.
  shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc. + carrying case.
• paper, envelopes, stamps, and pens.

Recommended

• 1 folding camp chair (e.g. crazy creek). 
• 1 pair hiking boots.
• 3-4 pairs heavy duty hiking socks.
• sleeping bag.
• “Sunday best” – a fun shirt or hat for Sunday dinner.
• pajamas, bathrobe & slippers, stuffed animal.
• book, musical instrument, playing cards, small board games.
• swim goggles, tennis racquet, fishing tackle, frisbee.

For out-of-camp trips

Camp has backpacks, tents, stoves, utensils, sleeping pads, climbing shoes, etc. Campers who anticipate signing up for overnight trips should bring their own sleeping bag, although we do have a few to loan. Some campers like to bring their own backpacks and sleeping pads, but it is not necessary. For trips, it’s helpful to have a few non-cotton tops that wick moisture away from the body.

What he doesn't need

Camp is full of tools and toys to keep boys busy, and the following items detract from the experience! Please leave these at home:

• all electronics.
  including, but not limited to iPhones, iPods, iPads, cell phones, smartwatches, radios, cd players, gameboys...
• digital cameras.
  including but not limited to GoPros.
• money, candy, food, drinks...
• aerosol sprays.
  pack lotions or roll-on instead.
• knives of any shape or size
• weapons of any sort.
  including firearms, air-soft rifles, bb guns, etc.
• skateboards, skates, bikes...
• vaping devices, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, tobacco, alcohol, drugs...
• money.
  really! seriously! for real!

PLEASE LABEL ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING WITH HIS FULL NAME!!! NO EXCEPTIONS!

Download a printable copy of the packing list