Camp d'été

5 Game Changing Things You Can’t Forget to Pack For Summer Camp

Summer camp season is just around the corner, and while most packing lists cover the obvious necessities like SPF and bug spray, some game-changing items often get overlooked. These seemingly small things can make a huge difference, trust us. Here's our list of five items you shouldn't leave without:

1. White T-Shirt's

Tie-dye is a summer camp staple, and you won't want to miss out on making your own! Pack some white T-shirts so you can get in on the colourful fun. That way you’ll have a wearable souvenir to bring home to remember your summer at camp. Plus, those tie-dye tees are perfect to wear at camp throughout the summer. We even have our very own 'this is my tie dye t-shirt' on our merch store, so make sure to check it out!

2. Jibbitz for Crocs

Understanding camp culture is crucial for connecting with your campers, and Croc charms are camp currency! Kids love trading and collecting them, and as a counsellor, having some to share can be an excellent icebreaker when getting to know your campers. Pack extras so you can participate in trading and use them as occasional rewards or conversation starters. And guess what? We even have our own Camp Canada Jibbitz!

3. Cabin Decorations

Combat homesickness or culture shock by adding personal touches to your bunk. Pack string fairy lights for a cozy atmosphere, bunting, and your country's flag, your campers will love asking you questions to get to know you better. Don't forget photos of friends and family for comfort when you're missing home. Once you're in Canada, we also recommend heading to Walmart for essentials like a blanket, pillows and a mattress topper. These things will transform your space and help you adjust to your new surroundings with ease.

4. Extension Cord

This might seem mundane, but it's incredibly valuable. Between charging your phone, running a small fan on hot nights, or powering a speaker for cabin activities, an extension cord with multiple outlets makes your life so much easier.

5. Fancy Dress / Spirit Wear

Most camps have at least one dress-up night, talent show or special event through out the summer. Check with your camp director about specific events planned so you can prepare accordingly. Going all out for these special events will help you encourage your campers to participate fully and create memorable moments.

As you stuff your suitcase for Canada, remember you're not just packing to be a counsellor, you're preparing to be someone's favorite memory, someone's story about "that amazing summer," someone's reason to return next year. The impact you'll have goes way beyond teaching archery or leading songs. So pack those fairy lights, grab your flag, and get ready for a summer that'll change you just as much as the kids you're about to meet. Trust us.