Every year, young adults across the nation choose to spend their summer working as camp counselors. Preparing for this adventure means packing a variety of essential items to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience. At Sun & Ski Sports, we offer everything you need, from durable outdoor gear to comfortable clothing, all from leading brands known for their reliability and quality. Our products are guaranteed to last through an entire summer of working with kids, providing you with the best tools for your camp counselor journey.
While our summer packing list is a fantastic starting point, there’s nothing quite like advice from personal experience. If you’re seeking trusted guidance, you’ve come to the right place. Our Outdoor Experts are here to help future camp counselors prepare for their best summer yet. With this guide, you’ll be fully prepared for all your summer camp adventures. Let’s dive in!
The Best Footwear for Summer Camp Counselors
Having a great selection of footwear is crucial for time spent at summer camp. It’s not just about having multiple pairs, but also ensuring there’s a range of styles to suit various activities. With the array of activities available at typical overnight camps, shoes will endure more wear and tear than usual. That’s why it’s important to opt for high-quality brands known for their durability and fashionable designs, such as Hoka, On, New Balance, Chaco, Brooks, Keen, and Teva. Alongside packing different types of shoes, it’s wise to consider their suitability for various weather conditions and terrains. For instance, pack everyday sneakers, water-resistant shoes for rainy days or swimming, and Birkenstocks for leisure time. This diverse footwear selection ensures you’ll be prepared for any activity or unpredictable summer storm that arises.
Best Apparel for Summer Camp Counselors
Make sure to pack a variety of shirts and shorts to cover all your daily activities, weather conditions, and camp events. You’ll spend long hours outdoors, and on those high-UV index days, sun protection will be essential. Depending on your camp location, early mornings can be cool, especially at the start of the summer, so having a fleece layer and pants will keep you comfortable.
With the responsibility of leading campers and the excitement of daily activities, there won’t be much time to do laundry. So, ensure you have enough durable outdoor clothing for all activities. Pro tip: before heading to camp, visit your local Sun & Ski Sports to get great deals on high-quality camp essentials!
Dreamy Camp Counselor Outfits for Her
Introducing the ultimate camp counselor mood board for women! This thoughtfully curated collection of essential camp counselor gear is perfect for those who are just starting out and unsure of what to pack. These must-have items ensure you stay at the top of your game, all while looking great. Love what you see? So do we! These products are available both in-store and online, while supplies last.
Items you know you want:
- PrAna Women’s Sol Searcher Tank Top
- Patagonia Women’s Unity Fitz Easy Cut Responsibili-Tee
- Cotopaxi Women’s Brinco 3″ Print Hiking Shorts
- HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Clifton 10 Running Shoes
- Chaco Women’s Mega Z/Cloud Casual Sandals
- The North Face Base Camp Small Duffel Bag
- CamelBak Chute Mag 32 oz Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
- Suncloud Women’s Low Key Sunglasses.
Camp Counselor Essentials for Him
Introducing the ultimate inspiration board for male camp counselors! Perfect for newcomers unsure of what to bring, this handpicked selection covers all your essentials. These must-have items guarantee you’ll stay at peak performance while looking your best. See something you love? We do too! Grab these products in-store or online while supplies last.
Your closet needs these:
Summer Camp Counselor Essentials
Every Camp Counselor Needs a Folding Chair
When you’re at the cabin waiting for the next activity to start, your folding chair will be your best friend. Just ask any camp counselor – having a chair is a must! The convenience and comfort of a quick place to relax are essential. We recommend the Neso Beach Chair! Those rest breaks during a long day with campers are vital, so don’t head to camp without your trusty sidekick.
Storing the Necessities with A Backpack
A backpack is an essential item for camp counselors, providing ample storage space for all your needs. Whether it’s additional clothes, schedules, water bottles, water shoes, or sandals, a good backpack keeps you prepared for any weather. Choose one with at least one water bottle slot, and consider a waterproof backpack to protect your belongings from sudden rainstorms or splashes from lake or pool activities. A durable backpack ensures essentials like sunscreen, a hat, and your Hydro Flask water bottle are always within easy reach!
Keep Your Campers on Schedule with a Watch
A watch is a necessity at camp. Since everyone has a busy schedule, a watch will help give your campers the best experience possible, especially since being on time for the next activity is paramount! Staff who arrive without a watch find themselves shopping for one on their first day off. The perfect watch for camp has a long battery life, and it’s one you can take on any terrain. Luckily, Sun & Ski Sports is sure to have the watch for you! We carry a wide range premium watches from Garmin and Suunto – perfect for any camp counselor!
Every Camp Counselor’s Favorite Pastime: Unwinding and Connecting with Nature in a Hammock
A hammock is undoubtedly one of the most popular items that campers and staff bring to camp. During downtime, most staff members quickly set up a hammock to take a refreshing power nap between their responsibilities. On campouts or trips, a hammock is not only easy to carry but also provides a comfortable place to sleep. Depending on the hammock you choose, there are plenty of fun accessories to personalize it and showcase your style. While the length of your hammock straps doesn’t always matter, having an extra-long strap can be particularly helpful, especially when spending a lot of time in the woods. I recommend the Eagles Nest Outfitter (ENO) hammocks: DoubleNest, DoubleNest Printed, and SingleNest.
Protecting Your Eyes From the Sun: The Best Sunglasses for Camp Counselors
Sunglasses are a must-have for summer camp! Spending long days under the sun from morning until dusk means you’ll need a reliable pair to protect your eyes and keep you comfortable. This is especially important for counselors handling lifeguard duties. Since you’ll be exposed to the sun continuously, a good pair of sunglasses is essential.
However, avoid bringing expensive sunglasses to camp, as they can easily get lost or damaged. Summer camp is notorious for being a “black hole” for sunglasses. Bring a pair that you won’t mind losing in case they fall off in the water or get misplaced on the trails.
Pro-tip: opt for polarized sunglasses! Polarized lenses reduce glare and eyestrain, enhancing your vision and safety in the sun. Reflected light and glare can be frustrating and even temporarily blinding when working or playing outdoors.
Sun & Ski Sports offers a variety of stylish, affordable, high-quality sunglasses from brands like Blenders, Tifosi, Smith, and more. Get yourself a pair now—your eyes will thank you this summer!
About the Author, Allie Cheney
What’s up?! I’m Allie, a Texan turned mountain enthusiast. After a year of croissants and conjugations in France, where I completed an MBA, I traded baguettes for mountain air and moved to Colorado. As a Copywriter and Content Creator for Sun & Ski Sports, I’m thrilled to share my 6 years of outdoor industry knowledge with you! Living in a converted van, I spend most of my time in the Rocky Mountains and West Coast. I aim to deliver content that is not only accurate and genuine, but also offers valuable insight into your favorite hobbies, the latest trending styles, and cutting-edge products.
Let’s explore together! For questions feel free to email me at ACheney@sunandski.com or contact an Outdoor Expert at any Sun & Ski Sports store location near you!