Packing for church camp or summer camp? Here are the camp essentials I actually used every day, including sunscreen, bug spray, portable fans, hats, crossbody bags, sunglasses, and more to make camp more comfortable.
Last week I spent time at youth church camp as a leader, and after several days in the heat, outdoors, by the lake, and sharing cabins with a lot of teenagers, I came home with a pretty solid list of things I’m so glad I packed.
Whether you’re heading to church camp, girls camp, family camp, or any week spent outdoors, these are the items I reached for over and over again. They kept me comfortable, protected from the sun and bugs, and made camp life a whole lot easier.
Camp Essentials I Actually Used
Comfortable Baseball Hat
A good baseball hat instantly made my casual outfits feel more put together while keeping the sun off my face. This one fits really well and stayed comfortable all day, even in the heat.
Face Mist Sunscreen
One of my favorite camp finds. I could easily reapply sunscreen throughout the day without messing up my makeup, which meant I actually remembered to wear sunscreen.
Handheld Fan + Neck Fan
These were lifesavers during the hottest parts of the day. I alternated between the handheld fan and the neck fan depending on what we were doing, and both earned a permanent spot on my summer packing list.
Tarnish-Free Jewelry from Electric Picks
I wore the same jewelry all week. I slept in it, swam in it, and never worried about taking it off. It’s perfect when you don’t want to think about accessories while you’re at camp.
Tinted Sunscreen
I wasn’t wearing much makeup all week, but this gave me just enough coverage while protecting my skin with SPF. It made getting ready take about two minutes.
SPF Lip Balm
A summer must-have. This tinted SPF lip balm gives a little color without the weird sunscreen taste that so many lip products have.
Everyday Crossbody Bag
This was probably my MVP. It held everything I needed throughout the day, from bug spray and Band-Aids to ibuprofen, lip balm, and sunscreen, while keeping my hands free.
Comfortable Earbuds
I’m a side sleeper, and these were comfortable enough to wear all night while I listened to white noise. They helped me sleep surprisingly well, even in a cabin full of teenagers.
Bug Repellent Bracelets
I wore one on my wrist and one on my ankle every day. I wasn’t taking any chances with mosquitoes!
Bug Spray
Mosquitoes absolutely love me, but this bug spray worked incredibly well. Even being outside by the lake and in the woods all week, I came home without any bites.
Polarized Sunglasses
I wore these constantly, whether we were driving, walking around camp, or spending time outside. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and didn’t leave me with a headache after wearing them for hours.
A lot of things I packed stayed in my suitcase, but these were the items I reached for every single day. If you’re packing for church camp, girls camp, or any summer camp, I’d absolutely recommend throwing these in your bag. They made the week so much more comfortable.
FAQs
What should I pack for church camp?
Focus on practical items you’ll use every day: sun protection, bug protection, comfortable accessories, a hands-free bag, reusable water bottle, comfortable shoes, and anything that makes sleeping in a shared cabin easier.
What are the best camp essentials for adults?
Comfortable hats, SPF products, bug spray, portable fans, sunglasses, crossbody bags, and comfortable earbuds are all items that make long days outdoors much more enjoyable.
How do I stay comfortable at summer camp?
Protect yourself from the sun, stay hydrated, wear lightweight clothing, keep bug spray handy, and pack a few convenience items like a portable fan and comfortable bag so you’re prepared for long days outside.
