The Ultimate Church Camp Packing List (So You Don't Forget a Thing)

Packing for church camp is simpler than it sounds — but it's easy to either overpack or forget something obvious. The goal is practical, modest, and comfortable. Your camper will be moving all day: hiking, swimming, playing games, sitting in worship sessions, and sleeping in a cabin with limited storage.

This is the complete church camp packing list, organized by category so you can check off each section as you go. There's a printable quick-checklist near the bottom — screenshot it or print it and you're done.

Clothing & Shoes

A good rule of thumb: pack for the number of days you're going, plus one extra outfit. Camp clothes get dirty fast, and laundry usually isn't an option.

Most church camps run in summer, so expect heat, humidity, and outdoor activities that work up a sweat.

Clothing:

• T-shirts or casual tops (one per day, plus 1–2 extras)
• Shorts and athletic pants — check your camp's modesty guidelines first
• One nicer outfit for Sunday service
• Swimsuit (confirm your camp's dress code)
• Pajamas and underwear (pack more than you think)
• A light hoodie or sweatshirt for cool evening sessions
• A rain jacket or poncho — camp goes on, rain or shine

Shoes:

• Sneakers for activities and hiking
• Flip-flops for the shower and pool
• Water shoes if there's a lake

Toiletries & Personal Care

Pack these in a zip bag or a hanging toiletry kit — cabin bathrooms are shared and counter space is tiny.

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
• Shampoo, conditioner, body wash (travel sizes)
• Deodorant
• Hairbrush, hair ties
• Sunscreen (SPF 30+) and after-sun lotion
• Bug spray
• Any prescription meds, clearly labeled, handed to the camp nurse
• A small first-aid kit (band-aids, pain reliever)
• Lip balm and a quick-dry towel

Bedding & Cabin Essentials

Most cabins provide a bare mattress — the rest is on you. Check your camp's list, but these are almost always needed:

• Sleeping bag or twin sheets + a light blanket
• Pillow and pillowcase
• A second towel for swimming
• Flashlight or headlamp (plus extra batteries)
• Refillable water bottle
• Laundry/dirty-clothes bag
• A few clothespins and a small fan if your camp allows it

Bible Study & Worship Essentials

Don't forget the reason you're there. Pack a Bible, a notebook and pen for sermon notes, and any study materials your group requested ahead of time. A highlighter and a small devotional are nice extras for quiet time.

Free-Time & Activity Extras

The little things that make camp better:

• A camp-friendly book or card games for downtime
• Sunglasses and a hat or cap
• A disposable camera (no phone needed — and nothing to lose)
• Stationery and stamps for letters home
• A small amount of cash for the camp store or snack shack
• A reusable bag for wet swimsuits

The Quick Church Camp Packing Checklist

Print this or screenshot it — it's the whole list at a glance:

What NOT to Bring

Leave expensive electronics, valuables, and your nicest clothes at home. Most camps discourage phones during sessions, and items go missing in shared cabins. When in doubt, leave it out.

Stick to clothes and gear you won't stress about. Church camp packing list veterans will tell you the same three things every time: pack light, label everything, and your favorite outfit stays home.