This is it. You’ve been placed and you’re heading off to the U.S. You’ve been waiting for this moment since you glanced the AmeriCamp homepage last year. You put blood, sweat, and tears into creating the most awesome introduction video, talked your socks off at interview and you may have even schmoozed with Camp Directors at one of the AmeriCamp Camp Fairs. However you got here, you’re here and get excited – this really will be the best summer of your life.
So… what now?
You’ve been meaning to make a list. Suncream? T-shirts? Shorts? Sleeping bag? All of these items are perfectly necessary but it’s good to have a nosy around your camp’s website to get a jist of what kind of stuff you’ll need to bring. If you haven’t done this yet: we got your back. Read on for the ‘Packing’ episode of #AmeriCamp101.
Suitcase or backpack?
It’s all good talking about packing, but what to pack IN is a big dilemma. Suitcases are the fail-safe old-school way of transporting your goods to and from countries, but sometimes, camp terrain can make it hard to manouvere around camp (especially if your camp is rural). Backpacks – the large ones that are measured in litres – are great. They’re easy to take around, and you’d be surprised, not as heavy as lugging a suitcase full of summer things around. Ebay is a great site for cheap, heavy duty backpacks. Don’t splurge, you’ll be dragging it around the whole summer. Think sturdy not fashionable.
Weather
Firstly, summer Camp locations come in all different shapes, sizes and climates. You could be living by a lake, in a forest, by the ocean or in the city this summer. Each could make your packing different, so best to know this first. It’s also a good bet to check the weather expectations over summer for the town your camp is situated in (see, that weather app on your phone does come in handy after all!).
Job
Secondly, your job. What amazing role are you taking up this summer? Are you leading trail rides as a Horsemaster? Belaying kids on climbing walls as a Ropes Instructor? Or will you be keeping the shores and pools safe (not to mention cultivating some mean tan lines) as a Lifeguard? Each job will require you to pack specific items of clothing. As an example, Horsemasters most always need to have long pants and closed-toed shoes on when riding so best to bring those khakis hiding in the back of your cupboard. Lifeguards, you know the deal. However, remember that, whilst your job is to facilitate fun, it’s also to protect – a falling bikini top will most likely hinder your job. So, best to pack a one-piece. Think Baywatch.
Props for sharing your culture
No matter your job at Camp, as an International staff member you’re there to share your culture, and stories of your far and distant land. Camps decide to go through the lengthy process of hiring international staff to give campers an extra dimension to their summer experience; inspiration and global personalities! Bring something from home, something quintessentially British. A good place to start is a flag – you’re already cool in the kids’ eyes but being from “Harry-Potter-land” will definitely up the stakes. Props from home will make a great starting point for conversation and allow children a chance to get to know you. As an International staff member you have the extra-special job of representing your whole country… sort of like an ambassador. Culture props will also come in handy if your camp decides to hold an International-themed campfire. Time to show off your country!
Camp Style
You have been warned. Camp style is off the wall. Expect to see socks and sandals, tie-dye and chocos (don’t know what they are? You’ll know when you see them.) Camp is all about being yourself, so do not feel pressured to bring your best white designer dress. IT WILL get dirty and IT WILL come back to you an off-grey colour (Yay camp laundry!). Think about packing comfortable clothes, t-shirts, jumpers, leggings, shorts, items that will allow you to get fully involved with the children without having to worry about ruining them.
Sleeping
All camps will provide you with sleeping quarters complete with a matress and bedding. However, some really traditional summer camps will require you to bring your own bedding/sleeping bag and pillow to place on your bunk. International staff are sometimes provided with all of this upon arrival (lucky us) but it’s best to check on your camp’s website, as these can take up a lot of space in your luggage!
Toiletries
We’ve all been there. Packing to just stay at a friends house can be annoying. What make-up, creams, and extra things to bring. Your bag is full before you’ve put your clothes in. At camp, sunscreen takes priority. You’ll need a lot of it, so best to pack a larger travel tub. Depending on your location you may also need to prepare yourself for fighting with mosquito’s, so a good repellent will be useful. Girls (and guys) keep make-up/morning routine bags to a minimum – by the middle of the summer you’re not going to care what you look like anyway!
Tech
We know you love your technology, but try to pack as little as possible. Being at camp is about being “away from the city”. A time to relax and not think about how many retweets or likes you have. Communicating family (and checking grades over the summer) is a big priority, so bring a laptop for doing this during your time-off. Mobile phones are also stuck to us like glue, but using around the children is frowned upon, so make sure, your mobile (or any tech at that) is only used during the time you’re away from the children.
And finally…
We know that packing can seem stressful, but once it’s done you can tuly relax. The most important thing to remember is you’re trying to pack as light as possible, whilst packing everything you need… confusing but, remember, most camps have a laundry facility. Think about bringing a week’s worth of clothes, and recyclying. Key-word. Camp isn’t about fashion, it’s about being practical. So, whilst you can still be the fashionista or fashionisto you always are – packing the essentials is far more important.
Whatever you do decide to pack, remember that your camp’s website will most likely give you everything you need to know, including clothing policies and what they may provide for international staff. Have a read, and if you’re not sure you can always contact your camp via email.
Happy packing!
Get involved: Tag @AmeriCamp in your packing pics using the #AmeriCamp101 hashtag!
Before we go…
4 Top-Tips
- No matter how hot it gets during the day, it gets pretty cold during the evening, especially if you’re situated near a body of water. Don’t forget your jumpers and in some cases, even coats!
- Pack really dorky outfit. Many camps hold weekly “Dork Dances”. The rules? Campers must dress as “dorky” as they can. The pressure of having to look cool at a party is non-existent. Underwear on heads, socks on hands, that sort of thing. Go wild!
- Some Camps may have a weekly formal dinner, so this is the one time you can pack a glamorous (child-appropriate) piece of clothing.
- Depending on how rural your camp is, you may need a torch or headlamp for those late-night toilet trips. These can be purchased pretty cheap online, or if not, at your camp store (if they have one).
