What to Pack for Church Camp: A Complete Week-Long Checklist
Quick Answer- Apparel: 8 tees, 4 shorts, 1 hoodie, 1 long-sleeve, 2 swimsuits, sleep clothes.
- Footwear: 2 pairs closed-toe shoes, 1 pair sandals, 8 pairs of socks.
- Toiletries: full kit plus extra sunscreen, bug spray, and a refillable water bottle.
- Skip: phone chargers in shared areas, expensive electronics, gum, candy if camp prohibits.
What to pack for a week-long church camp comes down to apparel that meets the dress code, footwear that handles both wet and dry conditions, toiletries that survive a shared bathroom, and a few comfort items. Most camps send a recommended packing list but the working list below covers any standard week-long camp. Plus what families consistently overpack and what to leave home.
Apparel Checklist
- T-shirts: 8 (one per day plus one spare)
- Shorts: 4 pairs (athletic shorts, mid-thigh or longer)
- Long pants or sweatpants: 1 pair
- Hoodie or crewneck sweatshirt: 1 for evening campfire
- Long sleeve tee: 1 for cool mornings
- Swimsuits: 2 (rotate dry and wet)
- Rain jacket or windbreaker: 1
- Baseball cap or sun hat: 1
- Pajamas or sleep clothes: 2 sets
- Underwear: 8 pairs
- Socks: 8 pairs (extra for wet days)
- Bandana or face buff: 1 (sweat and sun)
For dress code details see church camp dress code guide.
Footwear and Accessories
- Closed-toe sneakers or cross-trainers: 2 pairs (rotate dry and wet)
- Sandals or water shoes: 1 pair for lake or pool
- Sunglasses: 1 pair
- Watch (optional): helpful when phones are restricted
If the camp restricts phones, a cheap watch keeps campers on schedule without breaking the rule.
Bear Grips Pro Shops: Custom Apparel for Your Team. No Minimums. Free Shipping.
Toiletries and Personal Items
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash
- Shampoo, conditioner, body wash (smaller travel sizes for shared showers)
- Deodorant
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+ minimum, two bottles for a week)
- Bug spray
- Lip balm with SPF
- Shower flip-flops
- Bath towel (2 if you can fit them)
- Washcloth
- Refillable water bottle
- Quick-dry microfiber towel for the lake
Optional Comfort Items
- Bible or devotional journal
- Pen and a small notebook
- Small flashlight or headlamp
- Earplugs (cabin life can be loud at night)
- Small pillow
- Sleeping bag if not provided
What to Leave Home
- Expensive electronics (laptops, gaming devices)
- Cash beyond what the camp budget recommends
- Jewelry beyond a simple chain or watch
- Phone chargers if the camp restricts phones
- Gum, candy, or food if the camp prohibits
- Anything that needs charging during a no-phone week
Camps: Order Your Group Tees in Advance
Camp tees double as the chapel uniform and a takeaway memento. Parent pre-orders ship before camp starts.
Start Free
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I bring to church camp?
A week of apparel (8 tees, 4 shorts, 2 swimsuits), 2 pairs of closed-toe shoes, full toiletry kit with sunscreen and bug spray, a refillable water bottle, and any optional comfort items (Bible, journal, flashlight, pillow).
What should I not bring to church camp?
Skip expensive electronics, jewelry, gum or candy (if prohibited), large amounts of cash, and anything that needs charging during a no-phone week.
Do I need to bring my own bedding to church camp?
Some camps provide bedding, some require campers to bring their own sleeping bag or sheets. Check your specific camp's packing list before assuming.
Riley DonovanFaith and Community Programs Director
Riley directs youth and community programs at a multi-campus church and previously coordinated nonprofit fundraisers across three states. She writes about congregation events, mission trip apparel, and the apparel side of faith-based community building.
More articles by Riley →
Bear Grips Pro Shops