• Aghhh!!! 'Calm Down Dear'. Camps getting closer and we know packing can seem like a mammoth task, but it needn't be. Experienced counsellors have found the following items to be necessary for camp. There may even be items that you may never have thought of! It may seem that there is a lot that you need, but a good rule of thumb is to pack light. Keep your essentials to a minimum because you can always purchase more when you’re in America (after all, we all love an excuse for a trip to Walmart).

• Clothes you don't mind getting dirty or ruined. The thrift store is your new best friend!

• You may also want to take some nice items for your evenings and days off​

• Items suitable for warm, rainy, chilly, or hot weather (A rain jacket is a must!)​

• Underwear, including several pairs of decent socks! 

• Comfortable shoes for the outdoors and possible rough terrain

• Appropriate night wear

• Swimsuit (Most camps will require girls to stick to a one piece)

• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Toiletries (recommended to take small travel sized bottles initially as you can buy these items from a supermarket upon arrival in the States)
• Sunscreen (A LOT OF SUNSCREEN. Same deal as toiletries applies)

• Kid-themed band aids/Bug spray/First aid

• Any medication that is specific to you. You will have to check these in with the camp.

• Back pack
• Water bottle
• Flash light
• Hand held Fan (It does get hot out there)
• Camera

• U.S plug adapters

• Pictures from home for you to enjoy and to share with your campers so they can laugh at pictures of you dressing up as Super Mario!

• Cultural items from the U.K. to intrigue American campers. Flags, postcards, brochures of your home town, the list is endless (That includes using your British accent!)

• Random objects that will entertain campers: playing cards, trinkets, glow sticks, stickers, puzzles, etc.

• Books (a good book will be a God send whilst your getting over that jet lag)

• Journal to record your experiences

• TRAVEL DOCUMENTS. The most important thing on the list! You won't be getting anywhere without your passport or visa, plus you will need your insurance card in case of any emergencies. It's also a good idea to have print out copies of any other forms the camp may have required. ​

• Additional ID. A provisional or driving license perhaps. You don't want to risk taking your passport out with you as proof of age if your going to a bar (more relevant for post camp travel)

• Journal to record your experiences

Think about what your doing at camp and talk to the director to see if you need to bring anything extra. Will you need to bring your own art supplies if your in that department. Will you need your own tennis racket or netball if your teaching these sports? Most camps will supply these items so it is optional if you want to take your own. Just keep your luggage allowance in mind.

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Camps will provide international staff with bedding and towels so don't worry about taking up valuable packing space with bulky items like these. Although you might want to take a small beach towel for trips to the beach on your days off!
 

Make sure you check with your camp about prohibited items. Some camps may restrict ipads, e-readers, lap tops, hair dryers etc. Remember if you do take expensive items, it is at your own risk!
 

Also, remember to put your name on EVERYTHING! 



And, last but not least, our book! (To be published around mid September 2013, check out the book section for more information)