How to Pack Your Summer Camp Toiletries

Last Updated: May 6, 2021

Summer camp is normally filled with swimming, running, and sometimes even riding horses. In all the fun, you can sometimes get sweaty or dirty. Toiletries are an important part of keeping you clean, fresh and smelling good.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Toiletries for girls

1
Make a list of all the toiletries you think you'll need. You may want to put two boxes after each item, one for before camp, and one for after camp. The following list might be of help to you:^{[1]
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- Toothbrush, toothbrush case, toothpaste, mouthwash, floss
- Hairbrush/comb
- Deodorant
- Shampoo and conditioner (2-in-one is a useful product)
- Hand sanitizer (if you think you need it; camps often supply it. Also, soap does the job too and doesn't contribute to antibiotic resistance)
- Feminine items if needed, e.g. pads, panty liners, tampons
- Hair accessories, e.g., hairbands/headbands/bobby pins/clips/hair flowers, etc.
- Face cleaner/wash
- Chapstick, makeup, lotion, perfume, razor, shaving cream (Note: These are all things you can live without while on camp)
- Mirror, nail file, Q-tips, cotton balls
- Band-Aids, insect repellent, sunscreen, after-sun lotion,
- Timer (?)
2
Add anything else you think you need and subtract things that aren't relevant to you. Just remember to bring only things that you use in your daily life. You don't need that moroccan oil that you've used about 4 times in your life, for example. Go through your daily toiletry routine and write down all the things you use on a daily basis. This can keep things organized and help you not forget or overpack.

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3
Find a bag. Preferably use one that is not transparent.^{[2]
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- Choose a bag that has pockets. This makes it easier to organize your toiletries and find them with ease.
- Depending upon how many pockets your bag, you might want to divide the items. For example, hygiene, hair, mouth. That kind of thing.
- The bag shouldn't be too big, but don't bring a tiny one that you can only fit your toothbrush in. If you don't have one, then most stores like Target or Walmart sell them, or you could probably even get one from your local dollar store

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Toiletries for boys

1
Make a list of all the toiletries you think you'll need. You may want to put two boxes after each item, one for before camp, and one for after camp. The following list might be of help to you:^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Toothbrush, toothbrush case, toothpaste, mouthwash, floss
- Hairbrush/comb
- Deodorant
- Razor and shaving cream (if needed)
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Face cleaner/wash
- Band-Aids, insect repellent, sunscreen, after-sun lotion,
Add anything else you think you need and subtract things that aren't relevant to you.
2
See the prior method for girls about packing the toiletries bag.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

General considerations

1
Pack your showering and dental care things in one toiletries bag that you can take to the showers, and the rest in another bag that you may not need to take to the showers, but you will need for the camp. For example, items such as paper hand wash, hand sanitizer, tissues and toilet paper can be packed in a plastic carrier for when you need it for hygiene.
2
If in doubt, take less. You're on camp, it's a time to learn to make do, enjoy the great outdoors and not be hung up on the standard requirements for beauty regimes. By all means take care of your body but don't be so hung up on maintaining your usual standards that you fail to enjoy the experience.^{[4]
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Community Q&A

Question

What products would help to keep my hair clean for my trip? We are going to a place with no showers!

Community Answer

Try Dove's dry shampoo. When sprayed in your hair, it absorbs all oil and grime that may have set on your hair. It comes in travel-size bottles, too!
Question

What kind of bag do I need if I have to bring towels and don't have time to wash or dry them?

AJ W

Community Answer

Try a dry sac, it keeps the rest of your stuff dry, and dries your towels a bit, too.
Question

How big does the bag need to be?

Community Answer

Big enough to fit all of your stuff comfortably. Don't use one that is really big though as that can be really tedious.