To get the most out of your sport camp experience, it’s important to arrive prepared. Making sure you have everything you need allows you to concentrate on learning the skills and drills taught at camp, as opposed to stressing over something you forgot to bring.
Prepared athletes are focused ones, and following this sports camp packing checklist (along with any suggestions the camp provides) will ensure that you are always prepared and ready to learn.
TrueSport’s Packing Checklist
- If it’s a sport that allows for it, it’s always a good idea for athletes to report to each session with a small backpack or tote bag that can hold all of your essential items (such as athletic tape, flip flops or spare clothes).
- There are millions of different water bottles on the market, but none of their fancy features matter if you can’t easily refill it or carry it around. If refill stations at the camp are scarce, consider a bigger bottle with a handle, but that can also fit in or attach to a backpack if need be.
- Blisters can quickly ruin your camp experience, so it’s extremely important to outfit yourself in well-fitted shoes that provide good support. Put on extra socks if you start to feel tender spots on your feet. Flip flops at night will help your feet air out. It’s important to immediately tend to any developing discomfort in your feet.
- A good night’s sleep is vital while at camp, so consider packing your favorite pillow or blanket.
- Consider the elements and pack accordingly for different weather situations if you will be outside of the gym. Sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm, a hat, rain jacket, breathable clothing, an extra pair of shoes and maybe even a floor fan are never bad ideas.
- Many camps try and keep campers’ phone usage to a minimum, but if the camp does allow phones make sure you have your charger.
- Don’t forget basic toiletries like toothpaste, shampoo and deodorant. These can be bought in travel-size containers to save space, and be sure to pack a few plastic bags for dirty laundry, wet toiletries or a wet swimsuit. A pillowcase works well for a dirty clothes bag, too!
- In case the camp serves something that you can’t or won’t eat, it’s never a bad idea to pack some healthy snacks you can fall back on.
- Camps usually allow for downtime at night when you can unwind. A book, deck of playing cards and other small games are easy to pack, and they can be relaxing and fun.
Again, most sports camps will provide a list that will cater to the camp’s specific needs. Supplement that list with ours, and you are guaranteed to be prepared for a great camp experience.