Church Camp Packing List: What to Check Before You Pack

Which packing list should you use?

Start with the official list for your child's camp, location, program, and session. A generic church camp packing list can help you think of questions, but it cannot tell you what that camp will accept this season.

Camp Cho-Yeh calls its public packing list a basic list and says it emails a fuller Parent Info Sheet before camp. Pine Cove publishes a separate list for its Ridge program. Those examples show why a list from another camp or campus should not replace the instructions for the session you booked.

• Where is the current full list, and will the camp send updates before arrival?
• Does the list match the exact location, program, session length, and activities?
• Does the camp provide bedding, towels, a water bottle, or activity equipment, or should your child bring them?

What should you ask about medication, allergies, and food?

Check the camp's current health instructions separately from its clothing list. Ask how to disclose medication and allergies, what forms are required, how medication is handed over at arrival, and whether a camper may carry an emergency item. Confirm the details directly with the camp's health team before you pack. Do not change a child's medication plan based on a packing article.

Pine Cove Ridge says medication, including over-the-counter items and vitamins, should not go in camper luggage and directs families to its health center process. That is Pine Cove's rule, not a rule for every church camp. Cho-Yeh's public list says not to pack food; ask your own camp about meals, outside food, and a child's dietary needs.

• Which health forms and packaging instructions apply to this session?
• Who should receive medication at check-in, and what is the procedure for an inhaler or epinephrine auto-injector?
• Are outside snacks allowed, and whom should you contact about allergies or dietary restrictions?

What should you label or leave at home?

The American Camp Association advises families to review the camp's own list, check what is prohibited, label belongings, and involve the child in packing. Let your child see what is in the bag and practice finding everyday items. Labels make belongings easier to identify, but they do not guarantee that nothing will be lost.

Read the current rules for phones, watches, other electronics, clothing, footwear, and personal gear. Cho-Yeh's public list prohibits phones and several other items; Pine Cove Ridge also lists electronics among its exclusions. Check your camp's policy rather than assuming those examples apply everywhere. If an item or dress rule is unclear, ask the camp before buying or packing it.

• Label clothing, toiletries, shoes, and reusable gear as the camp requests.
• Check the footwear and clothing rules for swimming, messy activities, and the forecast.
• Review the prohibited-items list with your child before closing the bag.

What is the final check before departure?

Open the official camp list again shortly before departure and compare it with the bag. Keep the camp's contact information and any unanswered packing questions together. Requirements can change by season, so confirm current instructions with the camp itself; these source pages were reviewed September 29, 2026.