How to Prepare for a Camping Trip/Summer Camp (for Girls)

Co-authored by Hannah Young

Last Updated: November 25, 2022 Approved

When summer arrives, so does the sun, swimming and the great outdoors. Here are some things you will need, and tips on looking great while you enjoy your trip.

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:

Grooming and Makeup

1
Keep your showers short. It's recommended that you take a short shower, so other girls have time to shower.
- Get a wax before the trip/camp. Get a wax kit and wax your legs, underarms, face etc. before you go. You will probably be too busy to shave, and this takes a little bit of worry away from your trip.
- Bring a big enough wash bag to contain all your toiletries for when you go to the bathroom block.
2
Think simple at camp. The fewer products, the better. For your face, get some foaming cloths or pads that you just have to run under water. Wash your face and moisturize with a light oil-free moisturizer with at least SPF 15.
- Make sure you bring chap stick or a lip butter to keep your lips clean, healthy, and moisturized.
- Add a touch of concealer, some waterproof mascara and a dab of nude or light pink/red lip gloss; this should be all you need for make up while traveling. If you don't want to add mascara, consider just curling your eyelashes. But remember you are camping: you don't need to look your best!
- For an extra little glow, smile and dab a little bit of Vaseline on the "apples" (fleshy part)of your cheeks. But don't use too much or your face will feel oily.
- Keep your eyebrows groomed. A tiny dab of Vaseline and a comb through with an old toothbrush will keep them in shape. Take care not to accidentally use the same toothbrush to brush your teeth after!
- Cut and file your nails and toenails before you go, and also put on a clear coat of polish. Your nails will be shiny and well groomed, but not overdone for camping.
Advertisement
3
Think simple for your hair, too. You shouldn't be blow-drying your hair during the summer. Already the heat is drying out your hair and you don't want to totally dry it out by adding more heat. After you get out of the shower, spray your hair with a leave-in conditioner and comb, then towel dry. Rub in a dollop of anti-frizz or smoothing serum all over your hair, especially to the ends! Pull up your hair in a messy bun then let it air dry.
4
Moisturize your body. After you get out the shower, slather on a body lotion enriched with vitamin E. Rub on some deodorant because you will most likely be sweating from the heat and activities. Sunscreen is an absolute must and be sure to reapply it every 2 - 4 hours. Invest in a good athletic sunscreen that is sweat- and waterproof. Spray-on sunscreens are easier to apply and less messy than other sunscreens.

Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

Health

1
Drink plenty of water and try to eat healthy food. It's summertime, so there is almost always an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables. Pick your own - it'll taste the sweetest you've ever had. (Just be sure to know exactly what you are picking, and don't get anything poisonous.)
2
Bring feminine hygiene products unless you are absolutely sure you will not need them.
3
Don't forget insect repellent and sunscreen. Insect bites and sunburn can make your trip miserable.
4
Make sure a first aid kit will be available. If this is a group trip, the sponsor or organizers should have this covered, but for a trip with family or friends, you may have to supply your own. Pack some antibiotic ointment, allergy medication, band aids, and toilet paper in it, at least. Don't forget bandages and tubi griped

Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Clothing

1
Look at what activities are planned and bring suitable clothing for them. If you will be swimming, it might be a good idea to bring an extra suit, so you can allow one to dry while using the other on an alternating basis. Bring shorts, tee shirts, and extra socks, especially if you will be doing any hiking.
2
Bring one pair of blue jeans or other sturdy long pants in case there are activities in the evening, when it is cooler. For colder regions, a sweater or light jacket may be appropriate for nighttime activities.
3
Bring a hat if you plan to be out in the sun for long periods of time. Wearing a hat with a wide brim will protect your face from the sun and make you feel a little cooler in the heat of the day.
4
Bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes for activities where walking and standing are normal, and possibly flip-flops or sandals for walking to the pool or lake to swim or boat.
5
Consider wearing a swim suit under your clothes.
- It will make changing into your swimsuit easier when it is time to swim

Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Additional Gear

1
Bring a flashlight or hand lantern with extra batteries. Nothing is as miserable as finding your way around at night without lights.
2
Pack an FM radio to listen to, or a CD player or MP3, to enjoy when there isn't anything else to do.
3
Bring a good book to read, and maybe a notebook or journal to write in, if this interests you. These are especially useful if your camp doesn't allow electronic devices.
4
Pack your camera. Camp is often filled with memorable experiences that you may like to preserve and share with family and friends later.
- If you don't want to risk losing or breaking a good camera consider bringing a disposable camera which is a great cheap alternative.
5
Find out if fishing, bird-watching, or other activities are going to be experienced, and bring appropriate supplies if you will want to participate.[[Image:Prepare for a Camping Trip_Summer Camp (for Girls) Step 18.jpg|center]

Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Wilderness Camping (Roughing it)

1
Pack a good, weatherproof tent. Make sure it has insect flaps and sets up quickly and easily.
2
Bring a hiker's sleeping pad. This is made of very light foam material to give you a softer surface to sleep on. Another choice may be an air mattress, but blowing one up can be a pretty tough job.
3
Pack your sleeping bag. It should be light enough for the conditions you expect. Goose down and insulate bags are for cold weather and will not be comfortable in the summer except in climates where it gets chilly at night.
4
Make sure that your group has sufficient cooking equipment and utensils for preparing food.
5
Have enough drinking water with you to last the whole trip.

Community Q&A

Question

Why would I need to use makeup and shave, especially at camp?

Community Answer

You don't have to use makeup, but you do want to take care of yourself and still take showers etc.
Question

What if I run out of swim suits or underwear, and I don't want to borrow any?

Antp2103

Community Answer

You can get by with wearing a day-old bra and underwear, the swimsuit should probably be fine.
Question

Why would I want to wear a swimsuit under my clothes?

Community Answer

Kids swim frequently at summer camp; if you have your bathing suit on already underneath your clothes, you don't have to go through the hassle of changing before you can jump in the water. Aside from that, a bathing suit is a useful alternative if you run out of underwear.

Warnings

If you become dehydrated, sit down and drink a bottle of water. Signs of dehydration include dizziness, nausea, headaches, and heat flashes.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 178 Not Helpful 17
Remember to re-apply your sunscreen every 2 - 3 hours. Make sure you use sunscreen that has not expired and doesn't contain parabens, which are suspected of being cancer-causing.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 145 Not Helpful 21
Remember that some places in which you'll be camping might not have toilets, so be prepared. Make sure you bring plenty of toilet paper and a plastic bag to dispose of used toilet paper and sanitary items.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 103 Not Helpful 26