Whether you are about to start your first summer as a camp counselor or if you want to join in our particular fashion trends, there are a few things you need to know and have. I have been a camp counselor for the last five summers. In those five years I have noticed there are particular outfits and items that we have that unite us all. I have also noticed that people, who are not camp counselors, try to keep up to our fashion standards, but they lack important belongings. The following is a complete camp counselor kit.
1. Camp T-shirt
This is the most basic belonging, but also the most essential. This shirt identifies what camp you worked at. You get to know this shirt very well, as it becomes part of your wardrobe at least every week over the summer. Before you know it, you have more camp t-shirts anything else in your closet. Hint: Non-camp counselors, you can fill this need by wearing a t-shirt that shows that you have traveled to outdoorsy states like Colorado, Washington, Wyoming, etc.
2. Flannel
Flannels, being part of the camp counselor fashion, are interesting, because they really doesn’t match the sport shorts that most actual camp counselors wear during the day. Regardless of this, flannels are worn over the camp t-shirt or tied around your waist really completing “the look.” Even if the flannel is too hot or would get in your way during the day around your waist, it is the best thing to wear during a campfire. Hint: For those who don’t know camp world, plaid shirts are not a substitute for real flannel.
3. Hydro Flask/Nalgene
Either hydrate or dydrate, at least that is what we tell the campers at my camp to get them to drink more water. Water is the answer to everything in camp life. If the camper has a headache, water; stomachache, water; injury, water; can’t sleep, water; crush on another camper, water; irritate the counselor, water. Because of its importance you need to have a trusty water bottle. One that will keep your water nice and refreshing, and have enough room for your badges of honor: stickers. Most of my counselor career, these bottles were Nalgenes, but they have recently been replaced by Hydro Flasks. Hydro Flasks are able to keep you icy for at least 24 hours. Which helps if you are in the hot summer sun. If you can’t afford a Hydro Flask, because you are on a camp counselor salary, knock off Hydro Flasks are also acceptable. On Amazon you can find a large variety of double walled vacuum sealed water bottles that don’t cost $40-$50. Hint: Stickers are very important, whether from your camp or not, as they show how adventurous you have been. Make sure you have a water bottle big enough to have a lot of stickers!
4. Chacos
A lot of people miss this step, but an instant indicator of a camp counselor is their Chacos. Chacos are athletic sandals that can handle any terrain, even campers. They are waterproof, have a high arch, and sturdy straps. The price may scare you off, but I have worn my chacos every day for two years, and they still have life in them. For discount Chacos, check out Sierra Trading Post’s website, they have a selection for less! If the price still scares you, Birkenstocks are also acceptable to the camp counselor look, especially with fun high socks. However, when you are running around a field playing classic camp games, Birks have been known to fly off. Yet they are a great accent to your flannel, t-shirt, and stargazing nights.
Extra Credit: Chaco Tan line, the battle mark of a true camp counselor.
5. Watches
“What time is it?” Time for you to get a watch. “When’s Free time?” I don’t know let’s find out together. (Internal thoughts: according to my watch we have 5 minutes 23 seconds and 43 milliseconds, but who is counting?) This is a more practical part of the outfit and often missed by those who casually wear camp counselor clothes. When campers ask constantly when the next activity is, when lunch is, and when is their free time, you will have the power of knowing and you don’t have to share it. You will also be able to count down till it’s your free time and till lights out.
6. Hammock Village
Suspended in the air, being rocked gently as you take in the great mountain view is one of the best part of the relaxing hammocks. Another great part is setting up an area of your closest camp friends, their hammocks, and sleeping through the night in between trees. You can stack the hammocks upward on the trees, or spread them around a grove of trees. The camp counselor trusted brand is Enos. They pack up into a small little bag, that can always fit into your handy dandy backpack. Hint: When buying a hammock, get the two person hammock. It fits two people tightly, or one person very comfortably.
7. Hats
This may seem basic and nonessential, but not only does it bring the shoes, flannel, t-shirt fashion together, but it also is actually practical. Playing games, going on hikes, canoeing on the lake, it’s all outside. To help you keep an eye on your kids without being blinded by the sun, as well as protecting your head from harmful rays proves hats to be essential and practical to camp way of living. Camp counselor hats do not have to be safari, brim hats. just pick a ballcap you really like, and make it your signature. Wear it everyday, soon it will feel weird when you don’t have it on, and people won’t recognize you without it. Hint: not camp counselors, this is one to the easiest items to cross off your list, as you probably already have one..
8. Camp Chants & Songs
This isn’t something that is simply seen, but it marks a true camp counselor. Every camp has a culture, words, phrases, chants, and songs that just don’t seem to die from the camp’s legacy. Words, phrases, chants, and songs? You may think this sounds like a cult! You would be right, camp culture is a lot like a cult you will never want to leave…which also sounds a lot like a cult. Anyway, you are with the same people constantly and even begin to develop your own language (also very cult like). Hint: not camp counselors, to feel included in the random words and songs, you can simply google: camp songs. A few under your belt will help convince anyone you are the real thing. The songs can be as easy as Boom Chicka Boom, Campfire Song (from Spongebob), and Bazooka Bubblegum.
BONUS: CFF (Counselor Forever Friends)
The best part of camp, isn’t the clothes, but the people you are with. You share the cult like parts of camp, you create a family, and you have memories that will bond you forever. To complete a camp counselor kit, surround yourself with people that have gone through the ups and downs, helped you with the campers that need a little extra grace, who have seen your most embarrassing moments and probably caused them, who knew who your camp crush was, and who will always be there for you. Hint: For those who haven’t been a camp counselor, this item isn’t something you can find at a store.
Now that you have your camp counselor armor and look, you are ready for a summer of fun or to walk around with the coolest look on campus. Hint: Being a camp counselor is the best and most rewarding job I have ever had to pleasure to be apart of. Can’t wait to go back in 92 days, 3 hours, and 45 seconds…but who’s counting.