Decode Camp Staff Burnout: The Camp Staff Experience Wheel
The Camp Experience Wheel: Measuring the Camp Staff Experience Imagine this: it’s mid-July, the sun is blazing, and your camp is in full swing. Campers […]
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What should you bring to camp as a staff member? And what are the best recommendations? We’ve asked hundreds of camp workers around the country what is the best gear for camp staff members and here’s what they said…
You are going to camp so don’t expect your shoes to be clean. Between all the activities from swimming to hiking, or just walking outdoors, your shoes WILL get dirty. Having a pair of outdoor sandals will allow camp staffers to clean their sandals and feet easily. A good pair should be durable for long treks and flexible so that it can mold into your foot shape for comfortability.
So Remember to bring a durable bag. As a staff member, having the option to work both inside and out, you will need something to store your essentials. The weather can be unpredictable, and you will more than likely come across water. It may rain or moisture from sweat may encounter your bag so here are a few recommendations for durable bags that can withstand the outdoors.
Camp is an energy drainer so this is an essential item for chilling or just hanging around. Literally! You may find yourself having some downtime. In a bustling camp, there may not be a space for you to just relax. But with a hammock, you can create that space anywhere! Making each hammock owner feel more relaxed as they sway with a book in hand under a blue sky. And stress reliever will have you napping in the trees!
Here are the few top recommendations:
Every camp staff interviewee meaning mentioned this, it’s a must-have. For those working outside in most cases, you probably won’t run into many drinking fountains. We recommend one with a vacuum insulated panel to keep the temperatures of your drinks hot or cold regardless of external temperatures.
Your phone needs just as much protection from the elements as you do
If you’re a counselor or working with kids, most camps will more than likely prohibit phone usage during work hours. Smartwatches are great for checking and responding to messages while not looking at your phone.
This is all around just useful to have, especially if you’re doing survival camp.
When you’re camping, you never know what kind of weather to expect. But you can bet that it will get chilly in the evenings. With a flexible lightweight fleece, that can stash easily in your backpack, you won’t need to worry about carrying a ton of extra weight and not having to worry about being cold when the temperature drops.
Speaking of weather, you can also expect it to rain a couple of times during your camp season. So, prepare now and check out this quality made rain jackets made from the most recommended brands.
We’re talking about the administrative staff that needs to look professional but still adheres to the environmental elements. Golf ware is perfect for this type of role. The fabrics used are made to be breathable and look sharp.
It’s summer camp, so that means you’re bound to go swimming. REI has a great selection of comfortable and elite swim gear that is perfect for athletic performance or lifeguarding.
As a camp staff member, you need to be prepared for any emergency. Carrying a first aid kit is a good start. This will be the handiest tool during an emergency.
This is just as important as the other items listed and with good reason. As you exhaust your energy running around doing various activities, hiking, watching over the campers, your energy slowly starts to diminish. What better way to replenish that energy than to chow down on a delicious snack? They’re light, and a quick bite if you’re on the clock. Try snacking on energy-inducing snacks like nuts, granola, and trail mix, and dried fruit.
Snack list
Nut-Free Snacks
Gluten-free snacks
Our skin needs protection from the sun. The best sunscreens should protect and moisturize the body. So we recommend spray-on sunscreens are also recommended just in case you need to share or quickly apply without making a huge mess.
Sum Bum‘s line of sunscreen not only supplies protection against the powerful sun rays but hydrates and enriches the skin with Vitamin E.
The bugs will be at their prime in the summer so you’re going to need an extra layer of protection if you’re wearing shorts and T-shirts all day.
DEET
DEET Free
You’ve reached the end of the top recommendations. Being a camp staff member comes with a lot of responsibilities and these are some items that help make your experience the best one you could have! After going through this list, which ones do you love? What did we miss? We want to hear from you!
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