Must-Have Extras for Scout Summer Camp

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When it comes to Scout summer camp, I’ve learned over the years that the official packing list covers the essentials, but there are a few creature comforts and practical extras that can make a huge difference in how enjoyable and restful the week is.

We’ve got a few camping trips lined up this summer, and while I’ll always make sure I have my uniform, Class B, hikers, and toiletries packed first, I also bring along some of my tried-and-true extras that help me feel a little more at home—even when I’m sleeping in a tent.

My Favorite Summer Camp Extras

Anker Power Brick

Reliable power is everything when you need to charge your phone. I bring a high-capacity Anker power bank that holds multiple charges and keeps me connected just enough without having to fight for a shared charging station.

Rechargeable Fan/Light Combo

Some nights at camp are downright hot and humid. A rechargeable fan/light combo clips easily to the tent ceiling and provides just enough airflow to help me sleep, plus light for reading or getting settled after dark.

Zero Gravity Chair

This is my luxury item. After a long day on my feet, a zero-gravity chair is where I unwind by the fire or relax with a book. It folds flat for transport, offers great back support, and when paired with a blanket or sleeping bag, it doubles as a cot if you need to sleep under the stars or in a screen tent. As someone who is prone to heartburn, sleeping in my chair can be way more comfortable than laying flat too.

Backpacking Air Mattress & Pump

I’ve slept on foam pads, cots, and traditional air mattresses, but the lightweight backpacking air mattress is my favorite. It inflates in under a minute with a compact pump and offers just enough cushion to help me sleep well on uneven ground. I use this pad year-round, and it has an R-value of 4 which keeps you cozy at lower temps.

Sansbug Screen Tent

If you’re heading to camp with an open platform tent or want your own bug-free zone, the Sansbug screen tent is a lifesaver. It pops up in seconds, keeps the bugs out, and gives you a sense of privacy and personal space—especially helpful if you’re sharing a platform tent with others. Another Scoutmaster recommended this too me last summer, and it has been a game changer.

ReLyte Electrolytes

Between the heat and the constant activity at camp, hydration is key. I keep a stash of Redmond’s ReLyte electrolyte packets on hand and mix one up mid-morning or after dinner. They help replenish what I’ve lost in sweat and keep me feeling energized. My favorite flavors are the Lime and Mixed Berry (my children like the Pina Colada, Strawberry Lemonade, and Watermelon Lime flavors).

Nalgene Bottles

I always bring two Nalgenes to camp and on hikes – one for plain water, and one for mixing up electrolytes. They’re durable, easy to clean, and help me stay on top of my hydration throughout the day.

Mesh Shower Bag

Instead of juggling shampoo, soap, and my towel on the way to the shower house, I use a mesh bag that drains and dries quickly. It’s simple, practical, and keeps everything organized and easy to grab. After my shower, I leave the bag on the clothes line to drip dry.

Coleman Flatwoods II Tent

When I’m not on a platform tent or in a Sansbug, I use my Coleman Flatwoods II tent. It’s just the right size—tall enough to sit up in, with great airflow and room to spread out a bit. It’s also easy to set up and I can do it on my own in about 10 minutes.

Harney & Sons Tea Bags

I always pack a few sachets of my favorite Harney & Sons tea. At home I prefer loose leaf tea, but that isn’t easy to do when I’m at camp, so I toss a box of Queen Catherine or Irish Breakfast tea into my bag. Having my favorite tea with me makes camp feel a little more like home.

Earplugs

Camp is full of sounds—some lovely, and some not so much. I bring several pairs of earplugs with me not only for bedtime, but also for the dining hall and campfire circle which can be quite loud with a few hundred Scouts in attendance. My husband has added noise-cancelling earbuds to his packing list, and I may do the same.

None of these extras are required to have a great week at camp, but they help me enjoy it more. When you’re outdoors for days at a time, sometimes it’s the little things—like airflow, comfort, hydration, and a hot cup of tea—that make the biggest difference.

If you’re headed to camp this summer, think about what small comforts would help you feel more at ease. A little planning goes a long way when you’re living outdoors for a week.