After ten months of packing for school, it's time to switch out that binder for a Bible! Here is your ultimate Bible camp packing list. 

Many Bible camps officially start their summer camping season the first week of July. Going to camp can be exciting for kids, but stressful for parents who won't be seeing their kids for a week. On top of that, you need to make sure that bag is packed properly so your son or daughter isn't missing anything essential, like underwear or extra socks.

With that in mind, we've created the ultimate camping list. We've taken lists from Camp Arnes, Camps with Meaning, Calvary Temple Bible Camp and more to create the must-have list for all the parents getting ready to send their kid to what could end up becoming the best week of their life.

The Ultimate Bible Camp Packing List:

  • Bible (in a translation your child can understand)
  • Notebook and pen
  • Sleeping bag (some camps spend a night at a separate site, so a sleeping bag is vital) and pillow
  • Swimsuit (no bikinis or speedos)
  • Towel (very important, you will need it for showers and swimming)
  • Bug Repellant and sunscreen (a minimum SPF of 30 should be sent, preference to waterproof)
  • Inclement weather appropriate clothing, including;
    • Rain jacket
    • Rainboots
    • A warm sweater and warm pants
    • Warm socks
  • Personal hygiene items, including;
    • Deodorant (not necessary for younger kids, mandatory for older kids)
    • Toothbrush and toothpaste
    • Shampoo and soap
  • Clothing (if your child is gone for a week, pack an additional three days worth of clothing), including;
    • Clean underwear (VERY IMPORTANT, pack extra)
    • Socks (numerous pairs, they are likely to get wet more than once)
    • Pants
    • Shorts
    • T-shirts
    • Sweatshirts
    • Pyjamas
    • Runners (closed-toed shoes)
    • Sandals/flip-flops
    • Hat and sunglasses (they will be outside a lot)
  • A bag or laundry (plastic or reusable)
  • Water bottle
  • Flashlight

Larissa Terry is the communications coordinator at Camp Arnes and says while the camp is getting ready for campers, campers should be getting ready for camp. Packing the right stuff is important, especially clean underwear.

"I wouldn't say (campers) always forget to bring clean underwear, but they always forget to use it," Terry laughed.

Jesse Wolfe from Camps with Meaning says the single most important item you can bring is your Bible. Second most important is a toothbrush and toothpaste.

What not to bring

There are also a few items you shouldn't bring to camp, which include;

  • iPod/electronic games
  • Cell phone
  • Gum
  • Clothing with inappropriate or offensive words or pictures
  • Non-prescription drugs (prescription drugs often need to come in a bag and given to the nurse upon arrival)

While you can prepare your packing list, Terry says you won't be able to mentally prepare your kid for the amount of fun they will be having.

"It's going to be the end of day two and you're going to be like 'I'm exhausted from all this fun, but I'm so ready for tomorrow,'" Terry said.

Check your camp's website for their personal packing list.