There’s something special about camp:
The late-night talks.
The worship services.
The inside jokes.
The cabin chaos.
The moments with God you remember years later.
But having a great camp experience isn’t about having the “perfect” week. It’s about showing up open. Here are a few camp do’s and don’ts that can completely change your experience; whether it’s church camp, summer camp, or any kind of retreat.
DO: Come Expecting God to Move
Maybe not in the exact way you imagined. Sometimes we put pressure on camp:
“I need this week to change everything.”
“I need to cry during worship.”
“I need to have a huge spiritual moment.”
“I need to make a million new friends before the school year starts.”
And sometimes God works that way. But sometimes He speaks quietly…Through a conversation, journaling, sitting alone with Him, even through conviction, or simply peace.
Don’t compare your experience to someone else’s. Just stay open, obedient, and willing. Make space for quiet moments with God, even when everyone else is talking or scrolling or running around. Those quiet moments often become the ones that matter most.
Sometimes the moment that wrecks you isn't even your own. Last summer I stood in a worship service watching students love on God and each other and honestly, that was the moment for me. I knew I was called to youth ministry in that specific moment. Thank you Jesus.
DON’T: Spend the Whole Week on Your Phone
You don’t have to document every second to enjoy it. Some of the best camp memories happen when you’re fully present. Try not to disappear into group chats, social media, or constant texting. Camp goes by fast, and distractions can make you miss what’s happening right in front of you. Most camps have phone rules for a reason. Trust the process.
DO: Keep Your Space Tidy
Not because you have to be perfect…But because it shows respect for the people sharing the space with you. Nobody wants to trip over wet towels, snack wrappers, or piles of clothes all week. A little effort goes a long way in helping your cabin feel peaceful and comfortable for everyone. Plus, a little order in your space actually does something good for your headspace — trust me on that one. Especially in the bathroom area. I know you girls may think you need to wear all your makeup to the night services but please, for the love of your bunkmates, put it away when you’re done. Some camps even do awards for messiest cabin. Nobody wants their church called out in front of everyone — including your youth pastor.
DON’T: Isolate Yourself
It can feel intimidating if you don’t know everyone yet. But camp gets so much better when you participate instead of hiding in the background. Sit with new people. Join the game. Start the conversation. Compliment someone first. Camp has a way of removing all the things you normally use to get attention or feel secure. That can feel uncomfortable at first. But that discomfort is often where the real growth happens. You never know who might become one of your people when you return home.
DO: Pack for Real Life
Cute outfits are fun. But being comfortable matters too.
Bring:
clothes you can move in
a hoodie for cold rooms
shower shoes
water bottle
notebook or journal
deodorant (please)
And if it’s church camp, bring your Bible even if you mostly use your phone normally. There’s something meaningful about physically opening it during quiet time.
DON’T: Chase “Main Character” Energy
Camp isn’t a competition.
You don’t need to be:
the funniest
the loudest
the most spiritual
the prettiest
the center of attention
Some of the most impactful girls at camp are simply kind, genuine, and emotionally safe to be around. Remind yourself to take a breath between sentences.
DO: Let Yourself Have Fun
Last summer was my first time at camp as a youth leader. At some point during a relay race I found myself doing a full mud crawl. We didn't win. It was still the highlight of my summer.
Sometimes girls feel pressure to act older, cooler, or less excited than they really are. Honestly, camp is just more fun when you let yourself laugh, sing loudly, play games, get messy and be a little goofy, cabin chaos included. Joy is not embarrassing!
The best camp experiences usually happen when you stop trying to control every moment. Go in open. Stay grateful. Be kind to your cabin mates. Participate fully. Spend time with God even when nobody is making you. You might leave with more than memories. You might leave different. And that alone could change your life!