School camps happen all your round – make sure you and your child are ready!

Each year, schools across Australia organise camp experiences that give students a taste of the outdoors and a break from the classroom. School camp is a real rite of passage. It’s where friendships deepen, confidence grows, and kids discover strengths and interests they didn’t know they had.

For many children, it’s also their first time away from home. While that can feel like a big step, it’s a valuable opportunity to build independence. A great place to start is with the camp checklist and encouraging your child to take ownership of their packing.

Most schools will send home a packing list. Take the time to review it together and add any extra essentials or comfort items your child might need. Go through the list and identify what needs to be bought or borrowed well ahead of time, so there’s no last-minute rush. A little organisation now can make all the difference to their overall experience.

It’s also worth practising the packing process together. Once the bag is packed, unpack it using the checklist, then repack it again. This helps your child understand what they’re bringing and how to organise their belongings. Pack frequently used items near the top so they’re easy to access. These small steps make it much easier for them to manage their things during camp and reduce the chances of anything being left behind.

If a sleeping bag is on the list, show them how to roll it out, use the zips and pack it away properly. A quick practice run at home builds confidence and makes the first night away feel far less daunting.

According to Dr Christopher Thurber, a clinical psychologist, author, camp consultant and father;

“the most important thing about packing for school camp is to make it a team effort and allow plenty of time to teach your child how to pack. This can also help to ease any nerves about being away from home.”

What to Pack

At the top of the school camp checklist, is luggage – it needs to be big enough to fit everything comfortably, but remember that your child will have to carry the luggage on their own, so make sure it’s not too heavy or too big. One piece of luggage, a sleeping bag and a small backpack for day trips are highly recommended. Mark these with your child’s name, address and phone number. 

• T-shirts and a couple of long shirts
• Comfortable pants and long shorts
• Socks and underwear
• Warm jacket or jumper – especially if it’s a Winter camp
• Pyjamas
• Swimming costume (if water activities are booked/planned)
• Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
• Two pairs of sneakers – one old pair for water based activities
• Thongs – for showers
• Toiletries: soap, toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, lip balm and insect repellent
• Two towels – bathroom and beach towel
• Sheets, pillowcase, blanket/sleeping bag and towel. (Please note if using a sleeping bag you still need to place a sheet on the mattress for hygiene reasons)
• Day backpack
• Paper, pens or pencils
• Plastic bags for dirty or wet clothes
• Medication (if required)
• Tissues
• Raincoat or wind jacket
• Water bottle
• Torch
• Camera – optional, a waterproof disposable camera is a great idea to capture memories

Wash all clothing before packing and label everything, from socks to toiletry bags. Camps are busy places and clearly marked belongings are much more likely to find their way home.

Beyond hosting memorable school camps, The Collaroy Centre also welcomes birthday parties, conferences and retreats. Set on natural bushland on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with sweeping views and flexible facilities, it’s a unique venue suited to events of all sizes. We’d love you to learn more about our story and purpose.

You will love it here if this is your camp destination! 

If you have never visited and stayed, we guarantee you won’t want to leave. 
Book a personal tour of the site to see for yourself!