What skills are worth developing before the camp? (packing, money management, hygiene)

Packing Skills
Good packing is the foundation of a successful camp trip. With thoughtful preparation, you can avoid unnecessary stress and forgetfulness, and your luggage will be light and organized.
Start planning what to bring by creating a list. Write down all the items you may need at camp — clothes, hygiene products, sports equipment, or documents. This list will help you make sure you don’t forget anything important and check that everything is ready before you leave.
A good way to stay organized is to pack by category. Separate clothes from cosmetics, equipment, or documents. This way, you'll find what you need faster and avoid chaos in your backpack.
To save space, try rolling your clothes instead of folding them flat — this popular method allows you to fit more and prevents wrinkles. You can also use vacuum bags or special pouches that help maintain order and protect your items from moisture.
Remember to pack essentials for the first day, such as a rain jacket or basic hygiene kit, on top of your luggage. This way, you won’t have to dig through your entire backpack as soon as you arrive.
Finally, check the weather forecast and adjust your clothes according to the conditions at the camp. This will help you avoid situations where you’re short of a warm hoodie or a waterproof jacket.

Money Management
The skill of managing money wisely is an important aspect of camp preparations. This way, you’ll not only avoid running out of cash, but you’ll also learn to use your resources sensibly.
Before the trip, plan a budget for the entire camp duration. Consider how much money you can allocate for food outside of meals, souvenirs, or extra activities. Spreading your expenses over the days will help you better control your finances and avoid sudden cash shortages.
It is also crucial to store your money securely. It’s best to keep it in a wallet or a neck pouch, which is harder for thieves to access. You can also prepare an envelope or small bag to hide in your backpack, ensuring that some funds are always available and safe.
Learn the basics of saving and avoiding unnecessary expenses. Sometimes, all it takes is to think twice about whether you really need another candy or gadget to better manage your finances for the whole camp.
Lastly, check which payment methods are accepted at the places you plan to visit — whether it’s better to bring cash or if cards are an option. This will help you avoid issues while shopping and ensure you're prepared for various situations.

Personal Hygiene
Taking care of personal hygiene is key to feeling good at camp. Regular care helps prevent infections and keeps you feeling fresh and comfortable, even during intense activities.
The basics are daily care — remember to wash your hands, teeth, and face every day. These simple habits significantly improve comfort and health. Handwashing is especially important before eating and after using the restroom.
It’s also important to take care of the cleanliness of your body and clothes. If there’s access to a shower at camp, use it regularly to stay fresh. If needed, learn how to wash small items, such as socks or t-shirts, so you always have clean clothes.
Before departure, prepare your hygiene kit, which should include basic items like a toothbrush and toothpaste, soap or shower gel, tissues, deodorant, and a towel. It’s a good idea to pack these in a small toiletry bag that’s easy to keep handy.
At camp, you’ll often use shared bathrooms, so hygiene rules in these spaces are essential. Always leave things tidy, use your own towels and shower slippers, and take care of the security of your personal belongings.

Soft Skills
In addition to practical skills, it’s also important to develop so-called soft skills that will make daily life at camp easier and your stay more enjoyable.
Time management is one of the key competencies. At camp, there are often many activities and attractions, so it’s good to learn how to plan your day. Make time for meals, rest, fun, as well as responsibilities like cleaning or taking care of your things. This will help you avoid chaos and feel more in control of what you're doing.
Communication and teamwork are also very important skills. At camp, you’ll meet many people — other participants and staff — with whom you’ll need to communicate and often collaborate. It’s important to practice openness, listening to others, expressing your thoughts clearly and politely, and being ready to compromise. This will make it easier to resolve conflicts and build good relationships.
Equally important is independence and responsibility. Take care of your things, keep your space in the tent or cabin tidy, and follow the established rules. This shows that you can take care of yourself and help create a good environment for the whole group.

See also:

• Classes and Activities at Camps – What Can a Child Gain?
• Team beach games for everyone – ideas for active fun by the sea
• Making Friends at Camp: How Shared Experiences Bring People Together
• I'm looking for a camp for my child – help! Find the right camp: a short guide on how to do it.
• Camp and Separation Anxiety – How to Support Your Child Before the Trip?
• A Phone at Summer Camp – Enemy or Ally?