If you’re anything like me, packing for a trip is always a final-hour affair. This usually results in getting to my destination, and realizing I’ve forgotten 2-3 travel essentials. Most destinations have options to purchase what’s been forgotten; however, when packing for sports camp, you don’t want to have to hunt down last-minute replacement gear because you didn’t prepare properly.
Sports camp is about making friends and learning new skills — not stressing over something you forgot to bring.
Let’s Prepare
for Field Hockey Camp!
Packing for Revolution Field Hockey Camps is a lot like packing for a summer vacation with a few keys differences. Let’s state the obvious first: you’re not going to find a selection of field hockey sticks, cleats and pads at your local Walmart.
For this reason, whether you choose to attend a day camp, half-day camp, extended day camp, or one of our weeklong overnight camps, it’s important that you assemble your field hockey gear essentials first. If you need to purchase new items, order them far enough in advance, so you can make sure items fit well and are in working order.
Field Hockey Gear Essentials:
- Your Field Hockey Stick
- Shin Guards
- Mouth Guards x 2
- Goggles
- For Goalies: Pads, Kickers, Gloves & Helmet
- Cleats or Turf Shoes (this will depend on your camp location – No Cleats are allowed on artificial turf playing fields)
Don’t forget to break-in new shoes prior to the start of camp!
Additional Sports Camp Gear
The following are items that are not required, but are highly recommend to make your life a little more comfortable for day or overnight camp.
- A refillable water bottle. Choose one that has the largest water capacity you can manage to carry around and still fit in a refill station. Make sure to customize your bottle with your name or a unique sticker, so you don’t lose it on the sidelines.
- Extra sports socks. Torn up feet and heals are no fun. You’ve got a lot of sweating to do, so make sure your feet stay dry and blister-free. Calculate at least 2 pairs of over-the-calf athletic socks for each day of camp. Look for styles with breathable, moisture-wicking technology to keep your toes from getting cheesy.
- Flip-flops. We cannot stress enough the importance of taking care of your feet. After a full day on the field, you need to help your feet air out. These can be as simple as shower shoes, or a special pair reserved for post-play. Just make sure they fit well and are comfortable.
- Healthy snacks. What you eat and drink directly affects your energy level and decision making on the field. Plan to burn a lot of calories, but stay away from processed snacks with a lot of sugar. These will cause you to crash after the initial burst of energy. Bananas, blueberries, mandarin oranges, nuts, pumpkin seeds, whey protein shakes, blueberries, shelf-stable hummus, beef jerky, dried fruit (without the added sugar), and nut butter packets make great snacks on and off the field.
- Sunscreen & lip balm. Field hockey players are used to enduring prolonged sun exposure, but the least likely to remember to apply sunscreen. Relying on a base tan is not the best course of action if you want to actually enjoy your summer sports camp experience. According to US Dermatology Partners, athletes should apply a shot glass full of sunscreen every few hours. They suggest a broad-spectrum sunscreen and lip balm with an SPF of 30+ that offers protection for both UVA and UVB rays. Look for a sunscreen that is also rated for 80-minutes of water resistance.
- Sunglasses. More than just for looking cool, sunglasses prevent radiation damage from the sun. Too much sun exposure can affect your play by causing blind spots and chronic headaches.
- Glasses and contact lenses. It’s not fun to get sand in your eyes when you’re wearing contact lens. If you wear contact lenses, keep contact solution in your day bag for those times when eyes feel dry, along with your prescription glasses to give them a rest.
- Rain jacket. We can’t always promise sunny days. Just like socks, the type of jacket you choose for rainy weather is going to decide whether you have a good day, or not-so-good one. You are going to get sweat-wet on the field, so make sure the rain gear you select is going to keep you dry, cool, and ready to perform. Features like cinched hoods, velcro cuffs, breathable fabrics, and zippered vents can go a long way in keeping you comfortable as you warm up to sweat.
- An extra pair of athletic shoes. Well-fitting shoes don’t always come easy, and you spend a lot of time on your feet during field hockey. If you have a pair of battle-tested cleats or turf shoes, consider purchasing backups. This is like keeping an extra set of batteries on hand for the TV remote.
- A small backpack or tote bag to hold your extra gear.
Overnight Camp Essentials
Those lucky enough to join Revolution Field Hockey Camps for an overnight stay will need to pack some additional items for a comfortable stay. Once you register for camp, our team will send parents a packing list, but here are a few items to get you started:
- Bedding. You’ll need a pillow with pillow case, twin XL sheets, and your favorite coverlet or blanket — especially if your camp dorm has air conditioning.
- A stand-up fan. This is recommended for the locations without AC in the dorm rooms. This can be a window-style box fan or a medium-sized oscillating fan.
- Street clothes…. because sometimes sweats and flannel PJ bottoms are the only true comfort after a long day.
- Shower shoes. Look for well-fitting, waterproof flip flops.
- Toiletries. Body wash, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant/anti-perspirant, lotion, face wash, toothbrush and toothpaste, brushes and combs, contact lens solution, feminine products, hand sanitizer, razor, Neosporin, bandaids or ace wraps, and cotton balls or Q-tips. Pack only the items you need to feel clean and recovered after a full day of practice and play time. Your coaches and fellow campers will thank you.
- Shower caddy. Holding toiletries with wet hands is hard. Not to mention, keeping track of your special shampoo is easier when you have everything prepared in one basket. Don’t forget to write your name on your caddy to prevent mix-ups.
- Bath towel, face cloth and/or robe. If you’re picky about bone-dry towels, pack more than one.
- Cell phone and charger. We used to say “alarm clock,” but most campers set a wake-up alarm on their cell phone. Chargers get easily misplaced and misidentified, so make sure you put your name on this item too. Cell phone usage is limited during the day, but mobile devices are allowed in the dorms.
- Extra Credit. Although you can expect our summer camp to be full of fun and activities, there are times when you need to decompress and be quiet. Consider bringing a book, headphones, handheld games, cards, or other travel games to share with friends.
If it’s not attached to you, PUT A NAME ON IT!
Campers have a habit of leaving things in other kids rooms, the locker room, the field, the bathrooms, the common rooms, and the dining hall. Labels are lifesavers.
Properly equipped campers are happy campers. So start planning now for an awesome summer of field hockey fun.