There’s something oddly emotional about watching your teenage son get ready for his school camp. On one hand, you’re thrilled he’s about to hike, cook, and possibly learn how to unzip a sleeping bag. On the other, you’re silently questioning whether he’ll come home in the same socks he left in.
This week, as my son heads off on his first Duke of Edinburgh 'adventure journey', I’ve realised packing for a teen boy is less “neatly folded outfit planner” and more “controlled chaos with sufficient snacks.” So, for every parent about to do the same, here are the top 6 things to keep in mind when packing your son for school camp - straight from the trenches.
1. Hygiene Happens (If You Pack It Right)
Let’s start with the obvious. If you want your son to come home less feral than he left, personal hygiene needs to make the packing list.
That means deodorant that actually works (without the toxic nasties).
Enter: Neon Goat’s The Pitz, Shvitz Stick and Shvitz Spritz — your camp saviours. Natural, effective, and cool enough he’ll actually use them.
Throw in a quick dry towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a pack of wipes (for when “showering in the wild” turns into “splashing creek water on your face”).
Pro tip: Pop the Shvitz Spritz in the side pocket of his backpack so he can freshen up between hikes, meals, or after his tent-mate’s socks start to smoke.
2. Label EVERYTHING
There’s a 100% chance your son’s black socks, grey hoodie, or blue water bottle will vanish into a sea of identical items.
Get out the label maker, permanent marker, or if you’re me, scribble his initials on everything that isn’t nailed down.
Yes, even the underwear. Especially the underwear!
3. Food = Mood
No one wants to hike with a hangry teenager.
Even if meals are provided, throw in a few snacks — muesli bars, trail mix, or a sneaky stash of treats (because you know he’ll want something to chew on while pretending to “navigate”).
Avoid anything that will melt, leak, or smell like a bin by day two. (So, basically, leave the tuna at home.)
4. The Great Sock Strategy
You will never, ever pack too many socks. Between the hikes, the rain, and the mysterious lakes they always manage to find, they’ll need double whatever you think is enough.
Same goes for underwear. Boys are infamous for “recycling” — so give them no excuse.
Bonus points if you make him count them out loud.
5. Practical, Not Pinterest
Forget coordinating outfits. Think layers, comfort, and warmth.
Pack a lightweight raincoat, a beanie, and at least one jumper that’s allowed to get dirty.
Also: an extra plastic bag or two — because muddy clothes and sleeping bags seem to attract one another!
6. A Little Independence Goes a Long Way
This trip is as much about him learning responsibility as it is about the hikes and tents.
Let him help pack — even if it means it takes three times longer.
Show him where everything is so when he calls you later saying he “can’t find the deodorant,” (oh - the email from school clearly said no mobile phones!) you can remind him it’s literally in the front pocket next to the torch and muesli bars.
Final Thoughts
Packing for camp is a rite of passage — for both of you.
You’ll probably overpack. He’ll definitely under-use half of it.
But when he comes home dirty, tired, and grinning, you’ll know it was all worth it (even if the Shvitz Stick somehow ends up in his sleeping bag...or his mates!).
Featured Products:
Neon Goat Shvitz Stick, Neon Goat Shvitz Stick, Neon Goat The Pitz Shvitz Spritz
Neon Goat — fresh pits, no nasties, and zero toxic clouds.
Written by Jackie Baron
Founder + Mum
