20 Ways to Hack Your School Camp for a Better Experience

School camp can be one of the most rewarding yet exhausting experiences for teachers, students, and support staff. Between managing logistics, keeping students engaged, and ensuring everyone's safety, the experience can sometimes feel overwhelming. Here are 20 practical hacks to make school camp smoother, more enjoyable, and less stressful for everyone involved.

For Teachers

1. Pre-Pack Permission Slips & Medical Forms - Use a digital form to collect and organize data before camp to save paper and hassle.
2. Assign Student Jobs - Give students specific responsibilities (e.g., gear check, meal setup) to lighten the load and teach responsibility.
3. Create a Camp Group Chat (For Teachers Only) - Stay connected with fellow staff for quick updates and problem-solving.
4. Bring Extra Copies of Everything - Schedules, contact lists, and student rosters will always come in handy.
5. Have a Rainy Day Plan - Weather can change quickly; have backup indoor activities ready.
6. Use Name Tags (Even for Teachers) - Helps with bonding, especially if multiple schools or groups are present.
7. Pre-Schedule Check-Ins with Students - A quick daily check-in helps manage emotions and address concerns before they escalate.
8. Set Up a First Aid Station - Make sure staff know where to find essential medical supplies and assign a point person.
9. Bring a Portable Charging Station - Keep teacher devices charged for communication, scheduling, and emergencies.
10. Pack ‘Teacher Survival Kits’ - Include snacks, a whistle, a flashlight, pain relievers, extra sunscreen, and spare socks.

For Students

11. Label Everything - Encourage students to label their belongings to reduce lost items.
12. Create a Fun Points System - Reward teamwork, kindness, and participation with a points-based system to encourage positive behavior.
13. Encourage Journaling - Have students document their experiences to reflect on later.
14. Teach Campfire Songs & Stories in Advance - Helps make evening activities more engaging and inclusive.
15. Introduce a ‘Secret Friend’ Game - Students randomly draw names and complete small acts of kindness throughout camp.

For Support Staff & Volunteers

16. Give Clear Roles & Expectations - Assign specific tasks so support staff feel confident in their responsibilities.
17. Have an Emergency Code Word - A simple phrase can help discreetly alert staff to potential issues.
18. Prepare a ‘Snack & Hydration’ Plan - Ensure water bottles and snacks are accessible to avoid dehydration or low energy.
19. Set Up a Lost & Found Table - A designated area for misplaced items reduces last-minute scrambling.
20. Debrief & Celebrate - At the end of camp, have a quick meeting to acknowledge what worked well and celebrate successes.

With the right preparation and a few strategic hacks, school camp can be a smoother, more enjoyable experience for everyone involved. What are your best school camp hacks? Share them in the comments!