2025 Theme Days – Packing Advice for Camp

Friday, May 30th, 2025

Some of the most common questions that we get every year are about what to pack for a session at camp. Though we send out a comprehensive packing list with the essentials, special events where everyone is invited to dress up according to a theme are quite common. Those who don’t like wearing different clothes should know that it is low pressure! However we encourage everyone to come with an open mind because theme days are a fun way to immerse and express ourselves or just enjoy a laugh.

If you don’t pack anything to fit a theme, that’s OK. Here at Camp, we have a well-stocked Arts & Crafts Pavilion that has always been a great resource for campers looking to go all out for a theme. So no need to stress over what to pack, especially because many of the events will be equally surprising for everyone! But for those wondering what to expect or who love dressing up and want to come prepared, here are a few sneak peaks for this summer:

 

Every Session

Evening Program Games

Every session we will play giant games in the evening like Capture the Flag. For many of these games, cabins will be told to dress in a certain color so that everyone knows who is on which team. If you don’t have that color, you can always get creative with paint or bandanas. However, campers who bring something white, black, red, blue, and green will be pretty prepared for whichever team they end up on!

White T-Shirts

This isn’t a theme day, but rather a recommendation of an easy item to pack that can be decorated for any theme that might arise. They also are great for tie-dyeing!

Twin Day

We typically do a twin day every session. Not much to plan for here unless you know someone else going to camp and want to plan ahead. This theme is exactly what it sounds like, campers work with one or more friends to try and match outfits as closely as possible. If you don’t know anyone else coming to camp, no biggie! There will be plenty of other campers and counselors in the same situation who will be excited to twin with you! You can also bring two identical hats or shirts and find someone to pair up with.

 

Now for some session-specific sneak peaks:

For each session we are announcing one theme related to an event and then one of the Social’s themes. At Camp Birch Hill, Socials are big dance party gatherings that we host every Friday. One of the Social themes for each session is listed below, but the other will remain a surprise and will be picked by the CITs (Counselors in Training) that session. The CITs will get to plan and decorate for the Social and announce its theme to everyone when they are ready.

Session 1

Crazy Sock Day!

Wear your brightest and coolest patterned socks, or just mismatch and rock a different vibe on each foot! Either way, we’ll be kicking it in style…

Social Theme: Stars and Stripes

We’re kicking off the first week of Camp with a BANG! The Friday social falls on the 4th of July this session! We’re going to boogie down and cross our fingers for a clear night of fireworks!  Dress up for the celebration by wearing red, white, and blue!

Session 2

Neon Day!

Take inspiration from a highlighter pack! Time to bust out the brightest colors you have for a group photo that will be blinding to look at!

Social Theme: Halloween

Muahahahahaha! Who ever said Halloween only comes once a year? You could dress like a favorite character, throw on something spooky, flaunt a favorite sports jersey, or just wear a goofy outfit. It’s gonna be a graveyard smash!

Session 3

Pajama Day!

Just because it’s a theme day, doesn’t mean we can’t be extremely comfortable! No need for professional outfits today, it’s all about relaxing and staying cozy! Whether you’ve got pajama pants, a onesie, or just a big comfy shirt, you’ll be good to go!

Social Theme: The Rainbow Rave

ALL COLORS ALL NIGHT! You could wear tie-dye, colorful accessories, or come dressed as a leprechaun if you really want. Either way, the special DJ set this night will change your life!