I will be going for my school's annual Leadership Camp in two days time! This time, we will be camping in a  nearby area which is at Shah Alam. I'm not sure how the area looks like but it is not in a jungle as teacher mentioned it is an open area. The activities planned this time sound pretty interesting and fun plus it's a 3 days 2 nights camp.

I believe that aside from the activities planned, we can always make our camping experience a better and  a more comfortable one by bringing the right items. Here are my camping essentials apart from the usual essentials like clothes, toiletries etc. which might / might not be useful for you. 

Disclaimer: This blog post is focused mainly on government school camps which are located in either rural areas or places like these. 

The bag I am using is a backpack which I borrowed from my sis (it looks like a guy's bag lool.) Initially, I thought of bringing my purple luggage bag but since it's a school camp, I decided to travel light. It's best not to bring a branded / expensive bag for that is only an invitation to rob you. Plus, my bag will most probably get dirty since the area might not be very clean. 

A sleeping bag is important as school camps usually do not provide a proper place for you to sleep. Last year's camp is a good example for my friends and I had to squeeze in one sleeping bag because all of them did not bring their sleeping bag except me. My teacher mentioned that we are going to be sleeping in tents this time, so this is a must for me! But if you are very sure that you will be having a proper place to sleep then it's okay. Also I'm going to bring this sort of pillow which was given by the cruise management which I visited last year. You can always use your bag as a pillow; it's up to you. 

1. Deodorant, hand sanitizer and sun block cream. 
I usually wont be able to get a proper bath in camps like these for the toilets provided are normally not fully equipped with facilities (like last year's -_- fyi, we bathed in a river) and I always have to rush through my baths because there are not enough toilets for everyone. A deodorant not only helps to keep your underarms dry but also gives your body a nice scent.

Camps like these often overlook on importance of hygiene. The toilets are not properly cleaned, the food are usually cooked in big portions and they do not provide soaps too. Even if there is one, the same soap will be used by every camper which is pretty disgusting. Thus, I'm bringing along my hand sanitizer which my mom got it for me. This way, I will be able to keep my hands clean and hygienic all the time.

Due to Malaysia's hot climate, activities organised are usually conducted under the hot blazing sun. Applying sun block cream will help to minimize the chances of getting more tanned. As you can see I am already pretty tanned for a Chinese, so I do not want to become more tanned. This is optional for you.

2. Camera
It's nice to have pictures to look back at the memories you have collected during a camp. Good ones or bad ones, they are all memories. Also, a camera is a necessity for camwhoring hehe. However, make sure to take care of your camera at all times.

3. Medication or so. 

If you have a weak immune system and fall sick often ( like me /.\ ), make sure to carry around medical supplies such as Panadol etc. Like I mentioned earlier, you do want to stay healthy throughout the whole camp! I am bringing this bottle of lozenges known as Dequadin which helps to reduce sore throat. I have been using it for some time now and it is effective for me.

I am also planning to bring a mosquito repellent but I don't have one, so I'm getting it tomorrow.

4. Torch
It's best to bring a torch to camps because you never know when you will be needing it. Especially for my situation where I will be sleeping in a tent, I definitely need some source of light!

5. Water bottle
It is vital to get yourself hydrated throughout the whole camp! Water helps to regulate the body's temperature and also your digestive system. Plus, you do want to be losing your voice or to fall sick at the end or during the camp. This will only make your camping experience more torturing. Try avoiding carrying mineral bottles for mineral bottles are not refillable. Use a water bottle or tumbler which is refillable. Mine is a birthday gift from Shas heh thankyou wifey. 

6. Disposable underwear

This is optional but it is useful for me. For those who haven't heard the existence of disposable panties, they are short-term, throwaway or wear-once underwear. They are usually made out of cotton and are ideally packaged for maximum space efficiency. I usually pack them when I go for camps or when I travel for they are so easy to use and dispose plus I have lesser things to wash when I return home. So so convenient!

7. Last but not least, snacks! 
It's always nice to have something to munch on during a camp especially when the food provided is yucky. I know how teenagers usually carry chips and biscuits but I decided on Gardenia Waffles for they are easy to carry, consume and do not affects my throat (knowing how prone am I to getting sore throat T.T ). I'm also bringing a packet of gummies which are my FAVORITE *inserts million hearts* hehe. I doubt the gummies will last for more than a day an hour.

And that's it!  I hope it helps in making your camping experience a better one! If you have other essentials, go ahead and bring them along. Bring what you think is important and what you need most. Good luck and have fun! :)