This summer, I was lucky enough to attend CLTC 4.

Before CLTC, I thought I was prepared. I had heard all the stories, gotten advice from girls in my chapter and region who had been to CLTC before me, and spent way too much time trying to figure out exactly what I would need to pack. I checked the weather, asked for packing tips, and even searched through old Shofar articles to make sure I wasn't missing anything.

But somehow, packing for CLTC still felt impossible.

What do you actually need for camp? What are you going to wish you brought? And, more importantly, what are you going to wish you didn't bring?

After spending the summer at CLTC, I have a few tips that I wish I had known before I packed my bags. So, future CLTC attendees, here are some of the weird, unexpected, and actually useful things you should bring with you:

• Bring things you can throw out: bring things that can go in the trash like old shoes, old towels, etc… It will be very helpful for your trip home.

• A bag you can easily maneuver around camp yourself: when you give to CLTC you will have to be able to transport your bag from wherever it’s stored to your bunk.

• Weather can vary so bring layers: The weather can be warm and sunny one minute and cold and stormy the next so be prepared

• Bunks get very warm at night so a fan!

• Brings supplies to refresh clothes like tide pens or fabric spray: while you should bring enough clothes for the duration of camp, sometimes you may want to rewear sweatshirts or other clothes so bringing supplies so you can easily refresh clothes is really helpful.

• Extension cords: there’s limited outlets in the bunks and EVERYONE is bringing things that need to be charged.

• Don’t bring gum: I know it seems tempting but you will get it taken, so do you yourself a favor and don't bring it.

• Portable charger: you will bring your phone everywhere, and while you should be in the moment still bring a portable charger.

• A bag or backpack of some sort: It’s very helpful to bring a bag that you can use to carry your water bottle, sunglasses, portable charger, etc.

The BBYO packing list is an awesome place to start, but sometimes it's the things you don't expect that end up being the most useful.

And most importantly, don't stress. You've got this. Pack your bags, get ready for an incredible summer, and have so much fun at CLTC!