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The Ultimate 2026 Sugar Bay Packing Guide: What Your Camper Actually Needs!

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Getting ready to send your child off to South Africa's top sleepaway camp? Whether you are making the drive down from Johannesburg or popping up the KZN coast from Durban, packing for camp can feel like a major mission. You want to make sure they have everything they need to survive a week of adventure without overpacking!


We have broken down the official Sugar Bay Camp packing list into a simple, highly scannable guide so your camper is prepped for every ropes course, river crossing, and weekly theme party.


Here is exactly what to pack—and what to leave at home:


The Golden Rules of Camp Packing:

Before you start filling that suitcase, keep these top tips in mind to make life easier for both you and your camper:


  • Keep it Casual (and Old!): Please do not pack fancy and/or expensive clothes. Your child will be doing things like skateboarding and muddy obstacle courses, so OLD clothes are best! They will probably not come home the same or at all.


  • One Smart Outfit: There is a dance at the end of the week for which you might want one nice outfit. Otherwise, keep it casual for the rest of the trip.


  • Pack Light & Smart: Since each child carries their luggage to their cabin and this is quite a long walk, pack as lightly as possible. If you are using Sugar Bay transport, stored luggage is limited to one medium sized bag per child bag plus one small day bag.


  • Longer Stays: If you are staying for two or more sessions, laundry will be done at the end of each session. You then need only to pack enough clothes for one (the longest) session.


  • Label EVERYTHING: Parents, please ensure that all items are clearly marked with your child's full name. Any lost property not claimed will be donated to charity.


  • Pack WITH Your Child: If a parent is packing please make sure your child knows exactly what s/he has in the bag. We suggest you actually include your packing check list in the bag, and advise your child to use it when packing to go home.


Strict Swimwear Policy:

To ensure the safety and comfort of all campers, please adhere to the following swimwear rules:


  • Girls: Full-body costume with swim shorts worn over it (No bikinis).

  • Boys: Swim shorts only (No speedos).


The Trusty "Day Bag" Essentials (Compulsory!):

Your child needs a small backpack or bag that is large enough to hold all the stuff that you will need each day but small enough to carry around easily. This bag is compulsory! Make sure it contains:


  • Serious Sun Protection: Pack a peak or sunhat. You also need sunblock lotion of at least SPF30 and enough for two 30ml applications EVERY day - at least 450ml!


  • Hydration: A sturdy waterbottle.


  • Action Footwear: Takkies or trainers are strictly compulsory for the ropes course. They will also need strops or rockshoes that must not come off when crossing a river and must have grip for walking on slippery rocks.


Meds & Optional Camp Comforts:

  • Emergency Medication: Two sets of all prescribed allergy or chronic medication (eg: asthma pump, cortisone or Epipens) are required even if not used recently, as this is a highly pollinated area. One will go with your child in the day bag and the other will be kept in the Health centre. Please pack each set in a clear labelled ziplock bag.


  • Mossie Defence: We have lots of mossies here, so insect repellent like Peaceful Sleep spray seems to work the best. You can also pack Stingose or an equivalent for mossie bites.


  • Tuck Shop Treats: We sell snacks in our camp-store, but some kids like to bring food from home. Please ensure that any food is packed in one large zip-lock bag and ensure that nothing is perishable.


What to Leave at Home (The "Do Not Bring" List):

Save yourself the hassle and keep these out of the suitcase entirely:


  • Tech and Toys: We do not allow cellphones to be used at Sugar Bay, as they disrupt the program and inhibit your child from focusing on the present and making new friends. However, we know it is a long trip! Campers can bring cellphones for their journey to camp via flight or the Sandton bus. These phones will be handed in and kept safe upon arrival, and returned to the camper on departure.


  • Banned Items: Vuvuzelas are just too noisy for our feathered friends and neighbours. And no knives or chewing gum for obvious reasons.


  • Sickness: If your child is suffering from a contagious illness, please do not come to camp. These germs spread rapidly in the cabins and end up spoiling the holiday for everyone.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):


Can my child bring their cellphone to camp? No. We do not allow cellphones to be used at Sugar Bay, as they disrupt the program and inhibit your child from focusing on the present and making new friends. However, we know it is a long trip! Campers can bring cellphones for their journey to camp via flight or the Sandton bus. These phones will be handed in and kept safe upon arrival, and returned to the camper on departure.


How much luggage are they allowed to bring? If you are using Sugar Bay transport, stored luggage is limited to one medium-sized bag per child, plus one small day bag.


Do I need to buy a sleeping bag? Sleeping bags are only required for when there is a Camp out excursion.


What happens to items that are not labelled? If an item is discovered without a name, we reserve the right to write your child's name on the item with a black permanent marker. Any lost property that is not claimed will be donated to charity.


Got questions? Don't hesitate to reach out:



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