It all depends on what type of camping you are doing. If you are going to be primitive camping your needs are going to be much different than if you are going to be in a campground with hook-ups. When I primitive camp I try to keep it light and efficient.
Shelter,food;unless you plan on eating fast food,cooking utensils,cooler,water,clothing,and bedroll make up the most basic needs. Now if you are not "roughing it" the sky is the limit as to what to take. I have seen people take TV's,and video games.
Campground camping offers all the comforts of home so take whatever makes you happy.
Well my experience tells me that all you need is a camping bagpack and fill it with only the basic stuff that you may need. I'll mention the stuff in points1) a tent2) a sleeping bag3) 2 trousers and 3 shirts not more than this4) cell powered torch5) a small handy knife6) you must have proper shoes for example diggers because you may have to hike and all that7) you must have a swimming costume because you may find very nice and irresistible spots to have a swim, have a look at my pic, the water was freezing cold but we just couldn't resist8) do not take portable video games with you that wouldn't let you have the real fun at your camping, discover other ways of fun and entertainment like make a bonfire etc etc9) never forget to take a raincoat with you it's very important10) you should have sunblocks and sunscreens11) take some nuts12) keep your appetite low 13)if you are going to cold place then you must have jackets and sweaters etc14) caps and hats and even sunglasses are helpful15) and the rest is random stuff like soap, toothbrush and tooth paste,towel and other random stuff that you think might be helpful.
I always take blankets pillows air mattressor something soft to put on ground for a bed food pans to cook food on drinks and fire wood.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.