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General Packing List
 

You should always check the weather and have a rough idea of the activities of the day but here are some suggestions on what to bring to warm weather programs. Remember: there is no bad weather, only bad clothes!

Backpack: Just about anything will work as long as it has 2 straps and enough capacity. It will get wet/dirty so it is often better to not use the same pack for camp as school.​

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Extra clothes: Be careful how much space/weight they take up, but depending on weather, it can get cold in the summer, particularly if it’s raining a lot or after swimming. I like to add an extra (not cotton) shirt to my bag in case temperatures drop.

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Bathroom kit: Small roll of toilet paper/paper restaurant napkins and a tiny hand sanitizer in a plastic bag (Wet TP is no fun). Some people prefer baby wipes.

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Proper footwear: Plan on lots of hiking and exploring through all types of terrain like walking through rocky creeks and going swimming. A good pair of sandals (e.g. keens) that can be hiked in is best. Tennis shoes/ hiking boots paired with water shoes also work.

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Water: It's heavy but usually 32oz is the bare minimum you will need for a day. We will not have access to clean water and staying hydrated is super important! Consider some form of electrolytes (e.g, Gatorade, Nuun tablets).

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Snacks: Food that fuels the body and the soul! Plan to pack out all trash

 

Lunch: Please do not pack anything that needs refrigeration or needs to be cooked (unless cooking is specified in program)  

 

Utensils: Optional. You are always welcome to eat with your hands or make your own utensils as a project

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Tools: We will provide all tools needed but carrying and learning how to properly use and care for their own tool is a fantastic learning experience for kids and can make camp a lot of fun. Talk with mentors first please.

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Optional Items

 

• Duct tape or similar blister care. You don’t need much and you can wrap it around an old credit card or water bottle.

• Place to sit - I have a little piece of foam I sit on. Don't bring chairs but something super light and dry is nice if the ground is wet.

• 2-4 grocery bags to keep feet dry, collect trash, carry wet clothes, etc.

• Notebook/pen

• Large safety pin/carabiner for attaching wet clothes or shoes to outside of bag

• Material for projects- cool feathers, sticks, string, etc

• Magnifying glass

• Monocular

• Extra socks in a ziplock bag (so, so nice on wet, tired feet)

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Ideas For What To Bring When Picking Up Your Child

• Larger towel - they will likely be wet/muddy and excited :)

• Change of clothes

• Snacks

• Water

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Warm Weather

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Swimsuit: Quick dry shorts and a similar top are nice because no changing is required and they dry quickly.Sun protection: Hat, sunscreen, bandanna, long sleeve sun shirts, etc.

 

Bug protection: Long sleeves, wide brimmed hat, bug net, and bug spray (please be mindful of others when spraying it!!). I like the natural stuff that comes in smaller containers or the bracelets (space saving).​

 

Rain gear: A small umbrella or rain coat/poncho/hat work. Heavy duty trash bag with holes cut out also works in a pinch. Check weather before deciding on if it’s worth carrying around all day…it’s OK to get wet sometimes!​

 

Towel: Think small/medium size; full size towels take up a lot of space in a bag. I usually just use a cotton scarf or wear clothes that dry quickly. Remember Shamwows? Great tiny towel!

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Cold Weather

​Clothing: 

  • Warm dry boots or shoes 

  • 2-3 pair socks (preferably wool)

  • Warm hat 

  • Neck gator/scarf 

  • Gloves and or mittens (thin finger gloves pair well with waterproof mittens 

  • Moisture resistant bottoms (snow pants or canvas work pants/overalls) 

  • Baselayer top and bottom (wicking) long johns or similar 

  • Mid-layer, vest/sweater or shirt for weather changes or if they get wet) Down, fleece, and wool are preferred over cotton. 

  • Extra mid-layer (I like a long sleeve wool shirt or extra sweater packed in a waterproof bag) 

Backpack:

  • Enough capacity to carry extra layers and food. 

  • 2-3 grocery bags for trash and an ultralight way to keep feet dry.

 

Food: calories are good and will help keep them warm and happy. Meat, carbs, and sugar keep that internal warmer going! Recommended snacks aka mood enhancers: meatsticks, cheese sticks, nuts, candy, etc.  â€‹

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**Optional: Handwarmers, thermos with warm coco or soup, butt pad (dry place to sit), knife, tools, string/rope, journal, natural material (feathers bones etc.) 

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Pay close attention to the weather and don't overload your child with clothing that will make them uncomfortably warm but ensure they will be comfortable if the temps drop or they get wet. They will likely be moving a lot during the day. Layers give options to adapt to temp/weather throughout the day. Wool keeps much of its insulative properties even when wet. Keeping hands and feet dry and warm is often challenging but extra socks/gloves help.  Dry extremities, a wicking baselayer, a warm mid-layer, and a water-resistant outer layer will serve them well! 

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