What To Bring To Camp (Summer)

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 summer camp.

This list is meant to start you in the right direction and give you a better idea of what a day at camp will be like. 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.

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!

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.

Snacks: Plan to pack out all trash

Lunch: Please do not pack anything that needs refrigeration or needs to be cooked

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

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.

Swim suit: 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. Consider some form of electrolytes (e.g, Gatorade, Nuun tablets).

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!

Extra clothes: Be careful on 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.

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.

Optional Stuff

• 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)

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