Packing List for Students

Though we encourage you to pack as much as you can on this list, we do have essential items that your child is welcome to borrow, including extra shoes, rain gear, cold-weather layers, backpacks, and water bottles. We’ve been hosting guests on campus for decades, so if you forget to pack something, we will likely have a spare you can use!

  • A sleeping bag, OR blankets and single-bed sheets
  • Pillow with case
  • 1 large bath towel and 2 small washcloths
  • Body wash/soap
  • Shampoo
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Hairbrush
  • Notebook and pencils
  • 1-day backpack. Everyone will carry their own lunches on all-day hikes. Everyone will also carry notebook/pencils, extra socks, rain gear, water, etc. We prefer backpacks with padded straps (not rope).
  • 2 reusable water bottles with a secure-fitting lid. Please bring at least 24 oz. containers.
  • 1 pair of comfortable footwear for hiking. All shoes or boots should be broken in—nothing brand new!
  • 2–4 pairs of pants, depending on length of stay
  • 1–2 pairs of shorts, if needed during warm weather
  • Underwear for each day
  • 1 shirt per day
  • 1 sweater or fleece (year-round it gets cool in evenings)
  • 1 warm coat
  • 1 waterproof raincoat or poncho
  • 1 pair of pajamas
  • Warm gloves and hat, if colder weather
  • 1 pair of socks per day

Optional items:

  • 1 pair of comfortable sneakers not for hiking
  • 1 pair of old shoes for water shoes, closed-toed with heel strap
  • Camera
  • Stationery and stamps
  • Magnifying glass
  • Compass
  • Flashlight
  • Slippers or flip-flops for use in dorm

WHAT NOT TO BRING

  • Expensive and sentimental belongings
  • “Good” clothes or footwear
  • Food, snacks, gum, or candy
  • Speakers, video games, or other electronic/electrical equipment
  • Knives of any kind
  • Cigarettes, illegal drugs, alcohol

PACKING NOTES

  • Please bring as much on this list as you can. If needed, we have essential items to borrow for your visit.
  • Pack clothes and footwear that can get really dirty and wet! We will be outside for most of your stay.
  • We recommend that you label items with the student’s name.