Summer Camp Pack list
Wild Whatcom summer camps take place outdoors in every kind of weather. Being prepared is one of the many life skills we teach. In the outdoors,
Being Prepared = Being Safe
Our view is that there is no “bad” weather. If we make good clothing choices, we’ll be warm, dry, and comfortable in all conditions. We don't spend much time indoors at camp – our clothing is our shelter!
Please use the following list as a guide. The choices you make to be prepared will change depending on the weather, but keep in mind that Northwest weather can shift to cool, wet, and cloudy at any time of year. Check the forecast for the day and be prepared for the weather to change at any time during an outing. It's a good idea to pack your gear the night before camp. For camps with an overnight, note we only spend sleeping time in tents.
Families! Please read over this list and try to have your child pack everything themselves. Learning how to pack one's own pack is an important skill. Every outing tests preparedness, but occasionally nature gives us a day where we're outside in wet and cold conditions for hours at a time - even in summer!
Note: All items listed below can typically be found in local thrift stores. We also have loaner gear. Please let us know if you need anything from this list.
Summer Camp - Daily Pack list
Comfortable backpack
Carrying enough items to be prepared can mean a full pack. A waist belt helps carry the load, but is not required. A large, plastic garbage sack can be used as an emergency pack cover, raincoat, or sit-upon.
Lunch and snacks
Campers should come well fed before an outing. It can be up to 2 hours before we take a break. Please also bring enough food for the outing duration. On cold days, consider packing warm soup/drink.
Filled Water bottle or Thermos (24 oz recommended)
Sunscreen (Camp staff will have sunscreen available as well)
Sunglasses
Bandana and/or Buff
Hat (with a brim)
Gloves or Mittens
Weight depending on weather forecast. Overnight camp? Bring warm gloves or mittens. We have mittens to borrow. Please let us know if you need some.
Walking Shoes or Hiking Boots – Sturdy, warm, and waterproof
Journal and pen/pencil/markers
Clothing
You can take layers off, but you can't put on what you don't have! Cotton, wool/wool blend, poly or athletic/technical fabrics are great choices, but not essential. See our Essentials of Layering. We have clothes available for loan. Please let us know if you need something.
Socks and Underwear
Overnight camp? Bring an extra pair of socks and undergarments.
Shirt - Short or long-sleeved
Zip-off Pant or Shorts and Lightweight Pant
Fleece Pants or Long Pants
Thickness needed depends on temperature. Long pants are great when exploring brambles, buggy, or rocky places. Overnight camp? Bring a warm pair of long pants.
Lightweight or Fleece Jacket
Thickness needed depends on temperature. Long sleeves are great when exploring brambles, buggy, or rocky places. Cotton hoodies discouraged. Overnight camp? Bring a warmer jacket.
Rain Jacket and Rain Pants
Thin rain jackets can get soaked fast in a downpour, so be sure yours can handle hours of rainfall. Rain pants are useful even when it's not raining. We sit on the ground a lot + walk through wet plants!
Optional
Water Shoes (Close-toed)
Check your daily camp itinerary for any days at the beach/lake/creek, etc.
Swimsuit and Small Towel
Check your daily camp itinerary for outings that may offer option to swim/wade. Consider packing a plastic bag for wet items.
Note: All items can be found at local thrift stores. For loaner gear or questions, please contact us.
Overnight Camp Pack List
In addition to the daily pack list above, please pack these items on the day of your camp overnight:
Sleeping Bag - rated 35 degrees or warmer
If possible, please compress bag as much as possible and store in a stuff sack.
Sleeping Pad
Roll tightly and/or store in a stuff sack.
Pillow (Optional)
A camp-size inflatable pillow or just your extra clothing work well.
Set of base layer clothes for Friday
Warm Hat
Headlamp
Bowl, Mug, and Spoon and/or Spork
PJ's
Toiletries
Toothbrush/Toothpaste
Medications (if any). Please complete a Medications form and bring to camp.
Small comfort stuffed animal (just one please!)
Anything else your common sense tells you is needed to be prepared for camp or an overnight!