Summer Camp Pack List

Summer Camp 2024 (Grades 1-8) Pack List - Printable Copy

BEING PREPARED = BEING SAFE

Summer camps take place outdoors in every kind of weather. Please use the following list as a guide before your outing. Your packing list may change depending on the weather, but keep in mind that Pacific Northwest (PNW) weather can shift to cool, wet, and cloudy at any time of year. We encourage campers to try and pack everything themselves. Learning how to pack and prepare is an important skill!

Please note: Wild Whatcom reserves the right to turn children/families away who are not safely dressed for the weather. Mentors will bring some extra gear, but we request you let us know at least five (5) days prior to your outing if you need to borrow gear/clothing.

LOANER GEAR

Wild Whatcom has loaner gear available. You do not need to purchase gear to participate in our programs. To request loaner gear, please fill out this form and we will reach out to you. Please let us know at least five (5) days prior to your outing if you need to borrow gear/clothing.

PREPARING FOR YOUR OUTING

Sleep well the night before: Outdoor adventure requires lots of energy!

Check the weather forecast before each outing: Don't depend on what the weather looks like outside your window before you leave! Practice paying attention to, and predicting, weather.

Check your outing location/activity: Different types of terrain (beach, forest, hike) require different gear. If specific gear is needed for a particular activity, mentors will alert you ahead of time via email.

DRESSING AND PACKING FOR AN OUTING

Clothing Layers + Shoes/Boots

Socks

Shirt: Short or long-sleeved. Light weight material (synthetic or cotton).

Zip-off Pants or Shorts

Lightweight or Fleece Jacket

Pants: Thickness depends on temperature. Long pants are great when exploring brambles, buggy, or rocky places.

Sun Hat or Baseball Hat

Sunglasses

Walking Shoes or Hiking Boots

Rain Jacket and Rain Pants: The PNW is known to get rain - even in summer! Check the weather and pack rain gear when needed. Essential for rainy days and after rainy days when it is wet in the forest.

Gear and Personal Items

Backpack (Optional Waist Belt): Carrying all necessary items means a full pack. A waist belt helps carry the load and is better for your posture and strength but is not required.

Water Bottle (32 oz minimum) or Bladder: We do not always have access to drinking water, so bring enough for the whole outing!

Lunch and Snack

Journal and pen/pencil (Optional)

Bandana (Optional): Lots of potential uses

Weather/Outing Dependent

On warm days, we often get in the water! Check your daily camp location and pack the following for any days near a beach/lake/creek, etc., or just bring gear to drop-off and check in with mentors to determine if it’s needed.

Swimsuit (and/or change of clothes)

Closed Toed Water Shoes (Old sneakers work great!)

Pack Towel

Plastic/Garbage Bags: Great for storing wet clothing.