what to bring: Example List
Whether this is your first time camping or you've been camping for decades, please take a brief look through this list as it also addresses shelter types, outhouses, potable water, etc.
Camping & Shelters
Bring what you need to be comfortable, Think Weather Proofing!
Clothing Suggestions
The weather changes quickly in Canada. Remember: There may be sun, there may be rain, and you still may get cold at night or when wet.
Bring what you need to be comfortable, Think layers!
Self-Care
Suggested Gear & Other Items
In general, skills are worth more than gear. But it's still good to be prepared!
Bring what you need to be comfortable, Think Safety and Fun!
Water
Remember, we may not always be near a safe drinkable water source.
Bring what you need to be comfortable, Think Hydration!
Food & Cooking
Bring what you need to be comfortable, Think Portability!
Bring what you need to be comfortable, Think Weather Proofing!
- Tents: Woodland space will be available for you to set up a tent.
- Shelters: You are also welcome to build yourself a shelter to sleep in. We recommend bringing a back-up tent just in case.
Clothing Suggestions
The weather changes quickly in Canada. Remember: There may be sun, there may be rain, and you still may get cold at night or when wet.
Bring what you need to be comfortable, Think layers!
- Extra wool sweaters and socks.
- Long, loose-fitting shirt and pants to protect from scratches, insect bites (mosquitoes, ticks, etc) and sun.
- Wide-brimmed hat.
- Rain gear.
- Comfortable hiking shoes, boots, or moccasins (our preferred outdoor footwear).
- If you can positively identify poison ivy, you are welcome to walk barefoot.
- Bathing suit optional.
Self-Care
- Come prepared for minimal luxuries but ample nature-connection opportunities.
- There will be no running water available, however there will be water nearby from a running creek and a 10 minute walk to a lake and beach for swimming, cooling off and basic washing
Suggested Gear & Other Items
In general, skills are worth more than gear. But it's still good to be prepared!
Bring what you need to be comfortable, Think Safety and Fun!
- Flashlight or headlamp (even if you don't use it).
- Fixed-blade knife if you plan to do any carving or bushcraft.
- Emergency whistle, just in case.
- Compass, if you have one.
- Rope or para-chord.
- Fire strikers or other fire-making materials.
- First-aid gear.
- Musical instruments okay for outdoor use.
- Notebooks, field guides, cards, or other things you'd like to do or share.
Water
Remember, we may not always be near a safe drinkable water source.
Bring what you need to be comfortable, Think Hydration!
- Bring a water cooler if you have one.
- Always have a reusable water bottle with you.
- Remember to fill your water bottle before a hike and before bed.
- Water from the stream can be boiled for tea or coffee - but must be brought to a ROLLING BOIL if you don't want to get sick!
Food & Cooking
Bring what you need to be comfortable, Think Portability!
- Plan for as many meals as you will need, plus any snacks to bring on hikes.
- Remember: Days spent outdoors make us hungrier than days spent sitting at a desk.
- Camping stove, as needed.
- Camp fire pits will be provided for you to cook over - subject to fire bans.
- Bring what you need for cooking and serving. (i.e. pots, plates, cutlery)
- Consider bringing some pre-cooked meals to give you more time for skills, unless of course one of the skills you hope to practice is campfire cooking!
- Water from the stream can be boiled for soup or other recipes - but must be brought to a ROLLING BOIL if you don't want to get sick! Let's avoid "Beaver Fever".
