Equipment List

There is never bad weather only bad clothing.

NECESSARY ITEMS

****RAINCOAT OR PONCHO (even better with a hood!)****

*rain pants are very helpful too

*warm jacket

*shoes/boots/sneakers for hiking PLEASE NOTE WE REQUIRE CLOSED

TOED SHOES FOR ALL OF OUR INVESTIGATIONS! Crocs or flip-flops are

not acceptable footwear for hiking.

*socks: warm and abundant!

*heavy sweater (fleece is best, it works when wet! or wool.)

*warm shirts

*long and short sleeve lightweight shirts

*3-4 long pants

*pajamas

*underwear

*towel and shower items

*warm sleeping bag or warm sheets

*pillow

*hat/cap/bandanna

*flashlight

*2-3 pens or pencils

*day pack

*Water bottle (one liter soda bottles work beautifully)

NOTE: Wool blankets and pillows (if you don’t bring one) are supplied by

Keewaydin.

OPTIONAL ITEMS

*long underwear (for early spring or late fall)

*rubber boots for wet walking

*reading book

*letter writing material, stamped

*bathrobe and slippers

*camera and film

*binoculars

*musical instruments

*sunglasses

*chapstick

*bathing suit

*shoes/sandals to wear in water (no flip-flops please)

*shower shoes

*fishing poles

*insect repellant

DO NOT BRING ( NOT allowed!- You will be asked to leave camp if found with these items)

*food, candy, gum, drinks

*radios, cassette players, CD players, etc.

*knives

*electronic games, cell phones, any electronic device

It is essential that your child is properly equipped for an active week of

outdoor exploration while at KEEC. Our ‘classroom’ is out-of-doors and we’ll be in it rain or shine. The cabins and dining hall are heated with wood stoves; however, in early spring or late fall, it can be quite cool, even inside the buildings. These seasons also present us with all kinds of fun moisture. It is VITAL your child be prepared. We are learning to appreciate nature with all of its diversity and it is important that your child be prepared and as comfortable as possible.

Packing for this experience can be a great lesson for your child and one that

will have a lasting impact all week. Packing is a very important step. Your child

needs to bring as few things as possible without sacrificing comfort and basic needs.

This can be a creative process. Your child should learn what is functional and what is luxury, what is essential and what is unnecessary. Simplicity is the rule of

thumb. Packing old, dark clothes is best as we will be sitting on the ground, rocks, limbs; whatever we find, wherever we go. If you’re worried about something being stained, don’t send it.

Feet deserve special mention since we will be on them all week. Functional,

comfortable shoes are VITAL at all times on campus. We do a lot of hiking, wet and

dry. Dry, warm feet are the best feet around. A lot of socks and 2-3 pair of

shoes/boots would be perfect. Awareness of the state of the earth in context with

mud and moisture could be helpful when packing.

Nature’s classroom also presents us with an abundant amount of mosquitoes

at times. It is helpful for your child to dress appropriately and to bring insect

repellent. Jean-weight pants, long sleeve shirts and long socks and bandannas for necks and ankles are invaluable protection against bug bites.

We suggest packing in one piece of luggage in addition to a day pack since

space on the school bus and in cabins is limited. Pack sheets and essentials for the first day last to make unpacking easier.

Knowing how to dress for the elements is a key part in enjoying your

surroundings. Layering is essential; buying new things is not. We do not want you to buy anything for this one week, which will not be used at other times. Please borrow anything on the list that you don’t have. And don’t forget to:

LABEL! LABEL! LABEL! LABEL! LABEL! LABEL! LABEL! LABEL! LABEL!

LABEL! LABEL!

Thank you for allowing your child to be a part of this experience!