Staff Packing List

 

The list below is a suggested packing list and tips compiled by former staff. 

Note:

  • Many staff like to pack for the whole summer, but remember, you will have breaks between sessions to do laundry, restock, get stuff that you realized you want or need.

  • You will have space in Elwha to store your stuff and settle in for the summer (but it’s not unlimited space so don’t bring your whole closet).

While there is a washer and dryer at camp, it’s meant for kitchen supplies. Sometimes the head cook can give staff a time to use it if they need it, but don’t count on it.

Clothing

Pants
(jeans, sweats, yoga pants, carharts, etc.)
Shorts
T-Shirts, tanktops, long-sleeved shirts Sports jerseys (like the old school reversable basketball jerseys) are great for overnights -- the synthetic dries super fast. Also they show everyone your pride for the ol’ 2002/2003 AAU team, which is very important
Sweatshirts, warm layers Synthetic (fleece, polyester,e tc.) and wool are awesome for overnights when you might get wet but need to stay warm. Cotton is always super nice to have for after overnights or colder nights
Raincoat / rain pants
Hats Both for warmth and for being in the sun
Socks, underwear, etc.
Swimsuits You’ll live in these. Some people like real suits, some like a combo of sports bras / quick dry tanks / rash guards and spandex shorts
Closed-toed shoes For the challenge course, some nature activities. I like to bring my work boots too.
Water shoes / boat shoes Crocs, chacos, lunas, neoprene booties are all great
Costumes We have several, but feel free to bring any you can’t live without. We’ll brainstorm themes during staff training, so you can always collect costumes after that if you care about their relevance

Organization/Packing

Small daypack
Duffles / Bin / laundry basket Many staff prefer to pack in laundry baskets or bins instead of bags. Barbie suggests a bin with a lid to keep the Elwha spiders out of your stuff.

Instruments

Guitars, tambos, mandolins, little drums, etc. are great for sundown and campfire Keep in mind that the saltwater air and temperature variations are not the kindest on most instruments

Overnight Supllies

Sleeping pad
Drybags of various sizes / otter boxes These aren’t necessary, but a lot of staff like to have bigger one one for their clothes and then a small one for their wallet, sunscreen, snacks, etc.

Personal Items

Meds
Sunscreen, bug spray, chapstick, lotion, etc.
Shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc. Dr. Bronners or other biodegradable soaps are good if you prefer a spigot shower to waiting for campers to finish after lemming runs
Toothbrush, toothpaste
Headlamp / flashlight
Sleeping bag
Pillow
Towels Consider bringing a few. You will often be in and out of the water all day.
Drybags of various sizes / otter boxes These aren’t necessary, but a lot of staff like to have bigger one one for their clothes and then a small one for their wallet, sunscreen, snacks, etc.

Miscellaneous

Books In addition to any you want to read for yourself, bring any that you want to use for cabin duty. We have some, but you may get sick of them. Bring any you have as resources for morning reflections too.
Whistle We have several at camp, but it’s nice to have your own for when you’re lifeguarding, spotting, or on overnights
Cell phone While we don’t use these with the campers around, there is decent service at Gallagher. You will also need it for overnights.
Special food / snacks If you have dietary needs, Nato will work with you, but many of us like to bring extra snacks or staples we know we will want throughout the weeks.
Sunglasses with chums Any work fine but I like to have at least a pair or two of cheap ones so I can wear them in the water/on overnights without worrying about them getting saltwatered or lost.
Twin bed sheet When you’re in-camp staying in the same location for a couple of nights it’s nice to place a fitted sheet over the mattress.
Camp chair Crazy creeks or the like can be nice for overnights.