LEADERSHIP - YMCA of Greater Toronto

What to Bring to CampPacking for camp is an important part of the preparationprocess. You may have many questions about what you’llneed, especially as you head out on a canoe trip (maybefor the first time). Below are suggested packing lists forliving in your cabin or yurt, as well as for your canoe tripexperience. There’s limited storage space in your livingarea, and you will be sharing space with other leadershipparticipants, so packing efficiently is important. Someof the items that you pack for the canoe trip can also beused for daily camp life, and vice versa.You’ll notice that we suggest non-cotton items for thecanoe trip as much as possible. There are two mainreasons for this. First, once cotton gets wet it takesa long time to dry and becomes very heavy. Second,wearing wet cotton items will not keep you warm, butwearing wet fleece or wool items will.Do your best to be resourceful and find items at homethat you can use. Second-hand stores are also a greatplace to pick up affordable clothing choices for acanoe trip. Remember that what you bring on trip willget dirty and worn, so pack wisely — don’t bring yourfavourite, most expensive outfit along!• Pillow/sheets/comforter/duvet (optional for use incamp), sleeping bag (necessary for canoe trip)• Eyeglasses/contacts if required (bring an extra pair toleave with the wellness coordinator, just in case)• 2 pairs of close-toed running shoes (one will get weton trip), and 1 pair of sturdy sandals with a heel strap(note: flip-flops and Crocs are not permitted at camp)• Medications if required (to leave with wellnesscoordinator)• Raincoat with a hood and rain pants (not windbreakeror poncho style, please)• Sunhat and sunscreen• 4 heavy socks (wool or fleece — not cotton)• 6 – 8 pairs of light socks• 10 – 12 pairs of underwear• 3 pairs of long pants — at least one non-cotton forcanoe trip• 4 pairs of shorts — at least one non-cotton for canoe trip• 4 long-sleeved shirts — at least one non-cotton forcanoe trip• 3 sweaters — at least one wool or fleece for canoe trip• 1 jacket• 2 towels• 2 pairs of pajamas• Toothbrush and toothpaste• Hair brush, hair elastics, etc.• Sunglasses• Flashlight with extra batteries• Refillable, reusable water bottle (at least 1 litre in size)Note: Leadership campers will have the opportunity todo some laundry during their session.Optional/suggested items:• Writing paper, envelopes and stamps to write home• Musical instruments• Books, journals, pens• Camera• Rubber boots• Insect repellent• Small backpack for carrying belongings around sitePlease do not bring:• Matches, lighters, pocket knives• Cell phones or pagers• Electronic toys or devices (e.g. Nintendo, iPod, laptopcomputers, etc.)• Candy, gum, snacks, soft drinks, junk food• Curling irons, hair dryers, etc.• ValuablesThere are two main reasons that we ask you to leaveelectronics at home. First, they are generally a littlefragile and don’t stand up well to the camp life (i.e.getting wet, being left outside, dropped off bunks, etc.).Second, they are very individual. It’s hard to be partof a group experience when you are plugged into youriPod, texting on your phone, etc. Remember that yourleadership experience is about participating and takingadvantage of learning opportunities and being a partof camp life. Electronics do not contribute to this feelingof community.Note: YMCA Cedar Glen has a zero tolerance policyfor possession of firearms and possession and/orconsumption of alcohol, tobacco and non-prescriptiondrugs. Any participant found in possession of theseitems of found to have consumed these items while atcamp or involved in any camp program will be requiredto meet with the camp director, which may result inbeing dismissed from the program.