Eagle’s Nest Staff Suggested Packing List

Some things to keep in mind when packing for the summer:

1. You will work hard and get dirty, so leave delicate clothing and jewelry at home.
2. The weather varies greatly from night to day, and throughout the summer, at the beginning of the summer, nights can be pretty chilly (around 55°F or 12°C). Make sure to bring warm layers.
3. Personal storage is limited to one set of four small shelves per staff member and underneath your bed.
4. It is much easier to keep your area clean if you limit your packing to the necessities!
5. It is a good idea to label your clothes and toiletries.
6. Keep it simple and lean more towards under packing than over packing. We have many stores in close proximity if you need to buy things during the summer.
7. Eagle’s Nest has a Gear Lending Library (GLL). If you do not already own some of the items on the packing list, we may be able to lend you something for the summer.
8. It rains a LOT in Pisgah Forest, it’s always nice to have two pairs of closed toed shoes so you never have to wear wet shoes.

All Staff Campout Packing List

Clothing considerations: We will layer our clothing for warmth and protection from the elements (always expect a high probability of rain). We use either synthetic or wool fibers, which keep you warm when wet. We avoid cotton, which is poor insulation when wet.  Whether or not you believe you will be cold or warm, bring all of these required layers. We can advise on the best combination for our trip and this summer. 

Required (Unless noted optional)

• Upper Body Layers:
  • Tshirt: Lightweight synthetic shirt
  • Long sleeve shirt: Synthetic for when it gets cold
  • Mid Layer: Fleece pullover
  • Rain Layer: Waterproof with hood
  • Sports Bra: Synthetic
• Lower Body Layers
  • Shorts: Synthetic athletic or river shorts
  • Long pants: Synthetic for when it gets cold.
  • Rain Pants (optional but recommended)
  • Underwear: Ideally synthetic and breathable
• Head, Neck, and Hands
  • Baseball Hat or Wide Brim Hat for sun protection
  • Wool or Fleece Hat for warmth
• Feet
  • Closed toe shoes: Sneakers, trainers, any shoe that is closed toe and durable. Closed toe shoes are required for cooking.
  • Socks: Wool socks are recommended but any socks will do. 2 pairs in case it rains. 
• Sleeping
  • Sleeping bag: Synthetic-fill
  • Compression Sack: This will make your sleeping bag small and packable
  • Sleeping pad: you may borrow from ENF if needed
• Equipment
  • Bag to transport all necessary items
  • Water Bottles: We recommend two 1-Liter bottles. 
• Miscellaneous
  • Head Lamp/Flashlight
  • Notebook and Pen
  • Toiletries: Sunscreen, Lip balm, Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Etc.
  • Personal Medications: Including EpiPens and Inhalers even if you rarely use them
• Optional
  • Pocketknife
  • Crazy Creek or other Camp Chair
  • Bandana

These items do not need to be in addition to what you are already packing for camp. If you do not already own an item, that is okay. Many of these items can be borrowed from camp. If you are feeling nervous about a campout, please reach out to any member of the A-Team.

Dress Code 

At Eagle’s Nest we have a dress and appearance code because we want everyone to feel comfortable and safe interacting with others, no matter what they are wearing. We also want clothing to be functional with our active camp lifestyle. Clothing choices often represent the many facets of a participant’s identity including ethnicity, culture, religious beliefs, gender identity and others. Be careful not to shame or objectify campers because of their dressing choices, but also have boundaries for what they can wear. Model that for them.  All participants should wear clothing at camp and on Hante Adventures that is comfortable and allows them to be authentically who they are while also being respectful of the comfort levels of others. We want to make sure our clothing fits the environment we are in: an outdoor-focused summer camp.

We expect staff and participants to dress in a manner that is functional and appropriate for a community of children and teens. Clothing should cover and be able to continue to cover private parts and undergarments (with the exception of waist bands and shoulder straps) regardless of the activity. Fabric covering private parts may not be mesh or see through. Except when swimming, participants and staff should always wear a shirt (shirts and dresses must have sides, a front and straps / fabric over the shoulders, and must cover undergarments with the exception of bra straps and waist bands), shorts, skirts, dresses or pants (that cover buttocks) and shoes. For swimming, participants should wear bathing suits that cover and continue to cover private areas, and may not be see-through. Bathing suits can be one-piece, two pieces, shorts and a sports bra or any combination. Campers should not wear clothing that advertises tobacco/vaping products or alcohol, or wear articles of clothing containing profanity, sexual connotations, racial slurs, hate speech or negative messages. Body piercings should not create safety issues and participants or staff will be asked to remove jewelry that does create a safety issue.

DOWNLOAD PDF VERSION HERE