Investing in gear at this age is a tough call. We recognize that our participants are still growing, and outdoor clothing can be expensive. We recommend buying mid-range items or second-hand high-quality items. Sourcing clothing from thrift stores or used gear sales is a great option for Wanapitei campers!

It is essential that all items (clothing and gear) be well labelled with the camper’s name. We recommend Mabels Labels! They sell full custom label kits and 30% of purchases made through their link are donated to the Wanapitei Camper Bursary Fund.

Equipment and Gear

• 1 PFD – ensure it is in GOOD shape, comfortable and government-approved.  Check seams and quality of material for sun damage.
• 1 flatwater paddle (optional) – we provide paddles free of charge for Trail Blazer campers for the duration of their stay, but campers are welcome to bring their own.
•  2 whistles – one on their lifejacket and one for around their neck/wrist 
• 1 sleeping bag – A synthetic filled sleeping bag (rather than a down-filled one) is more practical for this age group. It is cheaper, dries much faster, and is more durable. A temperature rating as low as -3 Celsius is recommended.
• 1 sleeping pad (Therm-A-Rest style) – Foam pads are cheaper but less comfortable and less warm. Inflatable Therm-A-Rest style pads are more expensive, but they are comfortable and keep the body warmer and worth investing in if your child will be returning to camp
• 1 backpack – a daypack (<30L) is sufficient for a Trail Blazer trip. Personal items will  be stored in dry bags (see below) in larger communal packs for the canoe trip. If your child has a larger tripping pack (40L-plus) they are welcome to bring it.
• 1 dry bag – approximately 30-40L. This should hold a change of clothes,  pajamas, toiletries, sleeping bag and pad (basically what is going on the canoe trip).  Make sure they are in good shape and waterproof. These will be placed in the camper’s personal pack, if they have one,  or in the communal group packs. Do NOT bring garbage bags as waterproofing. Please label the outside of the drybag with the camper’s name! 
• 1 sheet for bunk (optional) – Our bunks are single mattresses without bedding.  Campers will sleep in their sleeping bags, but sheets are optional as well.
• 1 small pillow (optional) – for in camp
• 1 flashlight/headlamp – and extra batteries (headlamp is recommended)
• 1 mug – metal or plastic, used for hot drinks and soup. 
• 1L water bottle – metal or Nalgene, labelled with the camper’s name
• 1 pair of sunglasses and attachment string 
• 1 towel – cotton or quick dry for in camp 

Clothing

Cotton on trip is cumbersome and at times dangerous. When wet it uses the body’s heat to dry itself, causing the person wearing the cotton to become colder. Thus, we ask that campers do not bring cotton on trip (in camp is fine!). We recommend that campers bring clothes made of quick dry or wicking materials. These clothes dry fast and keep the wearer warm. Good materials to look out for are fleece for sweaters, merino wool or polypropylene for long johns and shirts, and quick dry for shorts and pants.  

• 2 pairs of shoes – both pairs can be light-weight, but one should be in good condition for hiking. Both pairs should be closed toed. 
• 1 rain jacket – Must be waterproof. Breathable is recommended, though not imperative. 
• 1 pair of rain pants – Not optional! Must be waterproof. Breathable is recommended, though not imperative. Rubber rain paints are sufficient.
• 1 bug jacket – a baseball hat is recommended for under the bug jacket to keep the mesh away from the face. 
• 5 t-shirts/tank tops
• 2 long-sleeve shirts – quick dry material is best.
• 2 sweaters – one for light day use, one for warmth in the evening. Both must be wool or fleece, no cotton. 
• 1 pair of quick dry/light weight pants – no jeans or sweatpants.
• 1 pair of quick dry/light weight shorts  
• 2 pairs of pants – for in camp. Can be cotton. 
• 2 pairs of shorts – for in camp. Can be cotton. 
• 1 pair of long johns – base-layer merino wool or polyester
• 10 pairs of socks – at least three pairs should be wool 
• 10 pairs of underwear 
• 1 sunhat – consider packing two if your child is prone to losing things.
• 1 toque – wool or fleece. 
• 1 bathing suit 
• 2 sets of light pyjamas or sleeping clothes

Toiletries

• sunscreen – must have, should be waterproof 
• lip balm with SPF 
• insect repellent/bug spray 
• toothbrush and toothpaste 
• hairbrush and hair ties – if applicable 
• Pull-ups – if your child is prone to bed wetting
• soap – liquid, biodegradable soap (i.e. Campsuds)
• contact solution/extra contacts/extra glasses – if applicable
• personal medications – should be given to the camp staff at the bus before  boarding or, if you are driving to camp, to the camp office.

Optional Items

• 1 pair sandals – For in camp, opened toed shoes are ok
• fishing gear 
• book(s) to read 
• journal/writing material– include a list of addresses or pre-addressed envelopes for letters home. 
• 1 small, quick dry towel 
• 1 camera and waterproof case 
• musical instrument 
• playing cards 
• favourite stuffed animal! 

What NOT to Bring

• food – due to allergies and wild animals, we do not allow any food items in the  cabins. Any food sent to camp will be confiscated and not returned.
• cellphones – our technology policy does not allow cellphones at camp or on trip.  If your camper needs a phone for travel to and from camp, we will store it in the  office for the duration of their stay. We ask that you send your camper with a camera or other non-cellphone form of technology for taking photos.
• valuables – we cannot be responsible for lost or damaged belongings.