Find Your Gear
Find a list of what to pack and what not to pack for your BOLD & GOLD, Overnight Camp, or Orkila Expedition this summer with the Y.
Summer Overnight Camp
Tips
- Participants should be able to carry their own luggage to their cabins. Avoid overpacking.
- Label all belongings with your participant’s first and last name, including bedding.
- Clothing should be tolerant of water, mud, and fun – nothing new or expensive!
- All items on the clothing list are important at camp, especially the rain gear and warm layers.
- Closed-toe shoes are required for some activities, including the challenge course.
Please adjust as needed for multi-week programs. Only Orkila CITs and OSIs will have the opportunity to do laundry.
- 40-degree or warmer sleeping bag. (An easily packable, synthetic bag is preferred. Please do not bring cotton sleeping bags. They tend to be bulky and, once wet, tend to stay wet.)
- Pillow with pillowcase
- One bath towel and washcloth
- One beach towel
- 1-2 pairs of pants
- 2-4 pairs of shorts
- 5-6 shirts
- 7-10 pairs of underwear
- 7-10 pairs of socks
- Raincoat or poncho with hood
- Pajamas or sleepwear
- Sunhat or baseball cap
- Swimsuit
- Two pairs of comfortable closed-toe walking shoes. (Shoes must have backstraps. Flip-flops are not allowed except inside the cabin or at the waterfront.)
- Comb and/or hairbrush, pick, hair ties
- Shampoo/conditioner
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Soap or body wash
- Deodorant
- Sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher
- Flashlight
- Personal water bottle
- Backpack or cinch sack to carry belongings day-to-day
Helpful Extras
- Sunglasses
- Swim goggles
- Shower shoes (flip flops ok)
- Laundry bag
- Book or playing cards
- Writing paper, pens, and self-addressed and stamped envelopes for letters home
- Photo from home
- Comfort item
- Disposable camera with name on it
- Insect repellant
- Lip balm
- White or light-colored T-shirt for tie-dye
- Dress up or silly clothes for special events
Keep at Home
To keep camp fun and safe, we ask that you leave these items at home:
- Electronics: Cell phones, smart watches, laptop computers, e-readers, tablets, music players, or anything else with a screen. We maintain an unplugged, non-screen environment.
- Food of any kind, including candy or chewing gum. All snacks are provided.
- Money, jewelry, or expensive items
- Any item considered dangerous, including knives, guns, weapons, fireworks, matches, or lighters.
- Alcohol or illegal drugs of any kind
- Tobacco products, in any form, including e-cigarettes and vapes
- Animals or pets of any kind
- Skateboards, bicycles, scooters, rollerblades, roller skates, and other personal sports equipment
- Vehicles. Teen campers are not allowed to drive themselves to or from camp and must be checked in by a parent or guardian.
High Altitude Leadership 2.0, Leadership Development Institute, Leadership Development Institute 2.0, Counselors in Training, Orkila Summer Interns
We suggest adjusting the packing list information for one-week sessions to reflect the number of weeks participants are at camp. Participants in LDI 2.0, CIT, and OSI programs will have access to laundry - bags and detergent will be provided.
Participants in LDI and LDI 2.0 will also have a kayaking portion of the program. For more information, please refer to pages 18-20 in the Summer Program Handbook.
San Juan Kayaking, San Juan Kayaking 2.0, Leadership Development Institute, Leadership Development Institute 2.0, Islanders
- 1 pair of comfortable shoes (such as tennis shoes) to wear at campsites
- Baselayer: 1 pair of long underwear, top and bottom (wool, Capilene, or polypropylene)
- Midlayer: 2 pairs of long pants (1 pair of non-cotton, synthetic, quick-drying)
- Midlayer: 1 long-sleeved synthetic/wool top
- Top layer: 1 warm fleece, sweater, or jacket (wool or synthetic)
- Rain jacket and rain pants (no ponchos)
- 4 pairs of socks (wool or synthetic preferred)
- Underwear (enough to last through the length of the program)
- 2 pairs of shorts
- 4 T-shirts (at least 1-2 non-cotton, synthetic)
- Shoes or sports sandals for the water (Tevas, sandals, Crocs, water shoes, Chacos, or lightweight sneakers, no flip-flops).
- 1 swimsuit
- 1 brimmed hat
- 1 warm hat
- 1 pair of warm, lightweight gloves
- Personal toiletries (in small containers)
- 1 towel for showering
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses with a retainer strap (Chums, Croakies)
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Personal water bottle
- Watch
- Sleeping pad (foam or inflatable)
- Sleeping bag (an easily packable, synthetic bag is preferred)
Optional
- Camera (labeled with camper’s name)
- Windbreaker
- Insect Repellent
- Books, cards, journals, art supplies
- Small hand towel
- Bandanas
- Crazy Creek chair
- Binoculars
- Postcards
Camp Orkila provides the following group gear and equipment: kayaks (primarily Northwest SeaScape 2 double kayaks), paddles, tarps, stoves, cooking and eating utensils, and dry bags.
BOLD & GOLD
We have an extensive gear library for any BOLD & GOLD expedition gear that you may need to borrow. Just fill out the Gear Reservation Form after checking your trip's packing list below to let us know what you might need.
To keep BOLD & GOLD fun and safe, we ask that you leave these items at home:
- Electronics: Cell phones, smart watches, laptop computers, e-readers, tablets, music players, or anything else with a screen.
- Food of any kind, including candy or chewing gum. All meals and snacks are provided.
- Money, jewelry, or expensive items.
- Any item considered dangerous, including knives, guns, weapons, fireworks, matches, or lighters.
- Alcohol or illegal drugs of any kind.
- Tobacco products, in any form, including e-cigarettes and vapes.
- Animals or pets of any kind.
- Make-up, deodorant, perfume or cologne, and face or baby wipes.
- Vehicles. Teen campers are not allowed to drive themselves to or from base camp and must be checked in by a parent or guardian.
All kayaking gear will be provided, but participants should wear or bring the following items:
- Two water bottles that are durable plastic, wide-mouthed, and 32oz or larger (Nalgene-type)
- Daypack, school backpack, or similar
- Lunch
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Short-sleeve t-shirt or sun shirt that is synthetic or wool material
- Shorts or hiking pants that are synthetic material, not cotton.
- Sports sandals with straps or tennis shoes. These will get wet.
- Top layer that is a lightweight synthetic or fleece material or a wool jacket
- Rain jacket and rain pants
- Wool or synthetic material socks
Optional
- Sunscreen (Instructors will have a group sunscreen.)
- Lip balm
- Two water bottles that are durable plastic, wide-mouthed, and 32oz or larger (Nalgene-type)
- Daypack, school backpack, or similar
- Lunch
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Short-sleeve t-shirt or sun shirt that is a synthetic or wool material
- Shorts or hiking pants that are a synthetic material, not cotton
- Lightweight hiking boots or trail runners
- Top layer that is a lightweight synthetic or fleece material or a wool jacket
- Rain jacket and rain pants
- Wool or synthetic material socks
Optional
- Sunscreen (Instructors will have a group sunscreen.)
- Lip balm
Head
- One sun hat
- One warm hat
- One pair of sunglasses
Body
- 1-2 pairs of underwear (cotton is ok)
- One sports bra, if applicable
- Base layer:
- One pair of long underwear, top and bottom, that is a wool, Capilene, or polypropylene material
- One short-sleeved or sun shirt that is a wool, Capilene, or polypropylene material
- One pair of shorts that are a quick-drying, synthetic material
- Mid layer:
- One long-sleeved top that is a synthetic or wool material
- One pair of long pants that are a quick-drying and synthetic, nylon, or polyester material
- Top layer:
- 1-2 warm tops that are a fleece or wool material or a lightweight jacket. No down or cotton.
- Rain gear:
- Rain jacket with hood (no ponchos)
- Rain pants
- 1-2 bandanas (optional)
Feet
- One pair of low- to mid-weight hiking boots that are well broken in with solid ankle support and good tread.
- One pair of camp shoes that are Crocs or sports sandals with a strap. No flip-flops or slides
- Two pairs of socks that are a wool or synthetic material.
Miscellaneous
- One headlamp and extra batteries
- Two water bottles that are durable plastic, wide-mouthed, and 32oz or larger (Nalgene-type)
- Mess kit that includes one spoon, one plastic bowl or Tupperware with lid, and one plastic mug
Toiletries (stored in one Ziploc bag)
- Toothbrush, travel-sized toothpaste, floss
- Small comb, brush, pick, and hair ties (optional)
- Lip balm: minimum SPF 15
- Prescription eyewear including backup pair of glasses and case, contact lenses, and saline or cleaning solution
- Menstruation supplies: personal supply of pads or tampons, if applicable
Gear
- A sleeping bag that is packable, synthetic, and +25 degrees or warmer. No down or cotton.
- A sleeping pad that is non-inflatable. Foam pads only.
- Compression stuff sack for sleeping bag (optional)
- Backpack that has a capacity of at least 65 liters. An internal frame is recommended.
Optional
- Watch
- Small book, journal, and pen
- Trekking pole(s)
- Bug net
Sea to Summit, Tahoma One-Week Trips
Head
- One sun hat
- One warm hat
- One pair of sunglasses
Body
- 2-4 pairs of underwear (cotton is ok)
- Two sports bras, if applicable
- Base layer:
- One pair of long underwear, top and bottom, that is a wool, Capilene, or polypropylene material
- 1-2 short-sleeved or sun shirts that are a wool, Capilene, or polypropylene material
- One pair of shorts that are a quick-drying, synthetic material
- Mid layer:
- Two long-sleeved tops that are a synthetic or wool material
- One pair of long pants that are a quick-drying, synthetic nylon or polyester material
- Top layer:
- 1-2 warm tops that are a fleece or wool material or a lightweight jacket. No down or cotton.
- Rain gear:
- Rain jacket with hood (no ponchos)
- Rain pants
- 1-2 bandanas (optional)
Feet
- One pair of light hiking boots or trail runners. Shoes or boots should have good treads and be well broken in. Backpacking boots are not required.
- One pair of camp shoes that are Crocs or sports sandals with a strap. No flip-flops or slides
- 3-4 pairs of socks that are a wool or synthetic material.
Miscellaneous
- One headlamp and extra batteries
- Two water bottles that are durable plastic, wide-mouthed, and 32oz or larger (Nalgene-type)
- Mess kit that includes one spoon, one plastic bowl or Tupperware with lid, and one plastic mug
Toiletries (stored in one Ziploc bag)
- Toothbrush, travel-sized toothpaste, floss
- Small comb, brush, pick, and hair ties (optional)
- Lip balm: Minimum SPF 15
- Prescription eyewear that includes a backup pair of glasses and case, contact lenses, and saline or cleaning solution
- Menstruation supplies: personal supply of pads or tampons, if applicable
Gear
- A sleeping bag that is packable, synthetic, and +25 degrees or warmer. No down or cotton.
- A sleeping pad that is non-inflatable. Foam pads only.
- Compression stuff sack for sleeping bag (optional)
- Duffle bag or large backpack. All items should fit into one bag. No hard-sided suitcases.
- Day pack. A school book bag or similar-sized bag are great options.
All climbing gear will be provided. Participants wishing to use their own harness, helmet, or shoes must show them to an instructor during gear check.
Optional
- Watch
- Small book, journal, and pen
- One small, quick-dry towel
Backpacking and Fishing, Call of the North Cascades, Cascade Challenge, Call to the Coast, Olympic Challenge, Peaks and Creeks, Taste of Adventure
Head
- One sun hat
- One warm hat
- One pair of sunglasses
Body
- 2-4 pairs of underwear (cotton is ok)
- Two sports bras, if applicable
- Base layer:
- One pair of long underwear, top and bottom, that is a wool, Capilene, or polypropylene material
- 1-2 short-sleeved or sun shirts that are a wool, Capilene, or polypropylene material
- One pair of shorts that are a quick-drying, synthetic material
- Mid layer:
- Two long-sleeved tops that are a synthetic or wool material
- One pair of long pants that are a quick-drying and synthetic, nylon, or polyester material
- Top layer:
- 1-2 warm tops that are a fleece or wool material or a lightweight jacket. No down or cotton.
- Rain gear:
- Rain jacket with hood (no ponchos)
- Rain pants
- 1-2 bandanas (optional)
Feet
- One pair of low- to mid-weight hiking boots that are well broken in with solid ankle support and good tread.
- One pair of camp shoes that are Crocs or sports sandals with a strap. No flip-flops or slides
- 3-4 pairs of socks that are a wool or synthetic material
Miscellaneous
- One headlamp and extra batteries
- Two water bottles that are durable plastic, wide-mouthed, and 32oz or larger (Nalgene-type )
- Mess kit that includes one spoon, one plastic bowl or Tupperware with lid, and one plastic mug
Toiletries (stored in one Ziploc bag)
- Toothbrush, travel-sized toothpaste, floss
- Small comb, brush, pick, and hair ties (optional)
- Lip balm: Minimum SPF 15
- Prescription eyewear including backup pair of glasses and case, contact lenses, and saline or cleaning solution
- Menstruation supplies: personal supply of pads or tampons, if applicable
Gear
- A sleeping bag that is packable, synthetic, and +25 degrees or warmer. No down or cotton.
- A sleeping pad that is non-inflatable. Foam pads only.
- Compression stuff sack for sleeping bag (optional)
- Backpack that has a capacity of 65-70 liters. An internal frame is recommended.
Optional
- Watch
- Small book, journal, and pen
- Trekking pole(s)
- Bug net
American Alps, Backpacking and Leadership, Heart of Nature, Powerful Gifts
Head
- One sun hat
- One warm hat
- One pair of sunglasses
Body
- 2-4 pairs of underwear (cotton is ok)
- Two sports bras, if applicable
- Base layer:
- One pair of long underwear, top and bottom, that is a wool, Capilene, or polypropylene material
- 1-2 short-sleeved or sun shirts that are a wool, Capilene, or polypropylene material
- One pair of shorts that are a quick-drying, synthetic material
- Mid layer:
- Two long-sleeved tops that are a synthetic or wool material
- One pair of long pants that are a quick-drying synthetic, nylon, or polyester material
- Top layer:
- 1-2 warm tops that are a fleece or wool material or a lightweight jacket. No down or cotton.
- Rain gear:
- Rain jacket with hood (no ponchos)
- Rain pants
- 1-2 bandanas (optional)
Feet
- One pair of low- to mid-weight hiking boots that are well broken in with solid ankle support and good tread.
- One pair of camp shoes that are Crocs or sports sandals with a strap. No flip-flops or slides
- 3-4 pairs of socks that are a wool or synthetic material
Miscellaneous
- One headlamp and extra batteries
- Two water bottles that are durable plastic, wide-mouthed, and 32oz or larger (Nalgene-type )
- Mess kit that includes one spoon, one plastic bowl or Tupperware with lid, and one plastic mug
Toiletries (stored in one Ziploc bag)
- Toothbrush, travel-sized toothpaste, floss
- Small comb, brush, pick, and hair ties (optional)
- Lip balm: Minimum SPF 15
- Prescription eyewear including backup pair of glasses and case, contact lenses, and saline or cleaning solution
- Menstruation supplies: personal supply of pads or tampons, if applicable
Gear
- A sleeping bag that is packable, synthetic, and +25 degrees or warmer. No down or cotton.
- A sleeping pad that is non-inflatable. Foam pads only.
- Compression stuff sack for sleeping bag (optional)
- Backpack that has a capacity of 65-70 liters. An internal frame is recommended.
Optional
- Watch
- Small book, journal, and pen
- Trekking pole(s)
- Bug net
Re-ration
Two-week trips require additional supplies to be sent to the group halfway through their adventure. This presents a potential for participants to be resupplied with a few essential items. These items must fit into one gallon Ziploc bag, and depending on the trip, these amounts may be adjusted since groups cannot always return dirty items back to basecamp.
- 1-2 pairs of socks
- 1-2 pairs of underwear
- One t-shirt
Call to the Summit, Fire and Ice
Head
- One sun hat
- One warm hat
- One pair of sunglasses
Body
- 2-4 pairs of underwear (cotton is ok)
- Two sports bras, if applicable
- Base layer:
- One pair of long underwear, top and bottom, that is a wool, Capilene, or polypropylene material
- 1-2 short-sleeved or sun shirts that are a wool, Capilene, or polypropylene material
- One pair of shorts that are a quick-drying, synthetic material
- Mid layer:
- Two long-sleeved tops that are a synthetic or wool material
- One pair of long pants that are a quick-drying, synthetic nylon or polyester material
- Top layer:
- 1-2 warm tops that are a fleece or wool material or a lightweight jacket (no down or cotton)
- One warm pair of pants that are a fleece, wool, or polyester material (optional - if participant runs cold)
- One warm packable jacket that is a down or synthetic material
- Rain gear:
- Rain jacket with hood (no ponchos)
- Rain pants
- 1-2 bandanas (optional)
Feet
- One pair of mid-weight hiking boots that are well broken in with solid ankle support and good treads.
- One pair of camp shoes that are Crocs or sports sandals with a strap. No flip-flops or slides
- 3-4 pairs of socks that are a wool or synthetic material
Miscellaneous
- One headlamp and extra batteries
- Two water bottles that are durable plastic, wide-mouthed, and 32 oz or larger (Nalgene-type )
- Mess kit to include one spoon, one plastic bowl or Tupperware with lid, and one plastic mug
Toiletries (stored in one Ziploc bag)
- Toothbrush, travel-sized toothpaste, floss
- Small comb, brush, pick, and hair ties (optional)
- Lip balm: Minimum SPF 15
- Prescription eyewear including backup pair of glasses and case, contact lenses and saline/cleaning solution.
- Menstruation supplies: personal supply of pads or tampons, if applicable
Gear
- A sleeping bag that is packable and synthetic and +25 degrees or warmer. No down or cotton.
- A sleeping pad that is non-inflatable. Foam pads only.
- Compression stuff sack for sleeping bag (optional)
- Backpack that has a capacity of 75-95 liters. An internal frame is recommended.
All mountaineering gear will be provided. Participants wishing to use their own harness, helmet, or shoes must show them to an instructor during gear check.
Optional
- Watch
- Small book, journal, or pen
- Trekking Pole(s)
Re-ration
Two-week trips require additional supplies to be sent to the group halfway through their adventure. This presents a potential for participants to be resupplied with a few essential items. These items must fit into one gallon Ziploc bag, and depending on the trip, these amounts may be adjusted since groups cannot always return dirty items back to basecamp.
- 1-2 pairs of socks
- 1-2 pairs of underwear
- One t-shirt
GREAT OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES START WITH THE Y
Family Camp
Explore the magic of Camp Colman and Camp Orkila through water activities, challenge course experiences, campfires, and more while getting to spend quality time with your loved ones.
Overnight Camp
Camp Colman and Camp Orkila offer kids and teens the chance to explore their individuality, become a part of their own community, and enjoy the classic camp experience of archery, rock climbing, and s’mores over the campfire.
BOLD & GOLD
Our outdoor leadership trips will take teens to some of the most beautiful and natural places in the Pacific Northwest while inspiring them to be their most courageous and confident selves.