Summer Camp Packing List
Packing for camp is exciting! Here’s everything you need to know about what to bring.
Please note: At Ekone, we play hard, work hard, and enjoy being outside. Please bring clothing that is comfortable and practical for moving around and working in, and that you don’t mind getting dirty, scuffed, and well-worn!
CLOTHES
t-shirts and tank tops with coverage
shorts
long pants for riding that aren’t too tight or constrictive! (check to make sure you can comfortably crouch and sit cross-legged without binding, and be aware that riding bareback in thin leggings can be itchy and prickly)
sturdy work pants (required for putting hay in the barn and for other work projects)
Lightweight Longsleeve Button-Down Cotton Shirts - these are a (mandatory) ranch staple for sun protection, cooling, and protection from hay and bugs! (and usually easy to find at thrift stores!)
sweater or sweatshirt, and a warm jacket (evenings and early mornings can be chilly!)
socks and underwear (lots! extras! seriously!)
pajamas
one blank, light-colored t-shirt, tank top, sweatshirt or pillowcase for silk-screening, so you can come home with an awesome Ekone shirt! (thrift stores work great for this)
sturdy walking and working shoes (light hiking boots, sneakers, etc, ideally not brand-new because blisters)
SUN & HEAT MANAGEMENT (NOT OPTIONAL!!)
water bottle, preferably with a clip or strap to attach it to yourself (at least 20 oz)
chemical-free sunscreen and chapstick (here’s a good list)
hat with brim (please be prepared to wear a hat a LOT)
bandana (or several)
swimsuit and 2 towels
t-shirt for swimming in (we require shirts that cover shoulders in the pond)
GEAR
small day pack for keeping your daily necessities with you around the ranch
flashlight and extra batteries
sleeping bag, sleeping pad and pillow (we provide sleeping pads for indoor use, but bring your own for when we sleep out under the stars!)
work gloves, leather preferred (in case of barbed wire wranglin’)
dirty laundry bag
PERSONAL ITEMS
hairbrush and hair ties for campers with long hair (hair must be tied back while working in the kitchen or with the horses)
toothbrush and toothpaste
any personal medications, to be given to medical staff on arrival
RECOMMENDED BUT OPTIONAL
sandals
slippers for bunkhouse
sunglasses
riding boots (or any sturdy, smooth-soled shoe with a defined, low heel, required for Wrangler and Advanced camp but optional for other riding camps and generally not necessary for riding bareback)
your own riding helmet (we have many but some campers prefer to bring their own)
books, journal, and/or letter-writing supplies
deet-free bug spray (we have bug spray but you are also welcome to bring your own, as long as it’s deet-free)
water shoes or sandals, or old sneakers for wearing into the one pond that we hike to that has sharp rocks, or for wading in the creek if we go down into the canyon (footwear is REQUIRED in both of these places, but we don’t go there every week)
musical instruments or special talents… sometimes we have a talent show!
PLEASE DO NOT BRING
pocket knives
candy or snacks
cell phones, smart watches, tablets, laptops, kindles, or other electronics (we are happy to store these in the lodge until the end of camp)
make-up
shampoo & conditioner (we provide biodegradable soap, shampoo and conditioner, and also make exceptions for campers with particularly textured hair!)
heat-producing appliances (hair dryers, curling irons etc.)
dogs…if at all possible, please do not bring your dogs on pick-up and drop-off days. If you have no other options, we can make accommodation, but for safety and simplicity, "guest" dogs are strongly discouraged. If you must bring your dog, please let us know beforehand!
If you are interested in bringing something to donate to the ranch, we'd love that! Here is a link to our Wishlist.
