Packing List

1. Outdoor Lab encourages students to pack gear with their parents so they know what they have. Students need to be able to find all of their items in their bags. 
2. Items listed in the following sections are considered to be a typical minimum list for a one-week stay at Mount Blue Sky or Windy Peak.
3. Both schools are located in the mountains at an elevation of 8,200 feet, and frequent changes in weather are the rule, not the exception. This also means frequent changes of clothing. Past weather records indicate winter weather can occur any time from the first of September through the middle of June. Mild weather can also occur at any time. Therefore, layering of clothing is recommended.
4. Parents: If possible, do not buy new clothing and equipment for just one week. Use what you already have and, if necessary, borrow clothing or equipment. Thrift stores are an excellent source for near-new clothing or hiking boots. There is also gear onsite that students can borrow, such as snow pants, boots, backpacks, water bottles and more.   
5. We recommended waterproofing hiking boots to ensure dry feet in all weather conditions. Also, students should be able to properly lace and tie their boots.  
6. All bunkhouses are adequately heated, so a comfortable sleeping bag of fiberfill or light down is sufficient.  
7. Sunglasses are recommended, as high-intensity light from bright sun and winter glare off snow, even on cloudy days, can cause injury to the eyes.
8. All medications, including prescription meds, rescue inhalers, epi-pens, cough drops and vitamins should be packed separately from the duffel bag or luggage and given to the home-school health room aide or RN at least two weeks before departure.

All medications should be clearly identified with the student’s complete name and must be kept in their original container with a pharmacy or manufacturer label. (Please ensure over-the-counter medications are age-appropriate, per the label)

1. All items should be clearly marked with the student’s name. Students are responsible for their own belongings.
2. WHAT NOT TO BRING: Food, including snacks, candy or gum, radios, iPods or MP3 players, cell phones (there is no service on sites), two-way radios or electronic games, knives, makeup or scented items, toiletries in a spray (aerosol) or pump bottle, hair dryers or curling irons (for safety and energy conservation) or “Nerf”-style sports balls. 

R =Required O= Optional     

Outdoor Lab staff encourages families to make appropriate clothing choices for their student’s visit. Students will be outside for four-plus hours at a time and will not be able to return to bunkhouses. Packing for changing weather is advised, and layers are always encouraged.

Highly Recommended	Acceptable	Not Acceptable
The following are highly recommended for safety and comfort while at Outdoor Lab.	The following are acceptable. They do not provide the same level of protection and/or comfort.	The following are not acceptable while at outdoor lab.
Footwear - Waterproof boots	Footwear - athletic shoes with good soles	Footwear - skate shoes, slip-ons, little traction on sole, open-toed shoes
Pants - durable, thick, waterproof Hiking Pants, jeans, etc	Pants - cover legs, little protection from cold, wet Sweatpants, Joggers, Leggings	Shorts, crops - no leg protection
	Appropriate gear for weather
Under 30 degrees Cold weather accessories recommended	30 degrees - 60 degrees Gloves and warm hat still recommended.	Above 60 degrees Sun Hat recommended.  Gloves and warm hat optional.
Snow (or rain) in the forecast - snow pants, or weatherproof pants, warm, weatherproof coat recommended.	Both Outdoor Lab sites have a “boutique” where students can check out gear if needed.	We strongly advise you to check the weather report to make sure you are packing appropriately. Below are links to the National Weather Service for both outdoor lab sites.  Mt Blue Sky Weather Windy Peak Weather

When packing, it is recommended that students have three different bags:

1. Sleeping bag or bedroll and pillow – Place in a large trash bag to protect from dirt and weather and label with the student’s name on the outside with duct tape. Parents may want to pack another bag to be used on the way home. 
2. Duffle bag (students must be able to carry on their own) – Pack all clothes, toiletries, towels and other items for inside the bunkhouse. Please ensure students know where everything is located inside the bag.  
3. Daypack – A regular backpack works well. This should contain anything that students need to have at all times, including:

• Field study journal (will be provided)
• Water bottle
• Pens and pencils
• Hat
• Gloves
• Extra layer
• Sunglasses
• Hand sanitizer
• Chapstick
• Sunscreen
• Tissue
• Camera

Items 1 and 2 will be loaded onto a luggage-only bus to be transported to the Outdoor Lab site. The daypack or backpack should stay with the student. Students should also be dressed in Outdoor Lab-appropriate attire before morning dropoff (pants, boots, etc).