Community Immersion Orientation Trip Packing List

Packing

Please do not over-pack, as space in our accommodations is very limited! Suitcases are not allowed on this trip so please pack belongings in backpacks or duffle bags, ready to go for Arrival Day, August 25th. You may want a separate small daypack to hold your water bottle and lunch. You will not have a place to lock up your belongings during the trip, so please limit valuables you bring to those which can be carried in your daypack.

Clothing

You will need clothes and shoes that you are comfortable getting dirty at service project sites as well as comfortable, casual clothes for recreational activities. The weather in Maine during August can range from high 50s (chilly) at night.

Gear

Please do NOT bring laptops or cell phones—Leaders will have cell phones and the ability to get in touch with campus authorities at all times in case of emergency.

Borrowing Gear

Please contact us ASAP if you are unable to acquire either a sleeping bag or sleeping pad or other items of the packing list as we can help secure one for you through the McKeen Center or the Outing Club. Email us at mckeenotrips@bowdoin.edu

Essentials

Clothes

▢ 4 tee-shirts
▢ 1 long-sleeves shirt
▢ 1-2 pairs of shorts
▢ 1-2 pair of pants (most service projects will require pants!)
▢ 1 pair of sturdy closed-toe shoes for service projects (sneakers or hiking boots)
▢ Rain jacket with hood
▢ Fleece jacket or heavy sweatshirt (for cool nights and mornings)
▢ Pajamas
▢ Swimsuit
▢ Underwear and socks for 4 days

Gear

▢ *Sleeping bag (see note above)
▢ *Sleeping pad (see note above)
▢ Small pillow (your fleece or sweatshirt can also work as a pillow)
▢ Towel (small helps with packing)
▢ Reusable water bottle (at least 24 oz)
▢ Sunscreen
▢ Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soaps, shampoo, etc.)
▢ Any medications you might need
▢ Hat for sun protection

Optional Items

▢ Sunglasses
▢ Journal and pen/pencil
▢ Book
▢ Daypack
▢ Camera
▢ Playing cards or other small tech-free activities

McKeen Center Will Provide

3 meals a day plus snacks
Cooking and Food Prep equipment
Work gloves for service projects
Lifelong memories

Printable List (PDF)