Packing List

Please read carefully, and double chek that you have everything BEFORE you leave.

Three weeks is a long time to have only packed one pair of underwear!!

Before You Go

Packing - To ensure a smooth arrival at camp make sure everything is packed and ready to go well in advance. Double check the packing list and make sure your student packs with you so they know what they have and where it is stored. Double check the meeting times and location, and what forms you need. Be flexible. If your child has something go wrong, be encouraging, and remind them that everything will work out great!

Packing (2) - Have your child practice repacking their bags… There will be multiple moves throughout the program so students should have some idea of how to get everything reorganized themselves!!

Medical needs - If your child has any special medical considerations, start early getting forms filled out from the doctor and prescriptions filled so that there is no last-minute panic. Also be sure to inform staff of any medical conditions well in advance.

Labeling - Label everything!! Silver markers work great for dark clothes. And yes, even label the toothpaste.

** BE SURE TO HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED, BUT YOU MUST BE ABLE TO CARRY EVERYTHING YOURSELF TO THE MEETING LOCATION IN MATSUMOTO -- DON'T OVERPACK EITHER!!**

The Must Haves

Prescriptions - Be sure to inform staff before hand and upon arrival of the way they want medications to be stored and details regardng how to administer... And any other relevant specifics. Be sure to read up on this early and deliver any medications and doctor's letters to camp according to their specifications.

Insect repellant - is a must, especially for the evenings around the fire!!

Sun screen - There will be a lot of time spent outdoors. We will be in the shade as much as possible, but it is tough to stay out of the sun during the lake days!!

Treatment for bug bites - Get something before camp and make sure it doesn't irritate your child's skin. For irritating bites, this is your best bet. (Unless you can get them to put on bug spray beforehand.)

Eating Utensils - Students should bring a Plate, Bowl, Cup, Fork, Spoon and Knife. (chopsticks)

Toothbrush - and tooth paste and any other toiletries that you usually use.

Water bottle - an insulated water bottle that is easy to carry around in their backpack when hiking or doing everyday activities. Please don't pack a bottle that is too big... I reccend something around 700-1000ml.

Sleep necessities - Get a good night's rest with the right supplies.

Pillow: Compact if possible.
Fitted sheet: to keep sleeping bag from sliding on camp mattress (recommended but not necessary)
Camping mattress -There will be multiple moves throughout the camp so something comfortable, yet compact and easy to pack up for moves.
Sleeping bag or favorite blanket… it is summer, so plan accordingly.

Towels - Two medium sized towels so they can be rotated while the other dries - plus a wash cloth OR onsen towel.

Shoes - **Be prepared for all weather and scenarios.**

**Sturdy shoes** - must be good for hiking and walking long distances. There will be a lot of walking on uneven ground in all three of the camp locations.
**Water shoes** - Sandals with backs are good for lots of walking, especially in creeks and on slippery surfaces.
Old shoes are good for walking in rivers, too.
Flip-flops for the shower and the pool and also great for relaxing in the evening. -- ** Flip flops are not allowed for daily activities as they do not offer enough support or protection both in and out of the water**

Clothing - **Be prepared for all weather and scenarios.**

Lots of socks and underwear: Running out and having to re-wear sweaty socks or undies is no bueno.
Swimsuit - googles and towel: Consider sending two so they can rotate them while they dry.
T-shirts - bring 2 or even 3 as we won't be able to wash clothes everyday.
Bring a long-sleeved T-shirt too and a light jacket, you never know. Weather can be quite cool after a rain storm. Long sleeves also provide good protection from the sun and insects.
Old shorts and light, baggy pants: 2 pairs each (shorts and pants.) Don't own "old" clothes? Go to a used clothing store to get some clothing that you are fine never seeing again. There are lots of creeks, mud, and many messy activities. Pants are also great to protect from insects in the evening.
Rain wear - It WILL rain, so pack accordingly. Even in summer, it can be cold if unprotected from the rain. Jacket and pants are recommended.
Pajamas: not necessary, but pack them if that is what you are used to.

Pictures of family - Print off a collage of family pictures on a regular piece of paper and put it inside a clear sheet protector. Three weeks is a long time to be away from home and pictures of family and friends is a nice comfort… even if they say they will be fine…

Snacks - Bringing some energy food and snacks is fine, but please keep them in a sealed container or zip lock bag. ** Be careful of foods that melt and please do not pack bulky snacks like potato chips. Snacks can take up a lot of space, so please only pack what is absolutely necessary!!

Backpack and mesh bag - It's a bummer not to have something to carry around camp for hikes or swimming, and a mesh bag for carrying wet things is very handy.

Fun extras - By this we mean something like a good book or a rubic's cube or a deck of cards to pass the time in the evening. Please do not bring any video games or other electronic devices.

PACKING FAQ

What kind of bag should I bring?

Please bring a backpack that can carry everything you need to bring along during the day and that fits your back comfortably. You can bring a large bag such as a suitcase or Boston bag to put everything in, but you will also need a day pack for hiking related activites. Please choose a bag suitable for the camper to carry by him/herself.

*** Luggage will have to transported multiple times when moving between locations so make sure that students are familiar with what is in their bags and that they can repack it themselves.***

Will the staff help my child carry their luggage?

Yes, when campers are unable to carry their own luggage, our staff will surely support them, but please try to prepare luggage and weight that your child can carry by himself/herself. Campers will need to carry their own luggage between the platform and ticket gate of Matsumoto Station (if they are coming by train) and between the parking area and their accomodations. Luggage will have to transported multiple times when moving between locations so make sure that students are familiar with what is in their bags and that they can repack it themselves.

How many sets of clothes should we bring?

Each program lasts 5 days, so be sure to pack enough to last. You may want pack an extra 1 or 2 sets.

*** Students will have the chance to do laundry 1 or 2 times per week, but it is better to err on the side of caution and have too many clothes rather than not enough. ***

How many sets of long sleeves and long pants should we bring?

Please bring 2 or 3 of each. We recommend campers to wear long sleeves and long pants during camp even in hot summer to protect from sunburn, mosquitos, horseflies and bees.

Is there a place to hand wash clothes?

There will be a place where you can hand-wash clothes at each of the locations.

**There will also be a place to use a laundry machine approximately once or twice a week.**

Do we need to pack a fleece or other warm clothes?

Even during the summer, early mornings or late evenings could become cold. The weather could also become chilly after rain. Warm clothes are also necessary in some of the locations in which campers stay overnight in a tent in the mountains. So please be sure to pack at least one article of warm clothing such as a sweater or fleece.

Will one pair of shoes be enough, or should I pack two?

Campers need to bring 1 pair of comfortable, closed-in shoes (such as sneakers, trainers, hiking shoes) with some grip, and 1 pair of water shoes (not crocs or flip-flops) for water activities.

What kind of shoes should I bring?

We suggest bringing shoes that are comfortable and that have some grip and support, as activities may include climbing, hiking and biking. Some campers choose to wear sneakers that they wear on a daily basis, please just make sure the soles of your shoes are not worn out or slippery.

Please also bring water shoes which can be secured about the foot/ankle and are quick drying. Again... no flip flops or crocs please... they are dangerous, slippery and tend to fall off easily.

Do we need sunglasses?

If you need sunglasses or have a pair that you use regularly, please bring them with you.

Can we bring a camera?

We ask campers not to bring a camera as it could cause problems, get broken, or more importantly cause campers to put themselves into dangerous situations. Photos taken during the camp will be shared through a link with parents.

Can we bring a smartphone or tablet to use as a camera?

All electronic devices such as tablets, smartphones, kindles, etc., even if they are not connected to Wifi, will be kept safe by counselors except during the designated time. They therefore cannot be used during the day as cameras.

Do we need to bring rain wear?

Rainwear may be used when hiking, SUPing, during lake activities on cold and/or rainy days and just to protect campers from getting cold and wet. Please bring a rainwear that has pants and jacket separately.

Can we send our lugguage ahead of time to the ISN office?

Yes, you can send your luggage to our office. If you want to send the luggage back, please have the return slip ready as well. Please ensure luggage is sent with enough time to arrive 2 days before the camp begins (at the latest).

**If you do choose to send please ensure that your child is able to carry the luggage themselves before sending... We will change locations upto 3 times depending on the length of stay.**

Address:

** Sending details will be sent with the information package after registration has been confirmed.**

Can we bring snacks?

Yes, you can bring a moderate amount of snacks to eat in between meals.

Can we bring tablets or smartphones?

You are welcome to bring electronic devices, but the counselors will collect and keep them in a safe place besides the specified time to contact parents.

Can we get pictures from the camp?

Yes, we will send a link of camp photos to parents in the evening on the first day or in the morning of the second day of the camp. We will try to upload photos as often as possible, but please understand that the camping and tent locations have no access to WiFi so photos could take as long as 5 days to be uploaded. Thank you for your understanding.

Page updated

Report abuse