Packing Tips

Notes on Packing and Stuff (details vary year to year)...

Please take the time to read the "Guide to Going on Chautauqua" (see link at the very bottom of page). It will give you some idea of what it is like to be on tour, and suggest ways you will be able to contribute.

BEFORE YOU GO

    • Bring ID for you and your children.

    • Kids traveling without both parents need a notarized letter of permission (recommended: along with passport, Birth Certificate, etc.). SEE PARENTAL CONSENT page.

    • Bring all your own personal items from soap to socks, for freezing rain or sweltering heat, but remember- all your gear lives with you in a very small space.

    • Put your name on all of your bags and on individual things you’d rather not lose

  • Anyone bringing anything very large (big props, etc.) should talk with Walking Staff ahead of time

    • Tours require that everyone pack carefully and thoughtfully. Space is always an issue, so think twice about your extras.

    • Bring some cash... even though your expenses will be covered on tour (food, gas, camping, etc.) there's always something you forgot or covet along the way, not to mention laundry. And an occasional treat or meal 'off-tour' can be a wonderful thing. Plus, spending money is a great way to support our local communities and get to know them.

Suggested Packing List

The following may give you some ideas of what to think about as you pack:

For warm weather

    • Sun hat, socks, T shirts, shoes, sandals, work boots/shoes (waterproof )

    • Bathing suit , shorts (most hot springs require a swim suit)

For cold weather

    • Scarf and gloves, long-sleeve shirts, hat

    • Warm jacket, sweatshirt or sweater, long pants

    • Pack multiple layers to be able to adapt to changing weather

For wet weather

    • Rain Gear- jacket, boots, hat, pants

    • Waterproof tent, ground tarp, rain fly

For shows and parades

    • Costumes – even if you’re not in the show

    • Props

    • Musical instruments (for the band and for fun)

    • Band members should also bring a music stand and stand light

Personal items

    • Biodegradable soap, soap container biodegradable shampoo

    • Deodorant

    • Comb and brush

    • Prescription glasses and spare

    • Contact lens (spares and solution)

    • Feminine hygiene items

    • Shaving items

    • Towels (thin dries faster)

    • Bug repellent

    • Itch stick or other bug bite treatment stuff

    • Toothpaste and tooth brush

    • Medications and prescriptions

    • Please, no perfumes or strongly scented deodorants

    • Eye-mask for sleeping if you are light sensitive

Gear

    • For travel days, keep what you need for that day's trip in a personal bag that you will take on the vehicle

    • Waterproof tent (HEAVY rain) - Recommended: a "3 Season" or "4 Season" tent

      • "summer" tents probably won't keep you dry...

    • Waterproof ground cloth

    • Bedding (sleeping bag, pillow, sheets, pad)

    • Flashlight (small is best) and batteries

    • Work gloves

    • Watch

    • Binoculars (if you want)

    • Camera (if you want)

WHAT NOT TO BRING

    • Anything you don’t absolutely need

    • Unnecessary clothing

    • Too much stuff (especially large items) - a good rule of thumb when packing is to assume that YOU will need to move EVERYTHING you bring at least once a day...

    • Pets

    • Surprise guests

    • Anything illegal (zero tolerance)

General Advice

Please do NOT bring lots of loose personal items. For example, rather than bringing your tent and sleeping bag as individual items, have one large duffel bag that you can put your tent, bag, pad and pillow in. Have a separate bag for show props or costumes. Bring a small bag or day pack for daily stuff and days away from camp,and a small 'kitchen' bag to carry your plate, cup, and silverware. Remember, EVERYTHING needs to have your name on it (no name tag and we leave it behind).

Most of the communities we'll be staying in have laundry facilities nearby. Plan on having access to laundry every 5 days or so. Sometimes we'll send one or two brave volunteers on a mass laundry doing excursion for the group.