Staff Packing List

* = can be emailed to camppotomacwoods@gscnc.org before arrival | + = international staff only

Important Items – have ready upon arrival

• A SMILE 😊, positive attitude, & creative imagination!

• Completed Health History Form*

• Any medications (prescription & over the counter) that are also listed on your health forms

• Receipts from travel* (if you live outside of MD, VA, WV, or DC)

• Photocopies or originals of all current certifications & licenses* (driver’s license, CPR/First Aid, lifeguard, etc.)

• Driver’s license (if bringing car to camp) or international driver’s license+ (for international staff over 21)

• Valid insurance information to photocopy (if bringing car to camp)

• Passport and visa+

Clothing Items – see Staff Dress Code

• 1-2 pair of black shorts, pants, skirt or skort (part of your staff uniform, 3 inch inseam or longer)

• 3-7 pair of shorts (3 inch inseam or longer)

• 2-3 pair long pants/jeans

• 5+ t-shirts

• 1-2 tank tops (straps must be 2 fingertips wide)

• 1-3 sweaters, sweatshirts and/or hoodies

• 1 lightweight jacket

• Undergarments (LOTS!!!!!!)

• Socks that cover the ankle (EVEN MORE!!!!)

• 1 pair of flip-flops or shower shoes

• Pajamas or some sleepwear (no lingerie or nightgowns)

• 1-3 swimsuits (modest & functional one piece, or two piece tankini allowed) and optional rashguard (long sleeved, protects arms and shoulders from sun at the pool)

• 1-2 hats/bandanas/scarves

• Raingear and/or a poncho    

• 2-3 pair sturdy (broken in, closed-toe, with back strap) shoes

• 2-3 sets of “outside world" or “going out” clothes (including masks) to wear on time/days off

• One nicer outfit for staff banquet at end of camp

Gear

• Luggage: duffel, hiking pack, bags, tote bin, etc.

• Bedding: pillow, single/twin sized sheet and blankets AND/OR sleeping bag

• 1-2 bath/beach towels

• Reusable water bottle that can be easily carried with you at all times

• Alarm clock (not electric, battery powered OK) - you can’t depend on your cell phone

• Wristwatch (waterproof or water resistant)

• Flashlight/headlamp & extra batteries

Hygiene Items

• Shower caddy to carry toiletries

• Hairbrush/comb (hair ties if needed)

• Toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, non-aerosol deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc. (avoid sweet smells)

• Glasses/contacts, contact solution (if needed)

• Menstrual products: pads, tampons, cup, etc. (if applicable) Single-use/disposable menstrual products MUST be thrown away in trash cans and cannot be flushed

• Insect repellent (can be bought after arrival)

• Sunscreen SPF 30+ (MANDATORY - can be bought after arrival)

Optional Items that are nice to have

• Personal hand sanitizer

• Small daypack for everyday use

• Chaco-like sandals

• Money (see page 4 of staff welcome packet)

• Sunglasses (1-2 pairs)

• Stuffed animal (please only 1 😊)

• Battery operated lamp or lantern

• Pocketknife/Multitool

• Personal comfort items for your time off: favorite music, books, DVD, movie, etc. (label with your name)

• Things relating to your hobbies to teach or share with campers (juggling balls, musical instruments, etc.)

• Old costume items (for theme days)

• Games, deck of cards, etc.

• Resource books with great ideas

• Photos/pictures/posters

• Stationery and stamps

• Phone card to call home

• Addresses and phone numbers of family and friends

• Personal sports equipment (must be stored with camp sports equipment or in office)

• Personal food to keep in the staff house

• Bedside crate &/or small bedside rug

• Disposable masks

• Girl Scout / Guide uniform, sashes, books and/or awards.

• Patches or items from your country or area to S.W.A.P. with other staff

Items to stay in your vehicle or the staff house

Camp Potomac Woods (GSCNC) shall bear no liability whatsoever for the loss, damage, or theft of any items of value such as jewelry, large sums of money, or electronics if they are brought to camp.

• Jewelry you don’t wish to lose

• Laptop computer

• MP3 Players and music

• DVDs/movies

• Make-up, perfume, etc.

• Cell phone

• Food, candy, chewing gum, soda, etc.

• Money (can be locked in office safe with passport and other documents)

PROHIBITED ITEMS - NOT ALLOWED AT CAMP

Camp Potomac Woods (GSCNC) retains the right to terminate employment for any unacceptable conduct that shall include but not be limited to the use or possession of the below items while on or returning to camp property.

• Alcohol

• Illegal drugs

• Weapons, including firearms

• Prescription drugs not prescribed to you

• Pornography

• Marijuana/cannabis in any form

• Non-camper appropriate materials of any kind

Packing Tips

Label ALL of your belongings with your name to avoid loss and confusion.

Traveling From Far Away? If you are an international staff member or have to travel from far away via plane, train, or bus, camp will be happy to arrange a loan or a trip to the store to purchase your bed linen, and/or sleeping bag, pillows and towels. We also suggest buying items such as toiletries, pillows, and other heavy or bulky items after arrival. Please have your list of items ready before you arrive to allow for quick shopping and be sure to bring travel size toiletries just in case. We can provide bedding and a towel for most of the international staff or staff traveling from far away that come each summer. However, if you are planning to travel after camp, you will want to bring/buy your own bed linens and towels.

Appropriate Clothing: Be sure to read the packing list AND review the dress code to determine what clothing is appropriate for camp and what is not allowed. Keep in mind the weather will be hot and humid! Pack looser-fitting (but not oversized) clothing that is light in color – cotton is best. The average temps in July at camp are highs of 89°F/37°C and lows of 68°F/22°C.

Pack Light: Bring everything you need that you cannot cheaply buy -- but try to pack light. You will most likely be moving all your belongings by hand, every week, from unit to unit. We do have laundry on site, and we will have a schedule for staff laundry usage to allow time for you to wash your clothing throughout the summer. We provide standard laundry soap and dryer sheets, but you are welcome to buy your own at the store to share with friends or label for your personal use.

Luggage: Instead of regular luggage, consider using a hiking pack, duffel bag or plastic tote (box) to store your belongings. These items are more manageable and maneuverable then traditional suitcases. Totes specifically are much more resistant to dampness and insects and will nicely protect your belongings from humidity.

Money: It will be useful to have a small amount of cash with you at camp, and you may want to bring a personal credit/debit card too for your use over the course of the summer. Keeping cash or credit/debit cards in your tent, vehicle, or the staff house is at your own risk. Money and/or important documents such as passports can be stored for you in the camp office safe. International staff will be paid via a pre-paid credit/debit card this year. Keep in mind that your first pay date for the summer will not be until late June.

Medications: ALL prescription and non-prescription medications (including vitamins, food powders, and over the counter medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen/paracetamol) will be stored and locked away from campers. We will have a medication collection and training day during Staff Training. On that day, the camp health team will go over documentation and instructions on proper storage and record of staff medications. When packing for camp, bring all medications and supplements in their original containers, and prescriptions must have your name as the intended individual! If you need to carry an inhaler, epi-pen, or other emergency medication with you all the time, let the camp director know ASAP.

Food: You may bring snack items for your time off and/or important things you can’t live without from your region/country (i.e. Dairymilk, Vegemite, Hot Sauce, Old Bay… etc.). Please note, however, that all camp meals are served “family style” and all staff and campers are expected to eat what is prepared. Additional food you bring to camp (other than for medical/cultural reasons) can be stored in the staff house fridge labeled with your name, can only be consumed on your time off, and cannot be consumed in front of campers. Also, please be considerate of staff and camper allergies. Do not plan to bring any peanut or tree nut products onto camp without permission.

Electronics: You may bring electronics to camp to use in your free/off time such as cell phones, laptops, tablets, etc. However, the campers are not allowed to bring these items to camp; therefore, staff are not to use these items in front of campers or to entertain campers unless approved for the program by a leadership staff member. Electronic smartwatches may be worn to tell time but none of the apps or electronic functions of the watch should be used in front of campers. Keep in mind that camp is not responsible for any damage to or loss of electronics and bringing these items to camp is at your own risk.