General Packing Tips

Clothing Selection: MODESTY AND DRESS CODE

Our Modesty Philosophy: At Camp Wojtyla, your camper will be participating in a variety of high adventure outdoor activities. Clothing that is comfortable and appropriate to these activities is vital to maximizing your camper’s experience. Your camper will be using harnesses on high ropes systems, hiking and moving in outdoor terrain, rafting, and going to daily Mass in-between! In addition, we believe that clothing should be reflective of the dignity we possess as men and women of Christ. Below we’ve proved a guideline to help you as you pack for your adventure at Camp Wojtyla!

For Girls:

  1. Shorts should be roomy and at least mid-thigh. This helps maintain modesty when hooking in to a hardness, and range of motion when hiking. A helpful way to tell: Shorts should be roughly a palm length on the leg when sitting, and loose enough in the leg that at least an inch of material on either side can be pinched while standing.

  2. Tops should be comfortable and loosely fitted. Sleeveless shirts are acceptable and great for the summer heat; however, shirts with thin or loose straps, that expose the bra straps, that are low or may gape during activity, or show the midriff are not camp-appropriate. This will also protect you from the sun’s strong rays at altitude. A helpful way to tell: Straps should be at least 2 finger-width’s wide.

  3. Many girls like to bring a casual skirt for mass (long or short), please feel free to do this if you wish. Since the Mass is outside in a variety of terrain, be sure skirts are no more than slightly above knee length.

  4. Leggings are great to wear under shorts or pants as an extra warm layer, but we ask you not to wear leggings without additional coverage while at Camp Wojtyla.

For Guys:

  1. Shorts should be roomy and fall no higher than just above the knee. Sturdy shorts or pants for rock climbing and high ropes are essential for both comfort and function.

  2. Sleeveless shirts are acceptable, but should not be cut down in the armpits revealing the chest.

General Guidelines

The tips below may ease your packing process and ensure all personal gear makes in to Camp and home again safely:

  • When possible, plan to bring older but durable clothes; non-cotton clothing options are always preferred. You will need between 6-10 changes of clothes with extra socks and a couple of towels.

  • Durable footwear that fits is absolutely necessary and required. If you are buying new boots, break them in by wearing them a few hours a day in the weeks prior to camp to help prevent blisters and twisted ankles.

  • Make sure to initial/label all of your valuable gear. Camp Wojtyla is not responsible for any lost, left behind, or damaged items.

  • Include your child in the packing process to make it easier when packing everything up for the return home trip. Perhaps include a list of things to remember of what NOT to forget when packing up to go home.

  • Consider packing your Basecamp and Outpost supplies in a large duffle bag rather than a trunk or suitcase. Most campers find that duffle bags are easiest to carry and store. Teepees and tents are usually tight on space!

  • Rent when you can! Some items on our packing lists are available to rent through our online Trading Post. Items rented online will be waiting for your camper on check-in day!

View our program-specific packing lists in our parent handbook or by clicking HERE for Basecamp/Outpost programs or HERE for Backpacking. Feel free to contact us with general packing questions or clarifications at registrar@camp-w.com.

Packing for a Backcountry trip? Due to the remote nature of your program, there is not much room for error and extras when it comes to clothing and gear. If confused about what is required, here’s our advice: Collect the sweaters, fleece jackets, pants, and other layers you think might work and email mhadley@camp-w.com with your questions.

We desire all of our participants to feel their clothing can serve them well at Camp as well as reflect their dignity as a son or daughter of God, and we are committed to making Camp Wojtyla a comfortable experience for all. Thank you for your consideration of our guidelines while packing!