GETTING READY FOR CAMP – THE WHOLE STORY!

Getting ready for camp is the first step in building a safe and satisfying camp experience. Comfort and sometimes even survival originate with these early decisions about what comes to camp (or not). Part of the Wahoo experience is learning how to prepare for the wilderness. The following lists reflect what we have found a Wahoo camper will need for a successful week in this primitive setting with the activities featured in Wahoo’s program. Each child must be prepared for mountain weather conditions, which can change, without warning, from summertime hot to winter cold in just a few hours. And, if you are prepared, it doesn’t matter what Mother Nature throws at you – it is just part of the fun and excitement!

* Indicates items available in Trading Post

** Available in Wahoo Rental Program – limited quantities.

REQUIRED ITEMS – ALL CAMPERS & CITS (FOR DEALING WITH MOUNTAIN WEATHER

• Winter Weight Sleeping Bag – It has snowed on overnights in both July and August 2 out of the last 3 years! We sleep in dome tents on the overnight and in large wall tents in camp. You can get miserably cold if your bag is not warm enough. Remember, down bags are useless to lethal when wet. If you send your camper with a down bag, be sure to send a Gore–Tex bivy bag with it!
• Wool or Polar Fleece Blanket – Standard blanket size – no smaller. Even winter wt. Bags need help when it gets cold.
• Warm Winter Parka or Jacket** – (mountain winter, that is) insulated and windproof. Big enough to put layers under. Sleeves long enough to cover wrists when arms are outstretched in front.
• Polar fleece jacket** or wool sweater. Also used as layer under parka if it really gets cold!
• Longjohns**Tops and Bottoms! polypropylene or wool. Absolutely no cotton whatsoever!! Not in an inner layer, not a cotton-poly blend. REI, (REI’s house brand is excellent and available through catalogue sales at 800-426-4840) GI Joes (great sales on polypropylene) Alpine Hut Redmond, Army Navy Surplus stores and Thrift Shops all carry polypropylene and sometimes wool (itchy!). Be sure to read the labels for contents. Remember, no cotton. Cotton is useless unless it is dry, Cotton can be lethal when it gets wet and cold. So make sure the longjohns you are sending with your camper are either polypropylene or wool.
• Wool* or Polar Fleece Hat.
• Wool Gloves* or Polar Fleece.
• Wool Socks*. At least 2 pair – if forecast is for cooler weather or you have a chilly child – bring more!
• Rain Gear – make sure it is big enough to layer warm clothing underneath. Hoods must fit over riding helmets, or a separate rainproof cover must be provided. The best options are:
• Waterproof Rain Jacket & Pants (best choice)- with hood and pants (great for in camp and on the overnight) Check Fred Meyer, GI Joes, Target for great prices. Also Grange Supply in Issaquah.
• Poncho – We will provide ponchos that will tie on to the backs of all the saddles to protect while riding ONLY. NOT SAFE OFF THE HORSE due to tripping.
• Yellow Riding Slicker (optional choice instead of hooded rain jacket and pants)– full length and designed specifically for riding. Has slit up the back for straddling saddles and flap to cover cantle. These are perfect for Adventurers, CIT's and Jr. Staff. We have found 3 sources on the internet: Valley Vet Supplies http://www.valleyvet.com/, Country Supply http://www.countrysupply.com/, or Wyoming Outfitters http://www.wyomingoutdoor.com/

REQUIRED FOR RIDING:

Renton Western Wear in Renton and Olson Mills in Bellevue carry required riding gear and offer Camper discounts. The Grange in Issaquah also carries required riding gear

• Riding Boots or hiking boots with a heel. Comfort is the key here. Look for something that your kids will wear other than at camp and that will work walking in mountaineous terrain. We have a very limited supply of boots at camp. If you would like to borrow a pair we ask that you come to the Open House to get fitted and reserve for your session.
• Equestrian Helmet. Must by ASTM/SEI approved, fit properly, and be in good condition. We have found 4 sources on the internet for under $35: Dover Saddlery http://www.doversaddlery.com/, Country Supply http://www.countrysupply.com/supply.com, State Line Tack http://www.statelinetack.com/, Valley Vet Supply http://www.valleyvet.com/ Renton Western Wear, Renton, Olson Mills, Bellevue, Grange Supply , Issaquah.
  
• Jeans, Denim – at least 3 pair. Be sure legs are wide enough to go over riding boots. One pair needs to be roomy enough to fit over longjohns. All pairs need to be roomy enough to be comfy riding. Look at thrift stores.

REQUIRED GENERAL CLOTHING

• Underwear & socks
• T-Shirts
• Shoes – comfortable for running around in camp and hiking.
• Long Sleeved Shirts – evenings and mornings can be crisp. Bring a light colored one that can double for sun protection. Long sleeves also help keep bugs at bay on warm overnights.

REQUIRED ACCESSORIES:

• Unbreakable Water Bottle*. One liter or quart size. Wranglers and Adventurers must have 2. One with filter.
• Flashlight* w/ extra Batteries*.
• Mess Kit* (Wranglers & Adventurers only)
• Fanny Pack* – for carrying essentials on trail rides.
• Stuff Bag for sleeping bag on over night. Needs to be big enough to hold sleeping bag with extra clothing, flash light etc. Not too big though - all must be packed on mules.

PERSONAL ARTICLES:

Toothbrush*Soap*Sunscreen*Toothpaste*Deodorant*Chap Stick*Dental Floss*Shampoo*Bug Repellent*Wax for BracesTowelHand Lotion*

Any medications your child will need. Either prescription or Over The Counter meds for allergies or headaches etc. (Be sure to turn them over to staff at check in)

American Camping Association standards requires any prescription medications brought to camp must be in a bottle with doctor’s orders written on the bottle. Over the counter medications must be in original bottle. All medications must be kept in camp meds lock box and administered only by one of the staff. Let us know if a medication needs to be kept refrigerated or has any other special handling instructions.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

• If a camper shows up for an activity without a required item, that camper will not be able to participate until it is procured. (i.e. helmet, riding boots, rain gear, water bottle, poly longjohns etc.) If it is just a matter of running back to the tent to get it – Great!
• But, if an item has been forgotten at home, or if what came with is not adequate (i.e. longjohns with cotton in them, summer weight jacket or sleeping bag etc.) it will be supplied through the rental program if it is available. Otherwise, a call home for the missing item will have to be made before the camper can go on trail rides or the overnight. We can not allow a child, for their safety, to go into the mountains unprepared.
• Because so many campers came without required items in the last few years, the staff discovered they were no longer able to cover the demand for "loaners" from their personal belongings. So we began the "Wahoo Rental Program". We charge for this service because we must purchase many of the items (& replace them) and each thing must be laundered by hand between uses to insure they will be clean and available for the next sessions campers. We are just building the "inventory" for the rental program, so there are some limitations to what we can provide. Some things can be purchased in the Trading Post of course.
• If prepared properly, a sudden weather change is only temporary and adds to the mountain adventure!

If you have any outgrown items on the required list in good condition that you would be willing to donate to the cause, just bring them to camp check in. We need to expand the back-up system fro campers whom, for whatever reason, show up without their gear. Thanks!!

SUGGESTED ITEMS – FOR ALL CAMPERS

• Windbreaker – lightweight, wind blocking capacity
• Shorts & swimsuit
• Sweatshirt & Sweat pants.
• Pillow – if your child is used to one, they will probably sleep better with one in camp. Does not go out on the overnight.
• Sleeping bag liner – for kids who are always warm a sleeping bag liner (old sheet sewn across the bottom and up the side half way – old flannel sheets are especially good for this) can serve as a "California Blanket if the weather turns very warm and will keep the sleeping bag nice and clean. For those chilly kids or if you are questioning the weight of the sleeping bag, a fleece blanket for inside the bag is a great choice.
• Pocket Knife.*
• Bandana* – for dusty trails and hot days. Wet bandanas make great "cool caps" on very hot days!
• Letter writing materials.*
• Book – something to read before bed or while swinging in a hammock under a tree.
• Fitted Twin Sheet – Optional, but it makes bunk feel cozy & "homey". The camp provides a sheet, so this is purely optional.

CANDY AT CAMP WAHOO– When kids bring candy, they usually end up eating it when they feel those hunger pangs coming on – just before a meal! Gum is another challenge. It is particularly unsafe to have gum (or candy) in your mouth while participating in an active sport. So our respectful request is please keep the gum and candy at home and do not mail to camp.

Several years ago we experimented with not offering candy at the Trading Post. After the initial shock, horror, and disbelief wore off and the pangs of withdrawal subsided, it was suddenly & pleasantly no longer an issue. Boy, were we surprised! Then we noticed that the children were eating better (much less "compost" after meals) and much more fruit was consumed. Now we seldom hear anyone mention candy after the first day or so of camp - unless some child has brought a "stash" and the others wonder why they didn’t. Thanks for your help with this! Campers look forward to choosing items for their own designer trail mix from the Trading Post.

THIS IS FOR WRANGLERS, ADVENTURERS, CIT’S AND JR. STAFF:

Wranglers, Adventurers, CITS and Jr. Staff have additional challenges and more responsibilities they will be learning to handle and therefore must be properly prepared. Here are the lists of things they will need in addition to the basic lists. Because these young people will be on the trail for longer trips, it is even more important they come completely prepared.

IMPORTANT!! It has been proven that ponchos are not acceptable raingear for Adventurers and Wranglers. They are too floppy and restricting when they are working with horses and mules or doing chores on the trail. Because these young people will be on the trail for longer trips, it is even more important they come completely prepared. The camp will provide ponchos for extra protection while on their horse but they will need their own rain gear.

REQUIRED FOR WRANGLERS, ADVENTURERS, CITS & Jr. STAFF:

• Fanny Pack – large capacity. For survival and emergency gear. To be worn at all times on trail.
• First Aid Kit. One designed or built for back country travel. (Adventurers, CITS, Jr Staff) See list on other side of page.
• 2 Water Bottles - 1 with a filter
• Pocket Knife
• Waterproof/windproof Matches* – can be purchased at REI or sporting goods stores.
• Waterproof Container* for those matches.
• High Energy Food – trail mix*, cocoa mix*, instant soup mix*, bouillon cubes*, hard candy, energy bars, jerky, etc. This is emergency food – NOT snacks.
• Emergency Shelter – plastic tube tent or plastic sheet w/(reinforced grommets) and twine.
• Space Blanket*
• Sun Protection – hat*, sun glasses* and sunscreen*.
• Duct Tape – 11/2" – 2" roll* (not the whole roll)
• Sierra Cup* – Metal cup to tie on saddle – a multi purpose item!
• Topographic Map of the area* – Mt. Stewart (Green Trails #209)
• Compass – Silva. The flat kind that has degrees at 20 degree intervals and is easy to read.
• Saddlebags or Horn Bags (required for Adventurers, suggested for Wranglers. We have a few to loan, but not enough for the whole trip so reserve at Open House) Holds many of the necessities on longer trips. Saddle bags must be of the smaller variety as larger ones often get too heavy and do damage to the horses back & kidneys. Horn bags do a fine job. Cantle bags are also a great option. Country Supply http://www.countrysupply.com/,
  State Line Tack http://www.statelinetack.com/,
  Valley Vet Supply http://www.valleyvet.com/
• Water purification tablets (Adventurers) Great backups in a pinch. There are now waterbottles that have water filters built right into the top. Available in Trading Post

REQUIRED FOR CITS & Jr. STAFF:

• Alarm Clock – wind up or w/ new batteries!
• Knife in Holder & Belt – Can be pocket knife.
• Snug-fitting Work Gloves* – for handling mules and hay etc.
• Wrist Watch w/ hands – used in survival training
• Camp Wahoo CIT or Jr Staff shirt
• Blue Denim Jeans
• Riding Boots
• Red Bandana
• Western-Style Hat if 18 or over

SUGGESTED ITEMS FOR WRANGLERS, ADVENTURERS:

• Snug-fitting Work Gloves* - for riding and handling mules.
• Wrist Watch w/ hands – used in survival training.
• Pocket Knife in Holder & Belt – to be worn on belt. (CITs see your required list)
• Water Filter – Gone are the days when you can drink from streams. Guards against giardia. There are now water bottles with filters built right into the tops.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to read and use this information and these lists in getting you child ready for Wahoo’s very unique camp experience. When all the children are well prepared, everyone’s energy can go to enjoying the beautiful outdoors, the riding and camp life. You are a very important link in making your child’s camp experience that wonderful childhood memory. We want you to know we appreciate the time and energy you have taken to get your camper ready for the Wahoo experience. It is suggested that you outfit your camper at thrift stores for some of the clothing items. Camping and horses provide lots of dirt!

THE HELMET STORY

• Why wear a helmet? It can save your life! Bumped and broken bodies can heal, a broken brain can’t.
• When should you wear a helmet? Always! Regardless of your experience or riding style, it is important to wear an equestrian helmet every time you ride.
• How do you choose an equestrian helmet? Look for the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) and Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) stickers. These stickers mean that the helmet has been safety tested and approved. Never buy a helmet that doesn’t have an "approved" sticker.
• How to fit a helmet:
• Helmet fits when it is level from front to back and the front edge extends down to about an inch from the top of the eyebrows.
• Helmet should fit the head snugly and should not slide freely about the head.
• When properly adjusted, the helmet should not easily "roll" or slide forward or backward.
• It should not be removable without unbuckling the strap.
• How to measure a head: For a proper fit, carefully measure the circumference of the head about 1" above the eyebrows – and around the back of the head. Make sure tape is level just like helmet is supposed to be!
• ASTM/SEI This Shell Helmets:The most exciting advance in helmets in years, thin-shells are the lightest equestrian headwear ever produced which still meet all ASTM/SEI safety standards. Weighing just 12 oz. Or less, they have much thinner and lighter outer shells, along with much denser inner shells of shock-absorbing expanded polystyrene. They are covered by a Lifetime Impact Replacement Guarantee. Riders are more likely to wear them at all times-a valuable development.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON SPECIFIC BACK COUNTRY TRIPS:

• Top Hands and Bronc Riders – Participate in an overnight trail ride.
• Wranglers – Participate in a two night overnight trail ride.
• Adventurers – Participate in a three or four night pack trip.
• CIT’S & Jr. STAFF – May assist in any one of the above trips and weekend overnights.

1. When these trips are in progress, the emergency assistance is any where from 4 to 12 hours away. The 12 hour time is an extreme case where a camper would be injured seriously enough to require enough day light hours for air evacuation. Each trip leader is trained in wilderness first aid, carries first aid supplies, has the GPS coordinates, and will have a cell phone along but may have to ride up to a ridge (1/2 hr to 1 hr) for transmission purposes. Direct contact can be made to emergency assistance. The camp will be notified through the camp office or the Forest Service by way of a radio system operated by the local Forest Service. The parent will be notified through the camp office or director. Sending your camper properly equipped is essential.
2. The back country trips are all tent camping. Camps are established for the Bronc Riders and Top Hands. The Wranglers and Adventurers will utilize the established camps or set up a camp as needed. The risks of these trips include falling or injury from the horse, extreme change in mountain weather conditions or a possible injury sustained from campfires.
3. Our camping program includes instruction to campers on how to prepare and what to expect on their back country experience. If it is determined that a camper is physically unfit, ill, injured, unprepared, has behavior limitations, or skills do not match the program level, parents will be notified or camper will be placed in appropriate program level.
4. Please note: It is very possible that the week your child attends it will be absolutely lovely weather and that some items we have asked for will not be used. BUT because of the unpredictability of mountain weather, it is essential for YOUR CHILD’S SAFETY and WELL BEING that they are properly prepared for what we not only know, but have actually experienced in the past. Thank you!

FIRST AID KIT – FOR Jr. STAFF, CITS, ADVENTURERS AND OLDER WRANGLERS

These items can be put in small zip loc bags (there is a "snack size" sip loc that is very handy for individual items) and then into a larger, heavier (freezer weight) sip loc bag. This makes the first aid kit water proof and easy to see items inside. Use two if it works better for packing purposes. Also make a very small mini essentials 1^st aid kit to put in your Fanny Pack that will be with you at all times when you are out of camp – in case you get separated from your saddlebags or your group. The ingredients fore these are available in the Trading Post. *indicates an item is available in the Trading Post,.

• Band-Aids* - different sizes, be sure to have 2 3 very large size for big owies(fairly new on market)There is a new kind available from 3M called "Clean Seals"* that is waterproof and breathable and totally seals the wound all the way around to keep dirt out. Comes in both Bandage size and Dressing" sizes (even larger). A good idea for a back country 1^st aid kit. Seem to work really well for camp and trail use.
• Sterile Gauze Compresses* 2x3 & 4x4 (at least 5 each) Used both to clean and cover wound.
• Kling Gauze – 1 roll, 2 inch.
• Tape – 1-2 inch. Plastic or hypoallergenic. (adhesive tape melts in heat)
• Neosporin – (triple antibiotic ointment*) (small tube or 4-6 individual packets*) REI has individual packets available in their first aid supply department. Cream stays in place better that the greasy ointment that melts in heat and smears into area where bandages need to stick (and then don’t!)
• Sting eze/aid* (whichever) – 3-4 packets or "tubelets". REI carries individual packets.
• Vet wrap – can double as kling gauze or as athletic wrap. Found at tack stores everywhere – Grange Supply has a particularly attractive price at their Outback Store in Issaquah – less that the price of "human" wrap! Really neat colors too.
• Triangular bandage – sling
• Scissors – very small (REI carries them) or many Swiss Army Knives have them.
• Tweezers – very small. Most Swiss Army Knives have them. REI has the best splinter tweezers.
• Needle – for removing splinters. (and a little thread for sewing up rips & buttons back on!)
• Antihistamine – (Benadryl) for bee sting or other allergic reaction as you would like your child to have.
• Lavendar - Burns, calming, bug bites
• Rescue Remedy - Headaches, calming
• "Tylenol" or "Advil" – as you would like your child to have.
• "Rolaids" – for acid tummy from exotic camp cooking. As you would like your child to have.
• Gatorade* – or other rehydration "dry mix"* packets (2) (be sure to put into zip loc) (REI has packets too)
• Alcohol Wipe Packets* - 3 or 4 For sterilizing things like tweezers.
• Anti Bacterial Wipes – 4 or 5 For cleaning around wounds, cleaning hands before and after doing 1^st aid.
• Antibacterial Soap – in very small container. REI is good source. For cleaning wound and your hands before and after first aid where water is available.
• Latex gloves* - (2 pr) in case you are doing first aid on someone else.(these can be purchased individually) (make sure the gloves fit as well as possible). These latex gloves can double as rain protection in case of cold rain.

This is not a complete list, but it has the essentials. Look at 1^st aid kits for backpackers at REI or GI Joes for more ideas.