The weather in June can be fickle, so be prepared for both hot/sunny weather and cool/foul weather. We recommend you use our What to Bring List to get ready. Students need a wetsuit (or equivalent) for the week. You can use your own, rent one from a local outdoor recreation outfitter, or rent one from AO for $50 for the week. In general, we recommend students wait to purchase gear until they know they want to commercially guide and have identified the best gear for their needs.
The best way to decide what to bring to guide school is to think of your time being split between on-water time and off-water time. Your on-water gear will not dry quickly. Therefore, it’s best to bring separate clothes (and shoes!) for your off-water time in camp. It can get chilly and even rain in the foothills during June, so take precautions to ensure you will be warm and dry when we’re in camp. Also, bring plenty of sun protection, as it can be very hot in June.
Must-have items:
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Tent (if desired)
- Polypropylene/capilene tops, fleece or wool sweater in case of inclement weather
- Camp clothes (dry shoes, socks, pants, shorts etc.)
- Rain jacket
- Warm hat
- Toiletries, towel
- Waterproof sunscreen
- Sunglasses with retention strap (like Croakies)
- Personal medications (if any)
- Headlight/flashlight
- Footwear that will stay on your feet (closed toed shoes with good traction)
- Wetsuit, preferably farmer-john style, or equivalent
- Wetsuit booties or athletic shoes with laces and wool socks
- Visor or ball cap
- Durable coffee mug
Other items to consider bringing:
- Bathing suit and swim shorts (quick-dry material is best)
- Small camp chair
- Chapstick
- Gloves
- Energy bars/snacks
- Insect repellent
