Preparing & Packing
Summer Writing Program
Preparing for Your Program
We'll spend mornings in class, writing individually and with fellow students, under the direction of our writing instructor and Overland leaders. We will provide writing materials and laptops for every student's use in class. Afternoons will be active and fun; we will go for bike rides and hikes. During the weekend, we'll spend two nights camping outdoors and we'll raft down the Deerfield River.
We encourage you to get out for some walks and rides this spring. The more you prepare, the more you'll enjoy your program and the better able you'll be to hike and ride safely this summer. Once your program starts, commit yourself wholeheartedly to your group and all of its activities.
Luggage
On Overland trips, we travel light. Please bring just one carry-on size rolling suitcase and one small book bag. Experience has shown that this is the only way to go (you should be able to carry your bag up stairs). Dimensions of the carry-on rolling suitcase should not exceed 22"H x 14"W x 9"D. Use your book bag to carry essentials on the plane (do not use as additional luggage space). Be sure to tag all items with your name, address and phone number.
Packing for Your Program
Please stick to the following guidelines when packing for your program; your group will have access to laundry on a weekly basis. Bring clothes that are comfortable and suitable for outdoor activities.
Clothing
- Tennis Shoes or Sneakers. Comfortable shoes to wear around all day while volunteering and on day hikes.
- Sandals. Tevas, Chacos (or similar) with a heel strap for rafting trip.
- Waterproof Raincoat. Must be waterproof (not just water or wind resistant); GoreTex is one of the better-known waterproof and breathable fabrics but there are many to choose from.
- Long Pants. One pair.
- Fleece Pullover or Sweatshirt. One only.
- Comfortable Shorts. Two pairs; comfortable to hike and bike in.
- Shirts. Four short-sleeve shirts or tank tops; two long-sleeve shirts.
- Underwear. Seven pairs.
- Socks. Six pairs.
- Pajamas. One pair.
- Bathing Suit. One only.
Gear & Miscellaneous
- Day Pack or Book Bag. For everyday adventures and hikes.
- Bike Helmet. Overland will provide bikes.
- Sleeping Bag. Any type is acceptable.
- Utensils. 6" to 8" plastic dish or bowl with top; insulated plastic mug; spoon, fork and knife.
- Toiletries. All travel size.
- Beach Towel. Medium size.
- Water Bottle. Any kind, to stay hydrated out in the sun.
- Flashlight. Small.
- Sunglasses & Hat. With visor (e.g., baseball hat).
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+), Chapstick (with SPF protection) & Insect Repellent.
- Camera & Film. Optional.
- Journal & Pen. Optional.
- Personal Spending Money. $50 is a suggested amount for souvenirs, gifts and necessities.
Note: Please do not bring any type of knife or multi-tool (e.g., Swiss Army Knife, Leatherman).
We do not permit personal electronics on our programs (for example, cellphones and iPods). We do, however, allow students who fly to their program to carry a cell phone while traveling; on arrival, Overland's leaders will collect all cell phones for the duration of the program and return them for flights home. Perhaps, a better option would be to bring a pre-paid phone card so that the leaders do not have to carry cell phones for the duration of the program.
