(This is a list of items that people often forget. It is not a complete list of what you should bring.)
Click here for a printable list (pdf).
- Flashlights and batteries — it is pitch dark on a moonless night. Each person should have their own flashlight.
- Plenty of clothes for temperatures that can dip to the 40s at night (Shehaqua is located in the Pocono Mountains) and sometimes rise to the 90s during the day.
- Bathing suits for swimming in the pool and towels.
- Sleeping bags or plenty of warm blankets, pillow.
- Bedsheets to cover the mattresses.
- A lantern in the cabin is very useful.
- Bug repellant
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste (Shampoo and soap are provided).
- Battery powered alarm clock
- Sturdy closed shoes for hiking and running around
- Rain boots, raincoats, and/or umbrella. Umbrellas are good for short walks in the rain between cabins and lodges.
- Camping chairs (for camp fire night, to sit on the porch, etc)
- Board games, card games
- Containers to collect and bring home blueberries, in case there are any when you get there.
- Clothesline - about 50 feet (16 meters) is recommended.
- Your instruments if you have any! - This retreat will include open time for you to play, practice or jam with other attendees, as well as perform at the open mic nights.
What Not to Bring
Do not bring boom boxes, CD players, iPods, mp3 players, video games, or any other electronic personal entertainment devices. We are here to spend time with each other, to listen to God's voice via nature and our brothers and sisters.
Do not bring firecrackers, fireworks, stink bombs, guns (toy or otherwise), or other prank material. We want everyone to have a good time. Furthermore, much of it is illegal in the park.
Do not bring alcohol, illegal drugs, or tobacco. Alcohol is illegal in any Pennsylvania state park.
Do not bring food into the cabins. Bears live in the Shehaqua area, and they will ransack your cabin if they smell food. If you intend to bring food, keep it in your car at all times, or ask for some storage place in the Dining Hall kitchen. There is plenty of delicious food available at the Dining Hall, however, so you don't really need to bring any food for the time you spend at camp. If you have a special food need, please leave a comment when you register.
Leave any valuables such as cash, cell phones, computers or cameras in the locked car. The camp can be accessed from the road, and strangers could enter the camp unnoticed.
Appropriate dress
The Camp is casual, but we are seeking to create a heavenly and high standard while there. A few basic rules apply, which are common sense. For girls and boys, the upper torso must be completely covered. No revealing clothing. T-shirts and normal length shorts are fine.