Updated from a 2009 blog entry based on feedback and review.
We've camped at Lair of the Golden Bear in week 2 for many years now. Week 2 has occasionally started with snow on the ground and ended with 80 degree days, so the weather planning is key. This list of things to
bring is based on the official source, Bad Mom's blog, and my previous blog entry on the topic.
Cleaning
Newbies note: Your cabin should come equipped with a broom. Sweep out the spiders and debris before moving in.
Bedding and linens
A warm sleeping bag, pillows, and pillowcases
Electric blanket (This turns out to be a good idea as of 2010)
Heating pad (good to warm inside of sleeping bag)
A
twin sized sheet and/or pad to cover the mattress under your sleeping
bag. This prevents your sleeping bag from slipping off the mattress
quite so easily.
Towels: beach towels, shower towels, and washcloths
Costumes
Disco Bingo or a skit might require appropriate clothing or costumes beyond your Lair clothes. For Disco Bingo many people wear 70s era disco clothing - the wilder the better. You are the best judge if you need this or clothing for any skit you want to perform at the Golden Review (camper talent show).
Clothing
Bring
casual old clothing to stand up to the Lair's dusty environment. Be
prepared for warm days and cool nights. There are washing machines at
the Lair. They are free as is the detergent, but I'd hate to be
surprised.
shortsbathing suits (consider 2 pair for kids
because this is the 24/7 uniform for certain ages and they get worn
playing in the creek)
long pants - mostly for warmth in the evening
sweaters / fleece wear
jacket - it can rain, so a shell with a zip-in liner would be a good move here
hats: knit for cold nights and brimmed for day time sun protection
rain gear
sweatpants that can double as pajamas
long underwear (also for PJs)
Shoes - hiking boots or trail running shoes
In-camp shoes
flip flops
Aqua socks - for creek crawling. Better than an old pair of tennies.
Recreational and Activity items
reading materials, board games, playing cards
white t-shirts for tie-dye or t-shirt painting
camera
books
journal
fishing pole and tackle. 8-12 year olds have group fishing activities.
(die hard Lair campers will want to remember their softball mitts too)
swim goggles - chlorine in the pool is kept high
your own supply of bisqueware (they have only basic shapes).
your own garments for tie die (The General Store will have suitable items too).
For your cabin
Cabins have electrical outlets and a single switched light bulb.
Largish plastic bins for organization
alarm clock
ice chest (with a secure lid because squirrels and raccoons are hungry)
secure plastic tub for snacks
folding camp chairs
folding camp table
clamp on lights and extension cords
extension cords
Exterior
lights of some sort - Distinctive lights help you find your way back to
the cabin after dark. Some people had novelty Christmas lights, or even
the standard twinkly sort.
plastic bags for trash (or recycle ice bags)
hammer and nails (bring the hammer at least so that you can drive in a nail that surfaced over the winter)
screw hooks (if you aren't satisfied with using a nail)
Miscellaneous vacation needs
flashlights: at least one for each family member
sunglasses: UV is more intense at altitude
laundry soap (in case there's none provided)
quarters (for laundry if it's gone back to a paid system)
clothesline and clothespins
markers for identifying your stuff or marking schedules, etc.
backpacks for everyone (makes carrying towels, etc. a lot easier)
pocket knife
cheese knife (if the pocket knife won't do)
church key (redundant if the pocket knife has one)
corkscrew
wine glasses (plastic)
sparkling wine stopper (provided you plan to have or save any)
moleskin for blisters (the first aid tent is liberal with giving this out, but you might as well be prepared)
Toiletries
Your usual plus:
A+D ointment. It's dry and this is great for chapped skin.
sunscreen
insect repellent
anti-itch medicine such as hydrocortisone - mosquitos are the worst.
chapstick with sunscreen
band aids
neosporin
Food
Cooler for chilling your drinks
Snacks
- Just bring enough for the car and a famished kid emergency, though juice or soft drinks might suit you better. Food is so plentiful at
meal times in camp that it's really overkill to bring more. That said, there's a lot of overkill going on. Cheese, dips, and crackers are useful to share at cocktail hour. The water
tastes delicious there, so I tend to enjoy a lot of that.
Adult
libations - Wine to share at the lodge, after the kids have gone to bed
or for cocktail hour get-togethers. Beer tastes better than usual at
the Lair and it's handy to share.
