Packing List

Suggested Clothing and Equipment

A full packing list can be found below, but here are some helpful suggestions: campers are encouraged to bring clothing that is comfortable for moving around in and appropriate for being in an outdoor environment for a week. More changes of clothes than you think are necessary are recommended. A hat is required and essential. Long-sleeved shirts and pants are required on all hikes. Be prepared for cool days and rainy weather.

The weather at almost every camp includes some cold temperatures and substantial rain. Appropriate rain gear is required. Participants must have a waterproof rain jacket (not just a poncho), rain pants, and waterproof boots. Please note that Shambhala Sun Summer Camp staff reserves the right to refuse entrance to camp to any participant who arrives with no rain gear.

Pocket knives are forbidden at camp by Colorado state law and will be confiscated until the end of camp if brought. Please leave pocket knives at home in Nova Scotia and Europe as well.

Do not bring electronic devices Cell phones and other electronic devices are prohibited at Sun Camp. Sun Camp is a program through which young people are offered the opportunity to take time out from their regular, fast-paced, and busy lives. We ask participants to leave their devices at home or to give them the person dropping them off at registration. If a participant is found to have an electronic device, that device may be confiscated. Cameras are permitted, as long as they are not incorporated into a phone or other device.

No personal snacks are allowed at Sun Camp in Colorado due to issues raised in past camps, and to discourage four-legged visitors, Colorado now observes a no-personal food policy. In case of extreme dietary concerns, the staff will keep personal snacks for campers in a safe location. Healthy snacks can be brought to other camps, but please do not pack large quantities of candy or soda – there is plenty of food and snacks provided at camp, and specific commissary times for sweets.

Campers in possession of alcohol or drugs may face expulsion.

These things will help you have a comfortable camp

(Packing list)

Pack belongings in a large plastic container

Warm sleeping bag and blanket
Pillow and extra pillowcase
Single fitted sheet

Warm coat
Light jacket or sweater
Raincoat with hood—waterproof and zippable
Rain pants
Warm shirts
Light shirts
Heavy/full-length pants
Shorts/light pants
Socks (1.5 pairs per day minimum)
Underwear (1.5 pairs per day minimum)
Rain boots or other waterproof footwear
Well-broken in hiking boots (and an extra pair of shoes in case of blisters)

Gloves
Hat with brim
Sunglasses
A canteen or water bottle that can be attached to a belt
Flashlight and extra batteries
Small knapsack/backpack for day trips

Towel and washcloths
Laundry bag
Small mirror

Usual toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, etc.)
Chapstick
Sunscreen
Insect repellant
Moist towelettes

Paper, pen, and a book (optional)
Costume items for skit night (optional)
Instruments (optional)
$5-$10 for commissary (candy and soda) (optional)

Cadet Command Workshop Uniform Requirements

At the Cadet Command Workshop (CCW) all participants will be required to wear the full cadet uniform for the program. They are also expected to be in uniform throughout the Shambhala Sun Summer Camp.

It is mandatory that you bring the following uniform items
Sun Camp or Cadet cap (replacements can be purchased at camp for $15)
Sun Camp or Cadet pin (replacements can be purchased at camp for $10)
Button down short sleeve or long sleeve khaki shirts – at least 3 recommended
Khaki trousers – at least 3 recommended
Sun Camp T-shirts or light, natural-colored T-shirts
Green web belt and canteen
Black combat boots (hiking boots accepted)
Thin khaki web belt

(CCW participants should also be prepared for an overnight outdoors)

These items can be purchased at any army/navy store, second-hand clothing stores, etc. Uniforms have a powerful effect on our body, speech and mind. They also have a profound effect on the Sun Camp mandala. Chögyam Trungpa, Rinpoche, the founder of Shambhala, once said that wearing the uniform is a way to provoke wakefulness in both the wearer and the observer. Learn more about the military forms we use at camp (under “philosophy.”

DCL Specific Packing Information

Due to frequent cold nights, it is absolutely mandatory for every participant to bring an EXTRA blanket (in addition to the participant’s sleeping bag).

If the participant does not bring an additional blanket, one will have to be purchased at registration and additional costs for this will be charged. So please, bring your own.