TLDR: Retreats usually look different from your daily life. Bring what will help keep you comfortable and happy. Don’t forget comfortable shoes, hydration aids, and anything you need to get good sleep. 

As you prepare for your retreat, remember the Boy Scouts’ motto — be prepared! 

Most venues will provide a packing list if you request one. At Glorieta Adventure Camps, we provide a packing list on our website for each of our programs. Here’s our full retreat packing list, if you want to take a look.

#1 Take Care of Your Paperwork First

Yes, take care of the boring task first! 

Make sure you are fully caught up with any pending paperwork. Does your venue have everything it needs from you? Have you (and your attendees) signed your waivers? Check these tasks off your to-do list today. It will make the rest of your prep go much smoother! 

#2 What Does the Venue Provide?

At Glorieta Adventure Camps, we host A LOT of different retreats. Each season we see youth groups, outdoor enthusiasts, corporate events, musicians, etc. We offer a broad range of lodging options for these groups to choose from. Often youth retreats will opt for dorm rooms with bunk beds, corporate events will opt for hotel-style rooms or a lodge, and athletes here to race will choose tent camping or boondocking. 

Each of these options require a different packing list. Hotel-style rooms naturally have more amenities than boondocking. What are your accommodations like? Do you need to bring towels, shampoo, your own snacks?

#3 What’s Your Retreat Schedule? 

Will you be spending your time learning in classrooms? Challenging yourself on the trail 90% of the time, but spending one evening out in Santa Fe (or whatever city is closest to your venue)? Swimming, ziplining, and more? Pack accordingly. And bring more towels than you think you need if your retreat includes swimming!

#4 Always Bring Closed-Toed Shoes 

Always. And shower shoes never hurt anybody.

#5 Remember the Sunscreen! 

A lot of retreat guests who work office jobs or otherwise spend a lot of time indoors can forget how important it is to protect themselves from the sun and dehydration. If your retreat will include more outdoor time than your typical daily routine does (and it often will!) pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat with sun protection, and a water bottle. They will all be essential! 

#6 White Noise, Sleep Masks, and/or Earplugs 

If you’re sharing lodging with a group you normally don’t share lodging with, remember to pack with your sleep quality in mind. If you’re a light sleeper, earplugs will be your best friend. If you have the space for it, packing a simple white noise machine or old-fashioned box fan could help you feel more comfortable at night.

Camp adventures are a lot of fun — and take a lot of energy! Getting good sleep will make you feel so much better and ready to embrace the next day head-on.

#7 Journal, Notebook, and Pen 

Some form of paper and writing utensil will come in use for 95% of retreats.

Corporate event with classes? Perfect for notes.

Youth retreat? Prayer journaling and sermon notes. 

Adventure race or hobbyist retreat? Taking down the names and email addresses of new people you’ve met!

Personal retreat? Journal to bring on your nature walks.

Sure, you can take these notes on your phone or tablet. But the analog angle of a notebook and pen helps keep tech in the back corner. Plus it leaves your mind free to soak up the adventure, learning, and new friendships you’re making!

Pack Up & Get Ready! 

There you have it. 7 Practical Retreat-Packing Tips. 

If lists like these help you feel energized and excited, use this and read it twice. If you’re more of a Type B personality and lists make you stressed, take what you want from this and leave the rest. Your suitcase doesn’t need to be perfect in order for you to enjoy the retreat. Just please remember the sunscreen, water, and closed-toed shoes!