What To
Bring To
the Gathering

Men have been gathering in the woods
for many, many years...

All kinds of men.

City men.
Country men.
Hardy outdoorsy types,
& "I don't do camping" types.

And we've all had a great time.

Here's a list of recommended items to bring. Not all are necessary, some are optional, and we've included a few suggestions about where to look for some of these things. We may even be able to help you find some of this stuff. Let us know.

Things to Bring:
an asterisk * denotes optional item, (C) denotes an item for those who camp

Tent (C).
If you have reserved one of the beds you need to bring linens:
 - Sleeping Bag (or you can use some blankets)
- Pillow and sheets for a single sized bed
air mattress* (C) (again, blankets or some other kind of cushioning)
camping chair *
tarp for underneath your tent (it might rain, you never know)
flashlight or lantern
a plastic trash bag
2 towels
candle or tea lights.*
a story/song/act/performance/poem to share for bardic circle
Snacks to share on Friday night. (non-perishable and don't require refrigeration)

Clothing
Dress is always casual. Keep in mind that days are warm. Its often cool in the mornings
with cold temperatures at night. Its always good to layer.

Sarong/schmata*
Fabulous outfit for the dance.
An outfit for the No Talent-Talent Show*
clothing for cool/colder temps at night
clothing for warmer daytime temps
brimmed hat for shade
swimming trunks

Toiletries

Sunscreen
toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, insect repellant; medications (if any).
NOTE: Do not bring soap or shampoo!
Bio-degradable soap will be provided.

Optional stuff to consider

  • Decorations for your campsite
  • Drums and/or other percussion instruments
  • journal & writing instrument
  • Knit, Crochet, or other needlework
  • Your favorite tea
  • Dance music CDs (for the dance)
  • "Drag" to share
  • A Fun/Interesting item for the Scholarship Auction
  • Checkbook/Cash (to buy something at the Scholarship Auction)
  • Knit, Crochet, or other needlework
  • Nutritious Snacks to share (non-perishable and don't require refrigeration)
  • Your favorite tea*

Most of all, bring a open heart; a sense of fun and adventure
ready to share in the company of one another at the Hermitage!

 

Where do I get
some of this stuff?

Like a Tent (if you're camping)
or a sleeping bag?

Well, first off you might ask friends to see if they have camping equipment you might borrow.Also, contact us. We have limited reserves of extras you might borrow.

But if you're looking for your own stuff, there are some good online resources for camping stuff. The links below are not an endorsement of these businesses or services, but places some of us have used or heard about:

CLEVER OPTIONS

  • Your local thrift store. You'd be surprised the great deals on sleeping bags and tents you can find at your local thrift store. Remember: You're not mountainclimbing the Himalayas. You're just camping outdoors in Pennsylvania for a few nights.
  • Freecycle Someone recently clued us into this interesting experiment in stuff-redistribution. Basically, it is a way to give stuff away (and get stuff for free) from folks in your area. When you want to find a new home for something -- whether it's a chair, a fax machine, piano, or an old door -- you simply send an e-mail offering it to members of your Freecycle group. Or, maybe you're looking to acquire something yourself (a tent? a sleeping bag?). Simply respond to a member's offer, and you just might get it. The one main rule: everything posted must be free, legal, and appropriate for all ages. A pretty cool idea to redistribute stuff and make sure it doesn't go to landfill. Check it out.

ONLINE MERCHANTS

  • Campmor Based in New Jersey they have huge closeout and sale sections in camping gear. You can get a good basic tent for $30 or $40 bucks. Same with sleeping bags. Check out the "hot deals" and "web bargains" sections of their website.
  • REI An outdoor equipment cooperative, they have a number of stores in the region. On their website check out their sale section and their REI Outlet area.
  • EMS Another regional equipment outfitter.