Gear Guide
Recognizing that organization can be a challenge for some of our students, it is very important that you label EVERYTHING with your child’s name. This includes all socks, towels, books, cameras, shirts, etc. This will help your child keep track of their items, and help SOAR return any gear found after the course has ended. SOAR will return labeled items of $25 value or greater. SOAR is not responsible for returning items that are not labeled. You may label your items with a permanent marker, or may order pre-printed labels from websites such as Campbound.com. ”
Did you ever receive a gear list from a wilderness program and panic? So much stuff! Likely questions arise. Where do I begin? Does my child need to be ready for an Everest expedition, or can I just go to Wal-Mart? The outdoor gear industry is like anything else. You get what you pay for. Do you need to purchase expensive equipment from a specialty store? No, not necessarily. First ask yourself a few simple questions:
How much am I willing to spend?
Will this equipment ever be used again?
How comfortable do I want my child to be?
How quickly will he or she grow out of this equipment?
With all of this in mind, let's
talk gear! Here are a few tips in looking for the most
critical items:
BACKPACKS (Note: Not all courses require backpacks – please see your course gear list for specifics)
What is critical? Essentially, there are two types of backpacks: internal frame packs and external frame packs. One is not better than the other. They are made with different types of use in mind.
External frame pack: This pack consist of an external aluminum, plastic, nylon, or composite frame that is outside of the pack - you can see the frame. The external frame pack is designed to be used on maintained trails and in moderate terrain. Externals generally have many pockets and divided compartments for ease of organization. In other words you can find your stuff easier. Be sure the frame, hip belt, and shoulder straps are the correct size for your son or daughter. The externals generally are less expensive. Some suggested name brands are: REI, Jansport, Kelty, Camp Trails, Diamond Brand, Peak One. (Note: This is not an exhaustive list.)
Internal frame pack: This type of pack has the frame sewn into the back of the pack. This pack uses your back as part of the frame. Balance and agility are improved by keeping the pack close to the back. Most internal frame packs have one or two large compartments with a top "lid" pouch. This can be frustrating for folks that are challenged in the area of organization. There are methods for organizing these packs such as using color coded stuff sacks, and adding external pockets. Suggested brands include: Camp Trails, Dana Design, Gregory, Kelty, L.L. Bean, Lowe, MEI, Mountain Smith, The North Face, REI.
Other issues concerning backpacks:
1. Suspension - (this refers to the manner the pack is attached to your body via the shoulder straps, back bands and hip belt) The hip belt should wrap completely around the waist, some cheap pack will only have webbing attached to the frame. All of these parts should be very well padded. A typical pack, when loaded will weigh between 20 - 40 lbs.
2. Size and Fit - The external frame pack should hold 3,500 to 4,500 cubic inches with available room and lash points to place a sleeping bag on the outside of the pack. The internal frame pack should hold 4,000 - 5,000 cubic inches to allow room to place the sleeping bag inside the pack.
BE SURE TO TRY ON THE PACK LOADED WITH AT LEAST 25 LBS BEFORE PURCHASING AND HAVE THE STORE MAKE ANY FITTING ADJUSTMENTS NECESSARY.
LARGE DUFFEL BAG (or Backpack)
Please pack all of your gear and clothing in a duffle bag or large backpack. You will store your gear in this bag while on base camp. For some courses, this bag will also be used in the field. A backpack provides pockets to help organize the gear, but is generally a more expensive option. The best duffel bag is one that has a zipper running the full length rather than the top-loading model.
DAYPACK
A daypack is a small “backpack” used to carry essential gear for day excursions. A medium size daypack (~2000 cubic inches of volume) with a hip belt for distributing the weight of the pack to the student’s hips is the best choice. A school-type “book bag” will suffice if it has padded shoulder straps, is fairly large, and is well constructed. The daypack must be large enough to carry the “five essentials” and then have a room left over for extras such as food or gear. The five essentials include: rain gear, water bottles, headlamp, whistle, and extra warm clothing.
HIKING BOOTS
The most critical piece of equipment your child will need is a pair of boots. Boots should do a few things well - support the ankle, support the arch, get good traction on trails, keep the feet reasonably dry, and be as light as possible. ALWAYS TRY ON BOOTS AND FIND A PAIR THAT ARE COMFORTABLE AND SUPPORTIVE. When you try on the boots, wear the socks you plan to wear on course – one heavy wool or synthetic outer sock and one light inner sock are good choices. Boots should have a snug fitting heel to prevent excessive heel left that can cause blisters. There should be plenty of toe room, even when walking downhill. Some details to look for include: high ankle support, a stiff sole that flexes at the ball of the foot, and padding around the ankle cuff.
Please do not buy all leather boots for hiking courses – combination nylon and leather boots will be more than adequate. There are several companies making good lightweight hiking boots. These include: Coleman, Nike, Reebok, Hitech, Danner, Vasque, Merril.
Boots can be water proofed at least three ways:
- - Leather/nylon boots can be sprayed with a silicone base spray like Scotch Guard
- - Painted with a liquid silicone treatment such as Aquaseal.
- - You can purchase boots with a Gore-tex liner built in to the boot.
Check with the manufacturer for the “best” method for waterproofing your boots.
RIDING BOOTS
A horsepacking program allows for a wide range of appropriate footwear. Western boots, riding boots, or lightweight hiking boots work well. Each have their advantages and disadvantages. Western and riding boots work best while in the saddle, while hiking boots might be more comfortable around camp. The choice is up to you. Do not purchase steel-toed boots.
SYNTHETIC/WOOL CLOTHING
Synthetic (also known as fleece, pile, or polyester) or wool clothing is an important component of a safe and comfortable outdoor experience. Synthetic and/or wool clothing will keep you warm under the most unfavorable conditions, even when the clothing is wet. Cotton will not! Please do not substitute cotton clothing for synthetic or wool clothing items indicated on the Gear Lists. Cotton is an ideal material for jeans and t-shirts as long as you have the synthetic or wool clothing available as well for cool or rainy weather.
SLEEPING PAD
A sleeping pad is an important part of camping equipment. They are used as a barrier between a sleeping bag and the ground. The pad is an essential item providing insulation from the cold ground. They also provide extra cushioning and comfort needed to enjoy a restful night's sleep.
Important information about sleeping pads includes:
∑
There are two different mattress styles - closed foam and self
inflating open foam
∑
The closed foam mat price ranges $9 to $25
∑
The self inflating mattresses are more expensive, starting
at $40
∑
The two different styles are just as effective regarding insulation.
The difference is in cushioning and comfort.
SLEEPING BAG
Summer weather can be unpredictable in the mountains, with temperature varying greatly. We would suggest a sleeping bag rated at 0 - 30 degrees F for courses in North Carolina and California and a sleeping bag rated 0-20 degrees F for courses in Wyoming. Florida and International courses utilize a sheet and fleece blanket instead of a sleeping bag.
What to look for in a sleeping bag:
∑
The comfort rating is measured in degrees F. Remember the temperature
rating is relative. If you are cold or warm natured, remember
to compensate accordingly.
∑
Weight is important - look for a bag that is as light as possible.
A 0 - 30 F degree bag should weigh no more than 2 to 5 lbs.
∑
Compressibility refers to the size of the stuff sack in which
the sleeping bag can be stuffed. The smaller, the better. Be careful,
manufactures know you will be evaluating compressibility so they sell
very small stuff sacks with their bags. Make sure you and your child
can get the bag back into the sack without difficulty.
∑
The most efficient sleeping bag design is the mummy bag with
a hood or draw string.
The fill or insulation in a bag will determine the warmth to weight ratio. There are two types of fill: synthetic and down. We strongly suggest synthetic because it will maintain some insulating value even when wet and will dry much faster than down.
RAIN GEAR
The price of adequate rain gear starts at $30. Rain gear consists of a separate top and bottom made of plastic coated fabric. WARNING: DO NOT BUY A VINYL PONCHO - IT WILL SELF-DESTRUCT IN 30 MINUTES OR LESS EVEN UNDER GOOD CONDITIONS. There are two types of jackets that are adequate: waterproof-nonbreatheable and waterproof-breathable. Breathable materials allow sweat to evaporate through the jacket. Non-breathable will not. Some companies have added vents to non-breathable jackets to release body heat and moisture. Look to see where vents are placed as a backpack could block the vent. For courses involving horseback riding, a rain suit (top and bottom) works best.
WATERBOTTLES – NOTE: ALL FIRST YEAR STUDENTS WILL RECEIVE A SOAR WATER BOTTLE ON THEIR FIRST DAY OF CAMP
Water bottles, also known as canteens, should
hold at least
1 qt and not leak. The army surplus canteen is a 50/50 gamble
as about 1/2 of them leak. The old western style round canteens
typically leak
and are hard to pack. The best water bottle is a plastic "Nalgene-Type" bottle.
Please insure your child brings a minimum of two water bottles
on their course
(remember – all first year SOAR students will receive a water
bottle when they arrive at camp).
RASHGUARD (Florida, California, & International Courses only)
Rash guards are available in both long-sleeve and short-sleeve. They are key elements in the enjoyment of water sport activities as they help protect your child’s skin from the sun (if they have UV Protection) and from common irritations associated with sand and saltwater. We recommend you purchase a rash guard that is the same size as the t-shirt size that you would normally wear. Rash guards are meant to fit skin tight and are made of Spandex Lycra which stretches quite a bit. Companies that make rash guards include O’Neil and Body Glove. Some suggested websites are: www.rei.com, www.wavejammer.com, www.altrec.com, and www.swimoutlet.com.
WATER SHOES
Water shoes will be worn in all water based activities such as swimming. They can be purchased at any five and dime or Wal-Mart. The price is fairly inexpensive, between $10 and $20. Please purchase water shoes that are close-toed and non-Velcro and that fit like a slip-on shoe. SOAR will provide neoprene booties for whitewater rafting on Wyoming courses.
SUNGLASSES
Sunglasses should filter infrared and ultraviolet rays 95-100% and look really cool! Ground glass lenses that are optically correct are best. Dark, cheap sunglasses can actually cause more damage to your eyes than having no sunglasses at all.
EATING GEAR
Eating gear should be sturdy but does not need to be fancy. A plastic bowl or a metal sierra cup, spoon, fork, and butter knife are sufficient. They do not need a full blown "mess kit" or "cook set".
HEADLAMP
While camping out, students are typically having to perform tasks after the sun goes down that require the use of both hands (e.g., adjust tents, pack backpacks, etc.). Also, some courses offer caving as a program activity. Consequently, we would strongly recommend that students bring headlamps instead of flashlights. Headlamps are inexpensive ($5-$10) and are widely available in stores such as Wal-Mart or K-Mart.
SUNSCREEN
There are many effective sunscreens on the market. A few even combine sunscreen with insect repellant. One suggestion is to try several brands prior to the trip to see which one works best for your child. The sunscreen you purchase should be waterproof and with a SPF rating no less than 15.
INSECT REPELLANT
A non-aerosol repellant is required (cream or liquid). Aerosol sprays can damage the waterproof characteristics of fabrics including tentage.
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Philosophy: SOAR believes all individuals identified with learning disabilities (LD) and attention deficit disorder (AD/HD) possess inherent talents and gifts. These abilities can mean incredible success in adulthood once these students negotiate the challenging obstacles of childhood, adolescence, and a traditional education system, usually unable to respond to individual learning styles.
Therefore, the SOAR model is based on two fundamental principles. First, youth with LD and AD/HD flourish when they are encouraged to focus on their strengths in an experiential setting. The second principle acknowledges that success can be generalized by encouraging our students to develop and utilize strategies, enabling them to compensate for those challenging characteristics of LD and AD/HD. To this end, SOAR staff strive to ensure success for each student across a wide range of experiences. Such success, in turn, builds essential self-esteem and self-confidence.
Based on these two foundations, SOAR participants develop problem solving skills, effective communication strategies, increased self-awareness, and social skills. Program activities include a broad base of wilderness adventure experiences that empower students to make healthy choices, learn more about themselves, overcome challenges, and establish relevance from these experiences to other aspects of their life.
SOAR's Specialty Courses are open to SOAR alumni and students with the maturity and experience level to be successful on the course. Acceptance is conditional on the approval of the course director. Most specialty courses are led by one of SOAR's year-round staff including Jonathan Jones, John Willson and Jon Terry.
SOAR’s programs are designed to allow students the opportunity to increase their independence while away from home. Independence is gained through self-motivation and life skills instruction. With this in mind, we involve our students in many decision making processes, such as setting individual goals, developing group guidelines, as well as trip and meal planning. This also comes into consideration when developing SOAR’s communication policy, detailed in our Parent Handbook.
SOAR is dedicated to serving the needs of individuals with learning disabilities (LD) and attention deficit disorder (AD/HD) and is proud to be the finest: