Hello from the Student Life Staff at Conserve School!
We are looking forward to your arrival, as you prepare to pack for your semester here, we thought it
would be helpful to provide you with some packing suggestions and guidelines. The average
temperature can be 80° to -10° for the Fall Semesters and can be -20° to 80° for the Spring Semesters
We have lots of storage, so we recommend you store your totes, boxes, and luggage here in your
Conserve School house for packing to return home at the end of the semester.
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We dress casually for school days
You will have access to laundry facilities at no cost in your house here on campus, you will be
able to do laundry as often as you like.
It is helpful to put your name on your belongings
Most of you will have the opportunity to “swap out” warm weather clothes for cold weather
clothes during family weekend or during breaks, so you don’t need to bring it all with you in the
beginning.
Everything is required unless noted Optional
If you have any questions about what or what not to bring, please feel free to call 715-547-1335
or email us at [email protected]
Some suggested sites to purchase clothing and gear:
www.BackCountryGear.com
www.steepandcheap.com
www.SierraTradingPost.com
www.amazon.com
www.campmor.com
www.rei.com
www.mountaingear.com
www.reioutlet.com
Everyday Clothing
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Pants
For everyday wear. Casual is fine-jeans, corduroy, etc. 1-2 pairs of synthetic quick dry
pants are also recommended for outdoor activities See Example Here
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Shorts
For everyday wear. Casual is fine, or athletic (must be of appropriate length)
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Shirts
A variety of long and short sleeve shirts- both lightweight and heavyweight
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Sweatshirt or Pullover Fleece
Underwear
Pajamas
Socks
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Bathing Suit
Aquatic activities, female swimwear must be one-piece swimwear, or a tankini (a
two piece suit with a longer top that meets the top of the bottoms) or a rash guard
or t-shirt can be worn to cover a two piece suit. Male swimwear must be a modest
type of swim trunks and a t-shirt or rash guard to cover their chest.
Nice Outfit
For special occasions like guest speakers, special dinners, and the Semester
Celebration
Footwear
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Hiking Boots
1 pair- boots should be broken in prior to arrival to avoid blisters on hiking trips.
Boots may be leather, but should be sturdy with firm high-top ankle support and
rubber soled. See Example Here
Snow Boots
1 pair- boots should be lace up with a substantial rubber sole, rated for -20°
See Example Here
Sneakers
Don’t need to be waterproof, but should be comfortable, suitable for running and
exercise, and durable with a non-marking rubber sole
Water Shoes
Must be sturdy, with closed toe and a heel strap See Example Here
Flip Flops & Slippers
Optional
Outdoor and Adventure Clothing
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Winter Coat
1 parka with Down or Synthetic insulation rating of at least -20°
Waterproof Rain Jacket and Rain Pants
Rain jacket must have a hood. No Ponchos. Rain pants provide protection from wind,
rain and snow and can also double as an extra warm layer. See Example Here
Heavy Fleece Top or Jacket
Should be made of synthetic material such as Polyester. Heavy wool sweaters are also
acceptable.
Heavy Fleece Pants
Optional for casual wear at home or on trail and under rain pants on cold, wet days
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Long Underwear Tops/Bottoms
Long sleeve synthetic tops (for layering) and short sleeve tops (for hiking) It is important
for the comfort and safety of our students that these pieces of clothing are NOT cotton.
Please look for synthetic materials such as Polypropylene, Polyester or Capilene, which
wicks water and moisture from the body, are fast-drying, and retain their insulating
properties, all of which are essential characteristics for being active in the outdoors in all
seasons.
Heavy Socks
3 pairs- should be wool, recommend Smart wool, merino wool or Wigwam.
Winter Hat, Gloves/Mittens and Neck Warmer
Hats and glover/mittens should be insulated and warm, preferably with a fleece lining
and waterproof outer layer. Gaiter or Balaclava are recommended as well.
Outdoor and Adventure Gear
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Daypack
Regular sized backpack with two shoulder straps and enough room to carry multiple
layers of clothing, snacks, water and supplies for the day
Backpacking Pack
Optional-if you have a favorite at home that fits, bring it, otherwise we will provide
one for you to use. Must have sturdy internal or external frame, 55-80 L capacity
Sleeping Bag
Optional- must be lightweight and compact backpacking style sleeping bag. Synthetic
polyester/nylon or down. Synthetic remains warm when wet so is recommended. Bulky
cotton sleeping bags are NOT acceptable. Sleeping bags should fit into a stuff sack and
should be rated for 10 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
Water Bottles
Two- 2-liter Nalgene, or a different brand with a wide mouth and at least 32oz capacity
Bug Head Nets
Optional
Compass http://store.silvacompass.com/baseplate-polaris-177
Whistle See Example Here
Dry Bag for Paddling Trips
Optional
Toe and Hand Warmers
Optional- will be provided for Solos/Exploration if needed
Headlamp
Small and lightweight. Please bring rechargeable batteries.
Sunscreen, Chap stick, Insect Repellent
Optional- should have SPF of 15 or higher. Non Aerosol sprays only!
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Sunglasses and Sun Hat
Optional- UV Protection baseball or other wide brimmed hat recommended
Bicycle
Optional- Conserve School has a limited supply of bicycles for students to check out
(closed toe shoes with a heel strap must be worn when biking)
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Bicycle Helmet
Mandatory when riding bicycle- Conserve school has a limited supply for students to
check out
Cross Country Skis, Downhill Skis, or Snowboard
Optional- School has limited pairs of cross country skis available for check out. Weather
permitting we offer Down Hill Ski trips, you can bring your own equipment or rent it at
the hill (helmets required for downhill skiing or snowboarding)
Ice Skates and Snow Shoes
Optional- Conserve School has a limited supply for students to check out
Fishing Gear
Optional- Conserve School has limited supply for students to check out
Bow and Arrows
Optional- practice tips only, no hunting tips or broad heads. If you bring a bow, it can
only be used at the OUTDOOR archery range and must be given to a staff member to be
locked in the Archery Shed.
Living Supplies
Please note that we offer regular trips to nearby towns to replenish supplies of expendables such as
toothpaste, deodorant, laundry supplies, snacks, and personal hygiene items etc.
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Sheets
XL Twin
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Pillow and Pillow Case
Blankets/Comforter
Towels/Washcloths
Rugs
Optional- for bathroom & bedroom floor, also a bathmat
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Fan
Optional
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Desk Lamp
Optional
Alarm Clock
Clothes Hangers
Optional
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Cell Phone and Charger
Personal Hygiene Items
Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, soap, feminine hygiene products etc. No
Aerosol Sprays Please
Laundry Supplies
Laundry Soap, fabric softener (Phosphate Free or “Green” products)
Miscellaneous Personal Items
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Books
Optional for pleasure reading
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Digital Camera
Optional *Required for all students enrolled in Nature Photography. Class requires a
digital camera with the potential for "manual settings." A DSLR camera is preferred but a
good "point and shoot" compact variety is acceptable as long as it has a manual
settings mode in which the user can manually change such things as shutter speed,
aperture, and ISO. Click here to view top point and shoot cameras In addition a memory
card (min of 4g) extra battery and battery charger will be needed.
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Art Supplies
Optional-colored pencils, markers, glue, tape, ruler, scissors, watercolors, etc.
Required for all students enrolled in Drawn to Nature art class,
1quart Ziploc Bag of Soil from home (preferably from your yard, soil may not be
store bought)
Stationery, Stamps and Envelopes
Stamps are for sale in the Student Store or in the Student Life office
Spending Money
Parents are encouraged to put money into an “account” in the business office that the
students can draw from when they need cash. There is also a locked drawer provided in
each student’s room to keep money and valuables in.
Wrist Watch or other non-cellular time piece
Required for Solo Camping
Musical Instrument
Optional
School Supplies
Please note that Conserve School will provide you with a daily planner
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Notebooks & Notebook Paper
Pens, Pencils & Highlighters
Folders
Graphing Calculator
If you are currently using a graphing calculator, you may bring one. TI-83plus or TI-84
Medical Supplies
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Prescriptions
All prescription medications must be “bubble or blister packed” by a pharmacy. Your
pharmacy may offer this service or you may contact the Land O Lakes Pharmacy for
more information at 715-547-3788. If you have any questions please call the Student
Life Office at 715-547-1335
Epi Pen or Inhaler
Please bring an extra one, so we can have one in the health center or your house on
campus and you can carry one with you
Over the Counter Medications (OTC) and Vitamins
We provide basic over the counter meds for as needed use, such as ibuprofen, Tylenol,
allergy medication, cold and cough, etc. If you take a daily OTC medications or
supplements, please leave them in the original container, bring them with you when you
check into the health center on move in day
. Contact Lenses or Glasses
As needed- if you wear contacts or glasses, it is recommended that you bring a
prescription or a spare pair for back up if needed. Also please bring contact solutions as
needed
Medical Emergency Bracelet
As needed
Students are not permitted to use, or have in their possession, while enrolled at
Conserve School, any item that could cause a major school rule violation or have
a disruptive or negative impact on the community, and/or any items from the
following lists:
Prohibited Recreational Equipment
Games involving gambling or inappropriate
games like Card Against Humanity
In line skates
Personal watercrafts
Scooters/Skateboards
Prohibited Flammables
Any flammable agents
Candles/ Lighters/ Matches
Fireworks
Prohibited Tools
Other Prohibited Items
Knives/Multi-purpose tools
Pets
Lock Picking Tools
Weapons of any kind
Poster Putty (painters tape and push pins
allowed to hang items in room)
Prohibited Electronics
Unrated Movies or Movies rated R or NC17
Amplifier
Air Conditioner
Computer Monitor/Computer (including tablets,
iPad, Nook or Kindle)
DVD Player
Electric Blankets
Extension Cords
Gaming Consoles (Xbox, Wii, PS etc.)
Halogen Lamps
Iron
Open Coil Heating Units/Space heaters
Pizza Oven/ Microwave Oven
Television
Small Appliances (toaster, blender, hot plate,
hot pot, coffee maker etc.)
Printers/Scanners
Projector/ Screen