Packing For Club Getaway!

This past weekend I had the most amazing time at Club Getaway in the Berkshires! I went for a "reunion" for people who've gone on the ShipRocked cruises. (I've done two, myself.) We had a couple of bands play and enjoyed all the great lakeside activities. We drank a lot. We're hoping to go ahead and come back next summer.

Since this had been our first time going, most of us didn't quite know exactly how to pack. Personally, I over packed. I just figured I'd rather fix any potential problems rather than complain about them. I wanted to put together a nice list that we, ShipRockers, can look to in the future that maybe others could find useful.

Basic - These are items I think everyone should have.

• Case of water - Yes, they have plenty of coolers of water around but they only have tiny cups. Sure, you could have one bottle you just refill but you know you'll lose it. Also, you can share the case with your cabin mates.
• Beach towel - You'll find your cabin has a bath towel, a hand towel and a washcloth for each guest. No beach towel, which you'll want for swimming and other activities on the lake.
• Hoodie - You're a grown-up and I'm not going to take a lot of time telling you what clothes to pack but it gets cool in the evenings and you will probably want this.
• Walking shoes - just something appropriate for tramping around in the woods. I'm sure you'll have sandals but I think you'll want something else too.
• Aerosol deodorant - This is mostly for the men but I think it's a good idea all the way around. Go crazy with it. (Note: Axe is a body spray, not a deodorant. We can still smell your BO.) 
• Cooler for snacks and discreet drinks - If you're someone who constantly sleeps through or otherwise misses scheduled mealtimes you can feel free to bring snacks. Since the bar, according to Connecticut blue laws, must close at 2am and you and friends want to stay up until 3:45 drinking and talking you may want to bring a 6-pack of this or a flask of that. Club Getaway does not crack down on this, and has no problem with coolers, but be discreet with the adult beverages.

Comforts of Home - Things that you don't need but will want.

This cabin looks much larger than mine

• Pillow with pillowcase - Each twin sized bed (and they're all twins) has one smooshed down poly fill pillow. You'll want another. If you're picky, bring one from home but you can also pick one up at a discount store for four or five dollars and just leave it behind when you go home. 
• Soap - Ok, I'm gonna assume you're packing toiletries. This is more my personal suggestion to get two bars of a nice soap that you're willing to use on your face and body. Put one in the shower and one by the bathroom sink. They have soap dispensors in those places but, c'mon, you gotta take care of your skin. (Yes, you'll still need shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste and such. I just really liked this idea and thought I'd pass in on.)
• Hangers - There are a few plastic ones in each cabin but bringing a couple more might help to keep you organized.
• Shower mat or shower shoes - Foot funk happens. You can play it solo with rubber flip flops or talk to your cabin mates and one of you bring a shower mat.
• Power strip - This is another item that you'll only need one per cabin. We all have stuff that needs to be charged or plugged in. Don't fight over an outlet.
• A watch - Ok, I have no kids and told all of my family, friends and coworkers that I would be out of range all weekend (completely untrue but absolutely decadent.) I tucked my phone away right after arriving didn't touch it until I was packing up to go. I completely annoyed everyone asking what time it was.
• Big insulated cup - Remember those adult beverages? Have a big cup to put them in. Because we all know that if you go back to your cabin for a refill after 2 am, you're not coming back.
• Wipes - Cleaning wipes, anti-bacterial wipes, make-up removing wipes. Don't lie. You love wipes. Pack some wipes.
• A couple of small scented candles - They take up such little room and can make such a difference.
• A camp chair - My cabin mate and I loved our neighbors. We chatted with them before bed and in the morning. It would have been really nice if there were enough chairs on our porch to all sit out there occasionally.

Princess - Ok, you may be made fun of. But you won't care! You're super comfortable.

• Twin sized inflatable mattress - The mattresses weren't great. I personally did fine but I spoke to a few people who said they had a bad crick in their neck. Set up the inflatable mattress and slide the one they supply for you under the bed. These mattresses pack down quite small so you even if you're flying in that shouldn't be a problem, just contact someone who lives locally (like me!) to bring an air-pump. 
• Sheets - I want to be clear, the linens you are supplied with are clean and functional. If you're someone who doesn't sleep on anything less that 450 count Egyptian cotton you'll have to bring your own, though.
• Bedbug spray - No one I know saw any signs of bedbugs which is the reason I thought of this as a princess item. I can really get wanting it just in case though. It's my understanding that bedbug spray and lice spray is the same thing. So, if you can't find one you can just get the other one.