By Cassie Gould
•
December 11, 2025
Heading to a winter church retreat at Camp Timber‑lee? Whether you’re prepping for worship, fellowship, or winter adventures, packing smart can make the weekend more comfortable and meaningful. This list helps you cover essentials: clothes, gear, and personal items — so you’re ready for snow, worship, and community without worrying about forgetting something important. Clothing & Cold-Weather Gear Layered Warm Clothing Thermal base layers — long‑sleeve tops and leggings help retain heat. Mid‑layers like fleece or sweatshirts — for warmth during chilly mornings or evening devotionals. Outer layer: waterproof/windproof winter coat, ideally insulated. Warm pants — snow pants or lined pants for outdoor snow activities. Winter Accessories Insulated, waterproof snow boots — snow and ice demand proper footwear. Warm hat/beanie and a scarf or neck gaiter — helps prevent heat loss and protects face from wind. Gloves or mittens — waterproof or water‑resistant recommended, plus extras if they get wet. Wool or thermal socks — bring several pairs so you can change if socks get damp or snow gets inside boots. Indoor & Comfort Clothes Comfortable sweatpants or pajamas for evenings. Layered tops or hoodies for indoor chill or lounging after activities. Extra undergarments and socks. Gear & Supplies for Snow & Outdoor Activities Snow Essentials Snow boots and waterproof footwear — snow, slush and cold ground make this vital. Waterproof gloves or mittens — for snowball fights, sledding or walking through snow. Extra dry socks — wet feet can lead to discomfort or cold. A waterproof bag or duffel — keep wet clothes or snow boots separate from dry stuff. Hand warmers — optional but helpful during worship, walking or recreation. Optional Snow & Adventure Gear Snow pants or extra outerwear — handy if you plan to walk in deep snow or woods. Waterproof exterior gear for kids/teens — snow wears out regular clothes fast. Day Pack Essentials A well-prepared day pack is your best friend during a winter retreat or winter camp, especially when you’re out exploring outdoor spaces or moving between activities. Start by packing a reliable mid layer—merino wool is a top choice for warmth without bulk. Add a waterproof jacket to shield you from unexpected snow or rain, and don’t forget a cozy hat, neck gaiter, and insulated gloves to keep you warm as temperatures drop. For footwear, sturdy hiking boots or snow boots are essential for safe walking on snowy or icy paths. Keep a water bottle handy to stay hydrated, and bring snacks like trail mix or energy bars to keep your energy up throughout the day. With these day pack essentials, you’ll be prepared for whatever the retreat brings—whether it’s a hike through the woods, a snowball fight, or simply enjoying the winter scenery. Worship, Spiritual & Community Items Basics for Worship & Fellowship Bible, devotional book or journal — winterXtreme often includes worship, quiet time, reflection. Notepad and pen — helpful for reflection sessions, sermons, group sharing or journaling. Reusable water bottle — hydration is important even in cold weather. Indoor Comfort & Fellowship Extras Slippers or cozy indoor shoes — useful if the building has hardwood or cold floors. Blanket or throw — if you like extra warmth during worship, indoor fellowship or leisure time. Board games or card games — for down time, fellowship, or indoor bonding with friends or family. Toiletries, Health & Safety Essentials Toiletries kit: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, lotion — cold air can dry the skin. Lip balm and moisturizer — cold and indoor heating dry out skin and lips. Towels and washcloths — especially for showers, snow‑mud cleanup after outdoor time. First‑aid basics or personal care items — band‑aids, over‑the‑counter cold meds, tissues, hand sanitizer. Entertainment For entertainment, consider packing a favorite book, a deck of cards, or travel-sized games to enjoy with friends during quiet moments. Packing & Logistics Tips Pack Smart: Dry Bag Inside Duffel Use a waterproof bag or dry sack inside your luggage to isolate wet gear (boots, gloves, outerwear) from dry clothes. Keeps belongings clean and manageable even if snow or slush gets involved. Dress in Layers & Pack Extras Wisconsin winters are unpredictable — layering helps adjust to indoor warmth or outdoor cold. Always bring an extra set of warm socks and at least one extra pair of gloves/hats — wet gear can happen fast. Label Your Items In group settings, items can get mixed up. Label bags, boots, jackets — helps avoid lost gear at retreat centers or shared facilities. Balance Comfort, Warmth & Practicality Bring enough warm clothes and indoor comfort items, but avoid overpacking. Choose versatile pieces — warm but light when possible. Prohibited Items To help create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, certain items are not allowed at the retreat center. Be sure to leave knives, firearms, and any other weapons at home, as well as any clothing or gear that might be considered inappropriate for a church retreat. It’s always a good idea to check with the retreat organizers ahead of time for a full list of prohibited items, so you can pack accordingly and avoid any surprises upon arrival. Respecting these guidelines helps ensure a positive experience for all participants and keeps the focus on fun, fellowship, and safety. Why Preparing for Winter Makes the Retreat Better You stay warm, dry, and comfortable — making worship, fellowship and rest more enjoyable. Prevents weather‑related discomfort or sickness — snow, dampness and cold can lead to hypothermia or illness if unprepared. Helps you stay focused on retreat purpose — spiritual growth, community, fun — without worrying about shaky gear or cold. Enables full participation — in outdoor activities, worship, hikes, games — when you’re well‑equipped. Final Thoughts A winter retreat at Camp Timber‑lee is all about community, faith, and embracing the season — with snow, warmth and fellowship. Packing thoughtfully makes the difference between “surviving” winter and truly enjoying it. Conclusion Use this packing list to get ready for your snowy weekend of worship, fun, and fellowship. Layer smart, bring warmth and comfort, prepare for snow — and get ready to make memories.
