Summer Leadership Experience Packing List

So the packing list says to bring a whole bunch of clothes and whatnot. I was wondering if someone who's done it before could narrow it down to the most advised stuff to bring. (long-sleeve t-shirt ???, sweatpants/sweatshirt ???). and btw, it doesn't say anything about bringing any regular t-shirts but should i include them as well?

They will give you a collared shirt that you will wear almost everywhere (meals, classes, briefs, etc.), so just make sure you have enough under shirts. You won't really need any other shirts, but at least pack some just in case. I brought a bunch of polo shirts with me last year, but I didn't end up wearing any of them. They will also give you athletic shirts for any physical activity, but you will need to bring athletic shorts. You'll need the long sleeve shirt and jeans for military training day. You will get dirty on that day, so pack clothes that you can get dirty. I had to throw out the jeans that I wore on military training day.

The first piece of advice that comes to mind that I would give is to pack lightly. You will be overwhelmed and also pestered by cadets if you show up the first day with a load of gear so large that you look like you're preparing to ascend Mt. Everest. Another underrated item on the packing list was a fan, my bunkmates and I really enjoyed the fact that we all brought fans to cool our room at night. Bring money to purchase apparel and/or snacks at the C-store. Good luck and have a great time!

Should we bring our stuff in a big bag/ backpack or suitcase?

Sabs F said:

Should we bring our stuff in a big bag/ backpack or suitcase?

Click to expand...

I brought a duffel that could roll on wheels and it was perfect. I also carried a backpack. A duffel and/or backpack seemed to work better for people than a suitcase.

It rained buckets when my son was there last summer, so you may want to pack some extra plastic bags for muddy, wet clothing.
It also rained heavily at pick up time. All the luggage was exposed to the rain so again, extra plastic bags for dry clothing might be a good idea also.
And you will come home with a nice collection of WP shirts.

Would bringing a duffel bag without wheels be a pain to carry around during the in-processing on the first day versus a suitcase?

I'm going to assume that you are strong enought to manage a duffle bag just fine.
Whatever you choose, plan to run with it ( my son did when he went to SLE. As soon as the had the student march around the corner, away from the view of the parents, they had to run to the barracks).

luckydoggy1234 said:

So the packing list says to bring a whole bunch of clothes and whatnot. I was wondering if someone who's done it before could narrow it down to the most advised stuff to bring. (long-sleeve t-shirt ???, sweatpants/sweatshirt ???). and btw, it doesn't say anything about bringing any regular t-shirts but should i include them as well?

Click to expand...

Bring what's on the list. The long-sleeve t-shirt and jeans will be worn while out in the field (Buckner?). I don't remember if they were there one day or overnight, but you will be doing outdoor obstacle course type exercises and team-building exercises. In 2013 short-sleeve t-shirts were issued (maybe 3-4 for the week). Those were worn with khaki shorts/pants, and worn in the classroom and during PT (with athletic shorts). Polo shirts (2?) were also issued, to be worn with khaki shorts/pants (perhaps for formation, breakfast?).

For the parents, in 2013 photos were taken during SLE and posted on the WP FB pages. There was only one session of SLE that year and hundreds if not a thousand pictures were available to look through (known as Waldo hunting) on Flickr. I was able to find about a dozen of my DS.

This year, my son received 2 polo collared shirts to wear with your pants/shorts (only pack khaki - red shorts stand out). He also received 3 jersey tee's for PT and a windbreaker. Pack an empty garbage bag (or two) for wet/dirty laundry as you will not have the chance to do laundry.
Don't forget the sheets, blanket (pillow not really necessary).

Don't worry about CFA. About 1/4 throw up. Very impressive and a great experience.