Let’s be clear: this isn’t a luxury retreat. You won’t have a private cabin or monogrammed robe. You’ll be sleeping in a shared cabin with bunk beds, probably six to a room. You’ll trek to a shared bathroom in the morning chill to brush your teeth next to a stranger who might teach a session on mushroom foraging or memoir writing.
The food? It’s classic camp fare, served hot and with love (and yes, there will be wine with dinner). The vibe? Cozy, simple, real. It might be chilly in the mornings — pack layers — but you’ll warm up fast with hikes, hot coffee, and conversation. No bunkhouse drama. Just that special kind of connection that happens when grownups share a cabin and let the guards drop. This is not about comfort. It’s about aliveness. You’ll leave smelling like bonfire and full of new ideas.
Wearable things
This is fall in the Midwest. It could be 35°F or 75°F — or both in the same day. Think layers.
A warm jacket or fleece for evenings and early mornings
Hiking shoes or boots (mud likely)
Campfire clothes (a.k.a. your “I don’t care if it smells like smoke” outfit)
Pajamas you’re okay wearing in front of near-strangers
Rain jacket just in case
Warm socks (pack extra, your future self will thank you)
Optional: costume piece, funny hat, or power accessory — because why not?
Toiletry stuff
Bring what you need, but keep it simple.
Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant
Towel + washcloth
Shower sandals
Meds, contacts stuff, etc.
Earplugs (guaranteed someone will snore)
If you host a session
You don’t have to lead anything, but you might want to. Pack accordingly.
A notebook or journal
Pens, markers, Post Its, sharpies
Anything you'd need to teach or share something (instruments, craft supplies, book recs, weird diagrams...)
A curious heart and a collaborative spirit
Optional, but fun
A bottle of wine or six-pack to share (no hard liquor — YMCA rules)
A musical instrument (guitar, harmonica, synth?)
A book to read or share
A story, game, or activity to lead
Something warm and wooly for sitting out under the stars
© 2026 Don Ball | All rights reserved