Uncommon Endeavors
Packing List

We want you to be well-prepared for Uncommon Endeavors but also would like to avoid causing inconvenience by asking you to bring too much. Each list covers everything you need to have with you for that session. Each item is explained to help you better understand what to bring.

Do not feel like you need to spend a lot of money; most of these items can be found around your home or purchased inexpensively over the internet.

If you have questions or have trouble finding something, please let us know to see if we can help.

  • 1  Skirt Skirts will be worn for some classes and nice occasions. The hem and any slits must fall below the knee when sitting. Skirts are to be black, khaki, navy or denim. You may bring additional skirts for times when you can choose between skirts and pants.
  • 3 Uncommon Endeavors T-Shirts We will provide you with three Uncommon Endeavors t-shirts. These will be worn for most classes and outdoor activities. More can be purchased when you arrive.
  • 3 Pairs Pants/Capris Pants are worn for most classes and activities. They should be loose-fitting and fall below the knees. For many of our activities it is a good idea to have the legs covered to avoid scratches, injuries, or bug bites. We recommend dark colored pants as they do a better job of hiding the dirt and other things you do not want shown if you get wet. Also, pants should not be ripped or torn.
  • Comfortable Shoes You will be doing a lot of walking throughout the program. Comfortable shoes should offer support and not cause blisters when walking long distances.
  • 2 Pairs Dark-colored, Loose Exercise/Wind Pants
    Exercise pants (or wind pants) should be loose and not made of a clingy material. They need to be below the knees and of a darker color.
  • 3 T-shirts
    T-shirts are worn for exercise. When wet, you should not be able to see through them, because that is not cool. T-shirts cannot have designs or wording on them that are crude or offensive.
  • Undergarments (suitable for active exercise)
    These undergarments will be worn for exercise and should not cause chafing.
  • Tennis Shoes
    Uncommon Endeavors includes a moderate amount of exercise, and comfortable shoes are needed for that. Tennis shoes should provide support and not cause blisters. Brands such as New Balance, Nike, Asics, and Adidas are all good quality brands that will work. These can double as your comfortable shoes although we do recommend having at least two pairs of shoes you can wear for exercise or walking around as sometimes one pair may get wet.
  • Swimsuit
    Your swimsuit needs to be modest and cover your midriff. It will be worn under shorts at all times. One-piece or tankinis usually work well.
  • Shorts
    They will be worn over your swimsuit at all times. You should not be able to see through them when wet. Longer board shorts often work well.
  • T-shirt (Optional)
    If you want, you may wear a  t-shirt over your swimsuit for additional modesty or to prevent sunburn. (This is especially recommended when we go canoeing, it is surprising how easily you burn on the river, and as I know from personal experience, it is no fun.) You should not be able to see through it when wet. No crude or offensive wording or designs can be on it.
  • Lake Shoes
    You are required to wear shoes when walking to or around the lake to prevent cuts and splinters. Either water shoes or flip-flops will work.
  • Sunday Attire
    Sunday attire should be nice looking and modest. Hemlines and slits must fall below the knee when sitting and tops should have modest necklines.
  • Dress Shoes
    Dress shoes will be worn on Sundays and for nice occasions.
  • Sweatshirt
    Mornings and air conditioned buildings may be a little cool and at times a sweatshirt is appreciated. Please make sure that there is no offensive writing or designs on your sweatshirt. We do sell comfortable P31 Adventures sweatshirts that you can purchase when you get here if you are in need of a sweatshirt.
  • Socks
    You will want socks that are comfortable for walking, exercising, and wearing all day. Socks of a good quality will also help prevent blisters.
  • Undergarments
    Please don’t forget these. 🙂 Whatever you normally wear is fine. We don’t care what it is, we don’t plan to see them (unless we are helping with laundry).
  • Sleepwear
    Your sleepwear should be modest so as not to offend those around you.
  • Rain Poncho
    Rain ponchos, waterproof jackets, or raincoats all work. Rain protection is necessary since we do outdoor activities, and it does rain during Uncommon Endeavors. In a pinch, a black trash bag does work for a rain poncho. It has been done before.
  • Hat (Optional)
    Hats are recommended to provide shade, some relief from the sun, and prevent sunburns. Any style or color hat should be fine, but offensive or crude wording or designs are not.
  • Wrist Watch
    You will want a watch during Uncommon Endeavors to ensure that you are on time. Any watch that keeps accurate time will work, although if you use a smart watch you will not be able to have it connected to the internet.
  • Bible
    The English Standard Version is preferred since you will be memorizing that version of the Bible. Other versions are accepted for personal study. (If you have strong convictions about using only a certain version of the Bible, please contact us as we are usually able to work with you.)
  • Notebook/Notebook Paper (Optional)
    Paper will be needed for note-taking. Standard pads of lined paper, composition books, spiral-bound books, and legal pads will all work fine. There is note paper provided in your student binder that you can use instead.
  • Journal (Optional)
    Journaling has many benefits and is one of the activities we do during the program. You may want to bring a journal or notebook to use for this. Otherwise, there are journal pages in the binder we provide.
  • Pens/Pencils
    Pens and/or pencils are needed for writing. Bring more than one in case you lose one or it runs out of ink/lead.
  • 2 Water Bottles
    Any durable water bottle should work, provided that it will last two weeks. At least two will be needed. Nalgenes or other polycarbonate bottles are recommended and can be purchased at most stores.
  • Small Backpack/Day Pack
    Your backpack should be big enough to carry a moderate amount of stuff (Bible, notebook, water bottle, rain poncho etc.). It should also be comfortable to carry when walking for a distance.
  • Flashlight and Batteries (Optional)
    Any kind (headlamp, maglight, ect.) will work, so do not feel like you need to spend a lot of money on one. Bring an extra set of batteries in a Ziploc bag.
  • Alarm Clock
    Alarm clocks are necessary for wake up in the morning. There may be outlets available, so the clock can be either battery or plug powered. Alarm clocks should be just alarm clocks and not have music players or radios built into them. Watch alarms will work as long as they wake you up.
  • Blanket
    Your blanket will be used in the dorm. It should be lightweight. You can use a sleeping bag instead of a blanket.
  • Pillow and Pillowcase
    Whatever you normally use is fine.
  • Sheets
    Any color or pattern is acceptable, they should be for a twin-size bed.
  • Towels & Washcloths
    You will need at least one bath towel and one washcloth. Some people like a second towel for when they go to the lake.
  • Toiletries (2-week supply)
    You will need enough toiletries to last the entire two weeks as there is not an opportunity to purchase more during the program. You need to at least have: deodorant, toothpaste, a toothbrush, shampoo, soap, and sanitary napkins with you.
  • Sunscreen (Optional)
    Sunscreen should be waterproof. Spray on sunscreen is fine, as long as it is waterproof.
  • Insect Repellent (Optional)
    Mosquitoes can get quite bad in Wisconsin, and insect repellent becomes a healthy necessity. Natural insect repellents will work or any other heavy-duty stuff.
  • Clothes Hangers
    Clothes hangers are not provided, so you will need to bring enough to hang your clothes.
  • Laundry Bag
    The laundry bag needs to be big enough to hold a week’s worth of laundry.
  • Small Mesh Bag
    Mesh Bags are used to launder socks so that they do not get lost or mixed up with other students’ clothing. Ensure that your mesh bag is large enough to hold all your socks.
  • White/Silver and Black Laundry Pens
    Everything you bring to Uncommon Endeavors must be marked with your name. Students often lose objects, and without their being marked, they are difficult to return. Also, all clothing must be marked in case the clothes must be mixed with other students’ in order to wash them. Sharpie markers will work as long as they are permanent and wash-proof. Because some of the clothing is dark, a white or silver marker is also necessary.
  • Laundry Detergent (If you require a special type)
    We provide generic laundry detergent. If you have allergies and require a specific type of laundry detergent, please bring your own. You should bring enough for 3-4 loads.
  • Pocket Knife (Optional)
    Any pocket knife should work. The ideal pocket knife would be folding, with a locking mechanism, a sharp blade, and a length between 2.5 and 4 inches.
  • Travel Iron
    If you want, you can bring a travel iron with you but there is an iron available at the facility we are renting.
  • Camera
    If you wish to capture your Uncommon Endeavors experience on film, you can bring a camera. Digital or disposable cameras are fine. Our staff will also be taking pictures throughout the time which will be shared with you at the end.
  • Spending Money
    You do not need any extra money. However, many students enjoy buying snacks, beverages, clothing, and other items to remember their time here.
  • Cell Phone
    Students are not allowed to keep them during the program but can use them on the weekends or other approved times to call home. If you do not have a cellphone or do not want to bring one, let us know and we can work out another way for you to call home.

IMPORTANT: Please mark ALL clothing items with a laundry pen before arrival.

Uncommon Endeavors is a unique time to focus on the Lord, develop friendships, unplug from the world, and learn new things. For those reasons (amongst other reasons), we ask that you do not bring the following items.

Do not bring magazines, music, music players, radios (including alarm clock radios), computers, or other devices (e.g., tablets or kindles). The only books allowed are non-fiction Christian books (although you likely will not have time to read them).

On a cautionary note: please do not bring excessive cash or anything of great value. P31 Adventures, Inc. cannot be held responsible for lost or stolen items.

Packing List

Clothing

Optional

Gear

 

  • 3 Uncommon Endeavors T-Shirts
    We will provide you with three Uncommon Endeavors t-shirts. These will be worn for most classes and outdoor activities. More can be purchased when you arrive.
  • 3 Pairs Pants/Capris
    Pants are worn for most classes and activities. They should be loose-fitting and fall below the knees. For many of our activities it is a good idea to have the legs covered to avoid scratches, injuries, or bug bites. We recommend dark colored pants as they do a better job of hiding the dirt and other things you do not want shown if you get wet. Also, pants should not be ripped or torn.
  • Comfortable Shoes
    You will be doing a lot of walking throughout the program. Comfortable shoes should offer support and not cause blisters when walking long distances.
  • 1 Pair Dark-colored, Loose Exercise/Wind Pants
    Exercise pants (or wind pants) should be loose and not made of a clingy material. They need to be below the knees and of a darker color.
  • 2 T-shirts
    T-shirts are worn for exercise. When wet, you should not be able to see through them, because that is not cool. T-shirts cannot have designs or wording on them that are crude or offensive.
  • Undergarments (suitable for active exercise)
    These undergarments will be worn for exercise and should not cause chafing.
  • Tennis Shoes
    Uncommon Endeavors includes a moderate amount of exercise, and comfortable shoes are needed for that. Tennis shoes should provide support and not cause blisters. Brands such as New Balance, Nike, Asics, and Adidas are all good quality brands that will work. These can double as your comfortable shoes although we do recommend having at least two pairs of shoes you can wear for exercise or walking around as sometimes one pair may get wet.
  • Swimsuit
    Your swimsuit needs to be modest and cover your midriff. It will be worn under shorts at all times. One-piece or tankinis usually work well.
  • Shorts
    They will be worn over your swimsuit at all times. You should not be able to see through them when wet. Longer board shorts often work well.
  • T-shirt (Optional)
    If you want, you may wear a t-shirt over your swimsuit for additional modesty or to prevent sunburn. (This is especially recommended when we go canoeing, it is surprising how easily you burn on the river, and as I know from personal experience, it is no fun.) You should not be able to see through it when wet. No crude or offensive wording or designs can be on it.
  • Lake Shoes
    You are required to wear shoes when walking to or around the lake to prevent cuts and splinters. Either water shoes or flip-flops will work.
  • Sunday Attire
    We will be having church at a retreat center before heading out to the campground. Sunday attire should be nice looking and modest. Hemlines and slits must fall below the knee when sitting and tops should have modest necklines.
  • Sweatshirt
    Mornings and air conditioned buildings may be a little cool and at times a sweatshirt is appreciated. Please make sure that there is no offensive writing or designs on your sweatshirt. We do sell comfortable P31 Adventures sweatshirts that you can purchase when you get here if you are in need of a sweatshirt.
  • Socks
    You will want socks that are comfortable for walking, exercising, and wearing all day. Socks of a good quality will also help prevent blisters.
  • Undergarments
    Please don’t forget these. 🙂 Whatever you normally wear is fine. We don’t care what it is, we don’t plan to see them (unless we are helping with laundry).
  • Sleepwear
    Your sleepwear should be modest so as not to offend those around you. Some people choose to sleep in their exercise clothes.
  • Rain Poncho
    Rain ponchos, waterproof jackets, or raincoats all work. Rain protection is necessary since we do outdoor activities, and it does rain during Uncommon Endeavors. In a pinch, a black trash bag does work for a rain poncho. It has been done before.
  • Hat (Optional)
    Hats are recommended to provide shade, some relief from the sun, and prevent sunburns. Any style or color hat should be fine, but offensive or crude wording or designs are not.
  • Wrist Watch
    You will want a watch during Uncommon Endeavors to ensure that you are on time. Any watch that keeps accurate time will work, although if you use a smart watch you will not be able to have it connected to the internet.
  • Bible
    The English Standard Version is preferred since you will be memorizing that version of the Bible. Other versions are accepted for personal study. (If you have strong convictions about using only a certain version of the Bible, please contact us as we are usually able to work with you.)
  • Notebook/Notebook Paper (Optional)
    Paper will be needed for note-taking. Standard pads of lined paper, composition books, spiral-bound books, and legal pads will all work fine. There is note paper provided in your student binder that you can use instead.
  • Journal (Optional)
    Journaling has many benefits and is one of the activities we do during the program. You may want to bring a journal or notebook to use for this. Otherwise, there are journal pages in the binder we provide.
  • Pens/Pencils
    Pens and/or pencils are needed for writing. Bring more than one in case you lose one or it runs out of ink/lead.
  • 2 Water Bottles
    Any durable water bottle should work. At least two will be needed. Nalgenes or other polycarbonate bottles are recommended and can be purchased at most stores.
  • Small Backpack/Day Pack
    Your backpack should be big enough to carry a moderate amount of stuff (Bible, notebook, water bottle, rain poncho etc.). It should also be comfortable to carry when walking for a distance.
  • Flashlight and Batteries 
    Any kind (headlamp, maglight, ect.) will work, so do not feel like you need to spend a lot of money on one.
  • Pocket Knife
    Any pocket knife should work. The ideal pocket knife would be folding, with a locking mechanism, a sharp blade, and a length between 2.5 and 4 inches.
  • Utility Gloves 
    You will need utility gloves for rope work and outdoor work projects. They must be durable and have leather palms. They also come in handy when you are camping and working with the fire.
  • Mess Kit
    Your mess kit should at least include a plate, skillet and cutlery. Complete mess kits with a pan or pot are recommended.

 

  • Pillow and Pillowcase
    Whatever you normally use is fine.
  • Sleeping Bag
    Sleeping bags are primarily for outdoor use and should be suitable for use during the summer in Wisconsin.
  • Towels & Washcloths
    You will need at least one bath towel and one washcloth. Some people like a second towel for when they go to the lake.
  • Toiletries (1-week supply)
    You will need enough toiletries to last the entire week as there is not an opportunity to purchase more during the program. You need to at least have: deodorant, toothpaste, a toothbrush, shampoo, soap, and sanitary napkins (if needed) with you.
  • Sunscreen (Optional)
    Sunscreen should be waterproof. Spray on sunscreen is fine, as long as it is waterproof.
  • Insect Repellent (Optional)
    Mosquitoes can get quite bad in Wisconsin, and insect repellent becomes a healthy necessity. Natural insect repellents will work or any other heavy-duty stuff.

 

  • Spending Money
    You do not need any extra money. However, many students enjoy buying snacks, beverages, clothing, and other items to remember their time here.
  • Cell Phone
    Students are not allowed to keep them during the program but can use them on the weekends or other approved times to call home. If you do not have a cellphone or do not want to bring one, let us know and we can work out another way for you to call home.

IMPORTANT: Please mark ALL clothing items with a laundry pen before arrival.

There will be no laundry facilities during the second session, so please bring enough clothes for the week.

Uncommon Endeavors is a unique time to focus on the Lord, develop friendships, unplug from the world, and learn new things. Additionally, during the second session, we will be camping. For those reasons (amongst other reasons), we ask that you do not bring the following items.

Do not bring magazines, music, music players, radios (including alarm clock radios), computers, or other devices (e.g., tablets or kindles). The only books allowed are non-fiction Christian books (although you likely will not have time to read them).

On a cautionary note: please do not bring excessive cash or anything of great value. P31 Adventures, Inc. cannot be held responsible for lost or stolen items.

Packing List

Clothing

Optional

Gear