PACKING for KETTLE POND

 

GENERAL THOUGHTS

 

Kettle Pond aims to provide everything essential that you will need during your week with us other than basic personal items (clothing, toiletries, and writing supplies). We strongly encourage all of our writers to at least take a look at the list below. We've heard from some that it's overkill, but we have also lent coats (and socks, and pants...) to many of those critics.

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All writers, but especially those with limited packing space, are encouraged to keep in mind that laundry is included in tuition, and easily accessible in campus housing. Whenever possible, Kettle Pond staff aims to connect writers sharing apartments in advance so that they may coordinate on packing for their shared kitchen & common space, if they wish.

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CLOTHING TIPS

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The most important thing to keep in mind when packing for Kettle Pond is the weather in the Adirondacks, which can be quite erratic in June. Our best advice for all writers preparing for their week a the conference is to pack as we do: plan for three seasons of weather, hope for fewer. 

 

• summer clothing -- lightweight pants, shirts, skirts, shorts, skorts, dresses, etc

  • we don’t mean to scare you with the weather warnings; it will probably feel like summer most of the week, we shall see

• lightweight layer -- sweater, sweatshirt, fleece, etc

• jacket(s) -- light &/or mid-weight

• long pants 

• raincoat &/or umbrella

• sturdy, water-resistant shoes

• comfortable walking shoes

• shower sandals and/or slippers 

• pajamas/sweats 

• robe (see bedding & housewares)

• hiking and/or gym clothes 

  • writers have access to Paul Smith’s campus gym & recreation facilities, as well as all the trails at the VIC

• swimsuit or paddling clothing

  • for kayak/canoe use, swimming, or just sitting by the lake

• yoga mat

  • we are hoping yoga classes will be offered, but cannot guarantee this yet; a limited number of campus yoga mats will be available for our writers to borrow if they wish

• hat(s) – sun hat, knit hat, favored hat

• sunglasses​

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LIFE in CAMPUS HOUSING

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While we aim to provide all you will need, we are the first to admit that the linens and towels included with campus housing are quite basic, and the shared kitchens are not stocked with anything at all – no dishes, or other equipment (though they all contain a refrigerator, stove, and oven). 

 

• personal toiletries & any medications

  • some very basic staples are available in the campus bookstore, though it is not open on weekends/during the first two days of the conference (there is a small market ~5 miles away) 

  • the closest pharmacy is in Saranac Lake (~13 miles away)

• allergy medication, sunscreen, bug spray &/or anti-bite ​

  • it's June in the North Country

• backpack, satchel, or tote bag

  • a waterproof option or rain fly could be helpful if you plan on hiking or paddling

• headlamp, flashlight, or lantern

  • walkways on campus are lit, but there are beautiful hiking trails around campus where a flashlight might be useful at night​​

• warm blanket/sleeping bag

  • the college provides thin blankets, and dorms are heated, though the system is designed to heat up very slowly and isn’t suited to quick changes in settings 

• one fitted sheet/twin xl sheet set 

  • the college provides biodegradable sheets, one fitted, one flat; they are perfectly comfortable though not luxurious

• extra pillow & pillowcase 

  • the college provides one waterproof (read: comfortable, but weird) pillow & one biodegradable pillowcase per resident

• bath/beach towel

  • one bath towel and one hand towel are provided to all writers, however they are very basic, and quite small; this is probably the luxury you’ll enjoy the most (and can double as a picnic blanket!)

• hangers

  • we actually have a bunch of these we've collected over the years, but first come = first served

• laundry detergent/supplies

  • laundry is free and available in campus housing, no coins or cards needed

  • writers working with limited packing space, in particular, are encouraged to keep this perk in mind

• handsoap 

  • we also have some of these, but again first come = first served

• dish soap & sponge

  • and/or dishwasher soap/pods; dishwashers are available in all dormitory housing​

• some kind of cup (e.g. a mug, water bottle, camp cup, etc)

• misc. kitchen items

  • spork, silverware, cooking implements

  • straw, bottle/can opener, corkscrew

  • small pot or pan

  • electric kettle or coffee maker

  • food storage container(s), plastic bags, foil, etc

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WRITING & MISCELLANY

 

• printed or downloaded directions to Paul Smith's College

  • cell service is spotty (or worse, depending on how much time you spend in Vermont) along the way; writers driving to Kettle Pond are almost assured to lose their GPS connections for some period of time

• driver license, passport, or other ID

  • Paul Smith’s is within 100 miles of the Canadian border, which means it is under the jurisdiction of Border Patrol – this means it’s possible drivers & passengers traveling by car to the conference will encounter a checkpoint on their journey as they get closer to campus

  • we haven’t encountered any checkpoints on this journey since 2018, but we urge writers to be prepared for that possibility (and to let staff know upon registration so we may be better able to assist others as they make their way toward us)​

• cash

  • an ATM is available on campus; the evening bar is cash only

• phone & charger

  • cell service is spotty, though wifi is free and available on campus; writers without service may find it their best option to make calls

• laptop & charger

  • computers are available in the library during regular hours, and in the 24 Hour Room adjacent to the library during conference week

• analog writing supplies: pens, pencils, paper, notebook, etc

• recreational gear

  • woodsy: kayak, canoe, fishing rod, binoculars, etc​

  • artsy: musical instrument, watercolors, divination tools, etc

• headphones​

• extension cord/plug strip

• printer & data cable

  • writers who wish to bring a printer are advised they will not be able to network it on Paul Smith's wifi and must bring an appropriate cable​/dongle/etc

  • printing is available on campus, though the library & 24-Hour Room are a 5-10 minute walk from the dorms, and help isn’t available outside of limited library hours; staff can help with printing in creative emergencies​

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A printable version of this list, with any updates, and formatted as a checklist will be distributed to registered writers prior to conference week.