What to Pack

You should plan to dress comfortably throughout the session; the pace of the Institute involves 10- to 12-hour days, with three to five miles of walking throughout the day being common. The summer weather in Virginia is usually 90+ degrees with high humidity and occasional afternoon thundershowers. The extremely hot and humid weather can take its toll on those who are unprepared. Cool and comfortable clothing is a necessity.

Shorts and comfortable walking/athletic shoes are highly recommended. Some indoor spaces are air-conditioned to be fairly cold so a sweater or sweatshirt may be necessary. Laundry facilities are not available on site, so please pack appropriately.

Be sure to bring:

• hat
• sunglasses
• sunscreen
• bug spray
• umbrella, poncho, or rain jacket
• any medications you may need during the week
• photo identification
• mobile device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop and its charger (for ease of use and portability, smaller devices are suggested)
• camera and memory cards
• extra batteries and/or recharging cords

What if I forget something?

Items such as toothpaste, shampoo, beverages, etc., may be purchased at the hotel gift shops or vending machines.