Packing List

Dress Code 

Wear what feels natural to you. No formality needed. We'll be moving between indoors and outdoors throughout the retreat, so layers are key! May on Cape Cod can be beautiful and sunny or breezy and cool, sometimes in the same afternoon.

  • Welcome reception: Come as you are! Many guests will arrive straight from travel. We'll be outside around fire pits for s'mores and oysters, so bring a layer.

  • Daytime sessions: Comfortable but put-together. Jeans, sweaters, relaxed tops. Whatever helps you feel like yourself!

  • Off-site dinner: Slightly more polished casual, as you might dress for a nice dinner with friends by the water. Bring layers as evenings on the Cape can be cool.

  • Activity day: Comfortable clothes you can move in. Depending on what you choose, you may be on a boat, on a bike, or by the water. Dress accordingly and bring a windbreaker.

Essentials

  • Laptop and charger (we'll be doing some collaborative sessions)

  • Note-taking tool of choice

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Photo ID (required for travel and hotel check-in)

  • Credit/debit card (for any incidental personal expenses)

  • Any medications and personal essentials

Clothing

  • Casual layers: jeans, sweaters, relaxed button-downs, or tees

  • Light jacket or fleece: evenings on the Cape can be cool even in May

  • Windbreaker or packable rain layer: essential for boats and breezy coastal days

  • Rain jacket: Cape Cod weather is famously variable

  • Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the grounds and outdoor activities

  • Sneakers or water-resistant shoes for activity day

  • Hat or sunglasses for sunny days on the water

  • Warm socks

Optional

  • Swimsuit (depending on activities)

  • Camera or smartphone with storage

  • Sunscreen

  • Portable charger or power bank

  • Motion sickness remedies if you're sensitive (water activities may be on offer)

  • Insect repellent with DEET or permethrin (ticks are common on Cape Cod, especially in wooded and grassy areas)

A note on ticks: Cape Cod is beautiful, and like much of coastal New England, it's also tick country. We recommend:

  • Applying insect repellent before any outdoor activity

  • Wearing long socks and tucking pants into socks when walking through grass or wooded areas

  • Doing a quick tick check at the end of each day

Photo credit Joann Dost.