Any adventure away from home requires a little preparation, so here’s some information and advice to make your stay at Sen Lin Hu the best possible experience!Â
PACKING
Our cabins are rustic and without much shelf space, so pack light. Many parts of our program take place outside, taking full advantage of our beautiful natural surroundings-there are many opportunities for outside sports, activities and overnight camping trips. Please make sure that you bring along a pair of sturdy shoes in order to reduce the risk of twisted ankles and falls. Shoes without backs, like flip-flops, are not allowed at SÄ“n LÃn Hú other than in the cabin, the shower house, or at the beach, and gym shoes must be worn when participating in any type of active game. A rain jacket or poncho is a must, as is both cool and warm clothing (temperatures can vary dramatically in the Minnesota woods). Mosquitoes and ticks are part of life in the North Woods, so bring along insect repellent with about 30% DEET-counselors will encourage villagers to check daily for ticks. The beach and canoeing are very popular, and villagers should bring along sunscreen with minimum SPF 30 for our many outdoor activities.Â
Please bring (if you want)- traditional Chinese clothing, a musical instrument (we have plenty of opportunities for you to play), a camera, a Chinese dictionary, a journal, pencils, pens, notebooks, stamps and envelopes, your address book, photos of friends, family and pets. It’s fine to bring along religious reading materials, even if they’re in English (the contraband rule doesn’t apply to that). It’s also OK to bring along musical scores or things you need to practice.
What not to bring? Please DO NOT bring along cell phones, pagers, I-pods, lap-tops, radios, CD players, stereos and speakers, English books or recordings, electronic games, in-line skates, bicycles, hazardous or illegal objects (please refer to the Parent Handbook). Contraband items will be confiscated and, with the exception of food, returned upon departure.
