Church Retreat Packing List: Everything to Bring

A standard three-day church retreat needs casual layers for three days, sleepwear, a Bible, a journal, basic toiletries, a water bottle, a rain shell, and one warm layer for evening worship outside. Add the branded retreat tee and hoodie the group ordered. Leave room for the goodie bag handed out at check-in. Below is the full list broken out by category, plus what to skip.

The Core Church Retreat Packing List

For a three-day, two-night retreat, the core packing list works for adults, college students, and high school youth alike. Adjust quantities for longer retreats. Pack one bag carry-on size if possible. Most retreat centers expect attendees to walk gear to the cabin or dorm.

• Three casual tees (one is the branded retreat tee if the group ordered it)
• One hoodie or crewneck sweatshirt (the retreat hoodie if available)
• One pair of jeans or chinos and two pairs of athletic pants or joggers
• One pair of athletic shorts (for the recreation block or for sleeping)
• Sleepwear and four pairs of underwear and socks
• One rain shell, one warm layer (fleece or puffer in cool months)
• One hat and one pair of sunglasses
• One pair of comfortable walking shoes and one pair of slip-on sandals

The Spiritual Items List

Most retreats include three to five sessions of teaching plus personal reflection blocks. The spiritual kit is small:

• Bible, in the translation you read most
• Journal or notebook, with two pens
• The retreat agenda or workbook the leaders sent ahead
• Devotional or current study book if you are mid-read
• Headphones for personal reflection time or a worship playlist

If the church mailed an info packet, bring it. The agenda, room assignment, and meal schedule are often only in that document.

Toiletries, Health, and Personal Care

Retreat centers vary widely in how stocked the bathrooms are. Assume nothing is provided. Pack a small zip-top bag with:

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, deodorant, soap, and shampoo
• Sunscreen and bug spray (outdoor sessions are common)
• Lip balm and hand lotion
• Any prescription medications and a small basic first-aid kit
• A towel and washcloth (some centers provide, some do not, ask in advance)
• Earplugs if you sleep in a shared cabin

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What to Bring for the Recreation Block

Most church retreats include a free recreation block: kickball, hiking, swimming, archery, or a ropes course. Pack:

• Athletic shorts and a moisture-wicking tee or tank
• A water bottle, refilled at every meal
• A swimsuit if the center has a pool or lake (modest options are appreciated by most ministries)
• A second pair of socks and shoes if outdoor activities are on the schedule

If the group ordered a moisture-wicking performance tee with the retreat logo, pack it for the rec block.

What the Branded Retreat Apparel Adds to the Packing List

When a ministry orders branded retreat apparel through a print-on-demand shop, each attendee usually orders a retreat tee and a retreat hoodie ahead of time and packs them in the bag. The branded apparel does three things on the retreat:

• Identifies your group at large retreat centers shared with other churches
• Builds group cohesion when everyone wears the tee on day one
• Becomes a keepsake the attendee wears for years after the retreat

If your church hosts the retreat through a Bear Grips Pro Shops storefront, every attendee orders their own size at home and the apparel ships to their door before the retreat. The pastor or coordinator does not collect sizes or distribute shirts on site.

What to Leave at Home

Three things almost always go unused at a church retreat: a laptop, a third pair of shoes, and a stack of unread books. Most retreats encourage attendees to put the phone away in the cabin between sessions. Pack light. Bring less than you think you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear to a church retreat?

Comfortable casual layers. Jeans or joggers, a tee, and a hoodie for the day. Athletic shorts and a moisture-wicking tee for the recreation block. A modest swimsuit if there is water on site. Most retreats are casual and the retreat tee handed out or pre-ordered by the group counts as the daily uniform.

Do I need to bring my own towels and sheets?

Ask the retreat coordinator. Some centers provide all linens. Others ask attendees to bring a sleeping bag, pillow, and towel. The packet the church sends usually includes the answer in the second or third page.

How many outfits should I pack for a three-day retreat?

Three day outfits plus the recreation outfit, plus sleepwear. One outfit per day. The branded retreat tee covers day one. Athletic shorts and a tee cover the rec block. Pack one extra clean tee in case of spills, weather, or a longer day than expected.

Is the retreat tee mandatory or just available to order?

It varies by ministry. Some retreats include a tee in the registration fee. Others offer the tee through a branded storefront where each attendee orders the size and quantity they want. Both work. The tee almost never is mandatory but is highly recommended for group cohesion.