Getting Ready

PREPARATION

The best thing to do is start preparing now. There’s no such thing as too early!

Read through the information in this “Getting Ready” section, and start to talk about the weekend as a group. Reading through the theme information and starting to talk about it before you arrive is the best way to hit the ground running once you get to Hammonasset. If this is your first time attending Hammonasset, talking to groups who have attended in the past can also be a great source of advice. If you need helping finding someone, send an e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and we’ll connect you with a group near you.

The event program fills the entire weekend, however, there are several opportunities for free time where you might want to bring specific things. Check below under “free-time activities” to see what items you might want to include in your planning.

Starting thinking now about the number of adult advisors you will need to support your youth group for the weekend. Based on past experience, the planning team recommends at least one adult for every five youth but no more than one adult for every three youth. Be sure to line up enough drivers and vehicles to carry people, supplies and equipment. Registration opens at 4:00pm, and the Friday evening program begins at 8:30pm. Be sure to allow time to eat, set up camp, and get organized for the weekend.

Below you’ll find some resources we’ve put together for packing, preparing as a group, etc. If you have any further questions or needs, send an e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

FREE-TIME ACTIVITIES

While Saturday afternoon includes designated free-time, there are plenty of things to do!  A specific schedule of events will be in your welcome packet when you arrive, but for packing and planning purposes here are a few things you should know in advance:

Beach Time
There is NO lifeguard provided during free-time at the beach, and all groups must be accompanied by an adult.  That said, for all those wanting to swim, pack appropriate swim-wear, floaties, duck-shaped beach chairs, etc.

Crafts
There will be lots of craft options available this year, including Tie-Dying.  If you’re interested in Tie-Dying, please bring your own T-shirt.

Sports
Plenty of pick-up games will be going on throughout the campground, but most sports equipment needs to be provided by your group. If there’s anything in particular you want bring it along (and also protective gear if you’re bringing various wheeled boards and such).

Jam Session
There are also plenty of opportunities to play instruments, including a jam session with Jacob’s Road.  If you’re interested, bring along anything you might want to play.

PLANNING YOUR TRIP

If you’re not an experienced camper, seek advice from someone who is. The Hammonasset campground is generally flat and grassy. There is an adequate number of potable water spigots throughout the camping area, but there are no water or electrical hookups for motor homes or travel trailers. Also note that campers are not permitted to use electricity from shower buildings at their campsites. If you need electricity for medical reasons, note this on your registration form and we will assign you a handicapped site if one is available.

Shower buildings and restrooms are located throughout the group camping area and are heavily used throughout the weekend. Ice and other essentials are available at the park store or outside the park at nearby shops. Food and other supplies can be purchased at nearby stores and shops within 2-4 miles of the park.

You will need to provide meals for your group from Friday evening through Sunday afternoon. Be sure to take this added cost into consideration when planning the trip. On Saturday, you should prepare bagged lunches that can be brought with you to your service sites. Saturday dinner will be provided by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. You will need to bring all the necessary cooking supplies, utensils, plates, bowls, clean up supplies, etc. Some of the shower buildings have large sinks available for washing dishes.

The park has restrictions on campfires in the campground. Fires are permitted only in designated tubs which are rented from the park store. These tubs are not very suitable for cooking fires. If your meal plans include grilling, you will need to bring your own grill.

IMPORTANT EMERGENCY INFORMATION

Medical services are not provided as part of this event. If you have a medical or police emergency while at Hammonasset, call 911 or the state park for assistance. Also inform the event security staff to advise them that police, fire or medical assistance has been called.

Hammonasset State Park (203) 245-1817
Emergency Medical, Fire, or Police dial 911

Hammonasset Park phone number: 203-245-1817