


If questions arise, please feel free to contact us here at the Academy for assistance.
Campus Clothing
The Academy at SOAR dress code takes into consideration the need for self-expression, while also eliminating distractions that might undermine our schools’ culture and our student’s experiences. Clothing that depicts violence, drugs, alcohol, sexualized references, offensive symbols or words is unacceptable. Students and employees are not permitted to wear: clothing with rips, tears or stains, military uniforms, or camouflage. Students and employees are expected to dress appropriately for school and off-campus activities based on the categories listed in the Academy at SOAR Dress Code. (Please refer to the full Dress Code listed in section three of this handbook and the Academy Dress Code Chart.)
Pants
Shorts
T-Shirts
Collared Shirts
Footwear
Swimsuits
Expedition Clothing
Long Underwear Sets
Socks
Fleece Tops and Bottoms
$100 for bottoms. They can generally be found on sale at places like Campmortm and R.E.I.tm.
Quick-Dry Pants and Shorts
Synthetic, polyester, or quick-dry clothing is an important component of a successful outdoor experience. Synthetic clothing will keep you warm under the most unfavorable conditions, even when the clothing is wet. Cotton will not!
Quick-Dry Shirts
Polyester or a moisture-wicking type of fabric is most common. T-shirt style crew neck is the most common and allows for comfort in wearing multiple layers in inclement weather. These shirts will see a lot of wear and tear so we recommend not purchasing expensive name brands. Most stores now carry these types of shirts ranging from $10 to $20 each.
Insulating (Puffy) Jacket
These jackets function as a base layer to insulate when paired with a rain jacket shell. We recommend that they have synthetic insulation and a water repellent coating for the best protection for your student. This will be the main jacket your student will tend to wear while at school. The most durable brands we suggest are The North Facetm, Marmottm, Mountain Hardweartm, and R.E.I.tm. These jackets range from $100 to $150.
Rain Jacket and Pants
Gear and Equipment
Expedition Backpack
Sleeping Bag
What to look for in a sleeping bag:
- The comfort rating is measured in degrees ˚F. Remember the temperature rating is relative. If you are cold or warm-natured, remember to compensate accordingly.
- Weight is important; look for a bag that is as light as possible. A 0 ̊F bag should weigh no more than 5 to 7 lbs.
- Compressibility refers to the size of the stuff sack the sleeping bag can be stuffed into. The smaller, the better. Be careful, manufacturers know you will be evaluating compressibility so they sell very small stuff sacks with their bags. Make sure your child can get the bag back into the sack without difficulty.
- The most efficient sleeping bag design is the mummy bag with a hood or drawstring.
- The fill or insulation in a bag will determine the warmth to weight ratio. We require full synthetic fill such as Dacron II, because it will maintain some insulation value even when wet and will dry much faster.
- We recommend brands such as Sierra Designtm, The North Facetm, Marmottm, and R.E.I.tm These models range from $150 to $250 on average.
Sleeping Pad
A sleeping pad is an important part of camping equipment. In addition to comfort, the pad is an essential item providing insulation from the cold ground.
Important information about sleeping pads include:
- There are two different styles: closed foam and self-inflating open foam
- We recommend 1-inch thick self-inflating sleeping pads for added protection and comfort. Brands like Therm-A-Resttm and R.E.I.tm generally range from $50 to $80 on average.
Eating Gear/Mess Kit
Students will need their own mess kit for eating in the field. Eating gear should be sturdy. A plastic or metal bowl/plate, a spoon, and a fork are sufficient. They do not need a full “cook set”. These sets generally run about $20.
Boots
Water Shoe
Water shoes will be worn in all water-based activities such as swimming, rafting, and canoeing. A Velcro or tensioning type strap that keeps the shoe on the foot is required. Teva, Chaco, or Keen are the most common brands. These shoes average between $75 to $100 a pair.