Recommended Items to Bring

It is important that you bring the following items so that you can participate fully in all activities. While southern California is usually quite hot during the month of June, weather patterns in the area can be unusual. The weather may be extremely hot, into the mid 90s, or slightly cooler with possible rain. Please come prepared for both possibilities. It is advised that you check the weather reports for the area before coming.

Many of our activities require physical exertion and action. Please wear comfortable shoes to classes, and bring shoes appropriate for walking. Our service project involves either painting or another physical activity, so please bring appropriate clothing for an activity that may be somewhat messy.

Here is a short list of suggested items:

•      Sport clothing for free-time activities
•      Swimsuit/ towel
•      Comfortable walking shoes (closed-toed)
•      Personal care items
•      A casual/dressy outfit for last dinner
•      Any necessary medications
•      Notebooks and pens/pencils
•      Clothing for “getting dirty” in
•      Sweater or outer layer for cooler weather
•      Sunscreen
•      Camera
•      Journal

 

 Tips for a Successful Experience

As we said earlier, your week at Step Up will be both exciting and tiring. While we have scheduled time each day for you to enjoy some of the recreational facilities on campus (basketball court, sand volleyball, pool), a majority of the time you will be involved in leadership development workshops and working on projects with your fellow participants. To ensure that you have the most successful and rewarding experience possible, we offer the following guidelines:

•     Lights out is scheduled for 11:00pm, and it is important that you abide by this time. The days are very busy and adequate sleep is very important to your enjoyment of all of our activities.

•     Drink plenty of water throughout the day. The weather may be hot and dry and it is easy to become dehydrated. Dehydration causes fatigue, headaches, and general listlessness, which is detrimental to your enjoyment of the Step Up to Leadership.

•     Attend all sessions. Unless you are ill, you are expected to attend all sessions and meals. Class sessions are built upon one another and if you miss one, you are missing a vital part of the leadership development series.

• Because of the fast pace of the program, it is easy to become fatigued. If you follow the above guidelines, you can avoid feeling tired and maintain a positive attitude. Since you will often work in teams, your positive attitude is key to not only your success, but also to the success of the other students with whom you work.