GBR Gear Up Event!    November 13–15, 2026

Camping Weekend & Mock Deployment

Register for Gear Up! Event:

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/gbr-gear-up-camping-weekend-and-mock-deployment

Dust off your Gear, refresh your Supplies, Deploy with the Team

All volunteers are urged to attend!

Pack up the camping gear and supplies you’d bring on a Grounded Boots Relief crisis deployment. This is your weekend to gear up and to get outdoors!

This is an educational and social weekend, designed to sharpen your readiness as a volunteer and meet like-minded people!

North Mills River Campground
5119 N. Mills River Road
Mills River, NC 28742

Potable water, restrooms, and parking are available at the campground.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina/recreation/north-mills-river-campground

Weekend Schedule (full details are being arranged)

Friday, November 13

• Set up the Operations Center
• Set up campsites
• Bring your own dinner
• Bonfire
  
  

Saturday, November 14

• 10:00 AM–12:00 PM:            Morning session
• 12:00–1:00 PM:                     Bring your own lunch
• 1:00–3:00 PM:                       Afternoon session
• 3:30–5:00 PM:                       Break
• 5:00 PM:                                GBR-sponsored dinner and bonfire
• 6:30 PM:                                GBR Gear Up Event!
  
  

Sunday, November 15

• Camp breakdown
• Area cleanup
  
  

Mock Deployment Weekend Packing List

Bring the gear and supplies you will use for a typical GBR deployment. Plan for cool weather, wet conditions, and comfortable overnight camping.

Clothing and Personal Sustainment

• Personal food, snacks, and hydration to support you for the duration of the event
• Food, Water, and Cooking Supplies: food/water storage (coolers, dry bags, or airtight bins), portable stove with fuel, cooking/eating utensils, lighter or waterproof matches, water purification backup, biodegradable soap, and wildlife-resistant food storage if needed
• Climate appropriate field clothing (durable pants, long‑sleeve shirts, insulating layers as needed)
• At least two pairs of socks per operational day, plus extra undergarments and pajamas
• Comfortable camp/evening footwear (e.g., sandals, crocs, or similar)
• Sleeping bag, sleeping pad, pillow, and optional lightweight blanket or liner
• Personal hygiene kit: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, wipes, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, hygiene products
• Required prescription medications (minimum 7-day supply), basic OTC medications (pain relief, antidiarrheal, antihistamine)
• Refillable water bottles or hydration bladder plus purification method (tabs/filter) as backup
• Cash in small bills for fuel, tolls, and incidentals
  
  

Shelter and Sleep

• Tent, truck, camper, or other sleeping quarters
• Tent rainflies, stakes, ground tarp, and needed setup supplies
• Cool-weather sleeping bag w Sleeping pad or air mattress
• Pillow and extra blanket, sleeping-bag liner, or insulated quilt
• Camp chair and camp furniture
  
  

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Waterproof work boots, preferably steel-toe, broken‑in, and suitable for debris and uneven terrain
• Work gloves (heavy-duty plus a backup pair)
• Weather protection: rain jacket or poncho, hat, sunblock, and insect repellent
• Attached personal first‑aid trauma kit and tourniquet
  
  

Communications and Power

• Discord, Avenza Maps, and what3words apps installed
• Compass; GPS unit or GPS-enabled smartphone
• FRS/GMRS handheld radios or other assigned portable radios, with spare batteries
• Fully charged cell phones, with vehicle and wall chargers, charging cables, and power banks
• Headlamps and flashlights with extra batteries; at least one light per team member
• Small AM/FM or NOAA weather radio (hand‑crank or battery-powered) for situational updates
  
  

Tools and Miscellaneous Gear

• Flashlight, headlamp, and portable camp lights
• Multi-tool or folding knife; optional small fixed‑blade knife
• Small folding shovel or entrenching tool (if operating in debris or rural areas)
• Duct tape, zip ties, utility cord (paracord) for field repairs and improvised fixes
• Small repair kit for gear (needle and thread, safety pins, spare buckles)
• Backpack or small daypack for each team member to carry personal and mission gear
• Trash bags for personal waste and to pack out debris samples or spoiled materials safely
• Clip-on or pocket-sized hand sanitizer and wipes at the individual level
  
  

Field Essentials (items depend on deployment)

• Tape measure (at least 25 ft) for structural and debris measurements
• Digital camera or smartphone camera, with extra storage if needed, for geotagged photos
• Safety glasses or goggles and optional sunglasses for bright conditions
• Hard hat or bump cap where overhead or structural hazards may exist
• High‑visibility safety vest (ANSI-compliant) with reflective striping
• Respiratory protection: N95 or better dust masks/respirators for smoke, dust, and mold
• Hearing protection (earplugs or earmuffs) for noisy environments