• Calendar
• Uniforms
• Pre-Camp
• Band Camp
  - Checklist
  - Behavior
  - More Info
  - Camp
    Safety
  - Schedule
  - Initiation
• Fair Share
• Booster Info

These pages are referenced in the Band Camp Itinerary document. Download it as a Word or PDF.

Bandcamp Checklist

Packing Tips

Bedding. Beds are regular twin size – only the frame and mattress is provided. Rooms can get chilly, so bring a blanket. Some students prefer a sleeping bag to sheets and a blanket.

Clothes. Plan on at least one outfit per day. Many students shower twice a day just to cool off, and prefer clean clothes to change into. Light colored shirts reflect the heat (dark ones absorb heat and are much hotter). Shirts that cover the shoulders are preferred to minimize sunburn. Loose fitting clothes are cooler and more comfortable than tight fitting clothes. Chafing can be prevented by wearing bicycle pants (the Lycra or Spandex kind) underneath regular shorts. Girls seem to prefer the Soffee-style shorts.

Socks. Bring Lots. Many veteran parents suggested buying a large package of new, thick socks to send. Some suggested finding "liner" socks -- cotton "footie" type socks that are worn under regular socks help prevent blisters. Students should change socks any time they are damp; dry, thick socks reduce friction to help keep blisters from forming.

Shoes. Two pairs are preferred, especially if it rains. One particularly rainy year, the chaperones were up all night washing and drying shoes for the kids that brought only one pair. Do not send brand-new shoes! They should be broken in for at least a long weekend, preferably longer! The best kind of shoe is a comfortable, flexible running shoe, with a rounded heel and toe. This shoe is the most comfortable for the marching steps. Absolutely no sandals or bare feet in the field. Flipflops are on the list to be worn in the shower to prevent contracting athlete’s foot or plantar warts. These are the inexpensive ones at the discount store (not Rainbows or other upscale flipflops), and are much cheaper than contracting foot problems. Flipflops are not to be worn outside of the dorm.

Rain gear. The thin ponchos from the dollar store are fine. You might also consider bringing windbreaker or rain jacket if you have one. If you don't bring it, it will rain – and everyone will blame you for the rain!

Snacks. There are plenty of snacks provided. However, you can bring a small cooler for drinks and snacks. Be sure to store the food to avoid attracting insects. There is no refrigeration or access to ice during bandcamp (though the air conditioners in the room keep drinks quite cool).

Laundry supplies. Prepackage a load of laundry detergent in a baggie, and enclose a dryer sheet, along with $1.50 in quarters. There are laundry facilities available; most students don't wash laundry, but it's better to be prepared. In a pinch, the counselors have laundry detergent, but they won't have quarters to loan. At the very least, the supplies help the returning luggage smell a little better!

Toiletries. It's suggested to keep the shower toiletries in a mesh bag (like for washing lingerie) to carry to the bathroom. There aren't a lot of shelves in the bathroom, and the mesh bag can be hung from the hooks. It also dries quickly.

Medications. Don't forget usual medications. If the student takes them on their own, they can keep the medicine with them. If they need reminding, please speak to the nurse.

Additional Toiletries. As band camp is strenuous and takes place outdoors, there are additional items that many veterans feel are imperative. Parents of rookies should pack these even if their student protests! Sunscreen is really not optional; the higher the SPF the better. Bug spray is also necessary, the most effective ones are 10% DEET. Lip balm (Chapstick, Blistex or similar) helps prevent sunburnt and windburnt lips, and also prevents chapping from many hours of playing a horn. Muscle liniment (such as Bengay or Icyhot) is used to soothe muscles not used to marching for many hours a day.

Prevent blisters with bandaids or moleskin. Moleskin stays on better than Band-aids. Use these products on your feet the first day before you get blisters. Don’t forget to pack scissors if you pack moleskin. Anti-fungal ointment such as Lotrimin is useful. The nurses have noted that Desitin and Monistat have the same active ingredient (sometimes in greater concentrations) and they work just as well and are usually less expensive.

Elastic bandages (ACE bandages) -- one or two. Please label with your name in case it's removed and left at the fields. Pain relievers, Ibuprofen and/or acetaminophen (Tylenol), are strongly recommended. Students can keep medications in their rooms.

Please label your items! Clothing can get mixed up in the room; labels identify who has to pick up the dirty socks. Items that go down to the field (bug spray, sunscreen, elastic bandages, etc) are frequently forgotten on the sidelines; if they have a name on them, they can be returned (students don’t always remember which brand was bought for them, either).

(For better printing, access this document in a Word or PDF format).