about

I'm a vegan. I like glam rock and androgynous males. I have two cats. they're mystical beings. I'm going to college in less than a month.

advice

Im considering going to sleep away camp for my first time. Im 14 & Female. Its a boy/girl camp and I was just wondering if anyone could tell me everything I need to know about going to an overnight camp. Its in 10 days so Im nervous. Do camps let you use cell phones? And also, I straighten my hair every day..what about that? Also, any advice on how to meet friends? What is important to bring or ABSOLUTELY essential to bring? Ill take ANY advice about going away. :] thanks!

cell phones and other electronics depend on the camp. I would attempt to take them. if they're taken away you can always get them back after camp. trust me, you won't miss them. use common sense more than anything. flashlights, radios with headphones, watches make sense. other things can be considered more frivilous than useful to camp leaders. be prepared to back everything you bring up with reasons why you need them.

absolutely essential items (no matter which camp you go to):

bathing suit (2)
water bottle (I suggest a nalgene bottle, but any will do)
something small and quiet to do during breaks (like knitting or a book or cards)
stationary and stamps
change to call home if allowed by pay phone
sleeping bag and a set of sheets for a twin bed. (depending on the camp [and weather conditions] you may need both of them. the last camp I went to [two years ago] we had a tornado during. I only had sheets so I ended up wrapping myself in them and my blanket and running through the rain across the camp. I would have KILLED for a sleeping bag. everything would've been easier. take at least one sheet because camp mattresses are often the worst mattresses ever. and usually covered in vinyl.)
two pillows. alternate which one touches the mattress.
flip flops for the shower. even if it's pretty clean, there could be uncomfortable mats on the floor.
bathrobe even if you don't normally use one.
theme-appropriate items. most camps have weekly themes. if it's water week you can take more bathing suits. if you're going to a horse camp then take your helmet and appropriate shoes.
things to decorate your bunk space. posters. pictures. tape. push-pins. etc.

a whistle. always wear it. you never know when you'll need someone.

advice on meeting friends:

the first few hours will be pretty quiet. you'll find a few people who either regularly attend every single week of the camp or have been to previous camps. they'll know all of the other regulars and will be sitting around comparing the rest of their year. it's very helpful to be on good terms with these people because they'll introduce you to everyone else. the camp couselors will usually arrange getting-to-know-you games that will also help. you'll probably wear nametags as well. try and pick two or three people very early on that you want to know better and sit with them at the first meal.

also about meals, make sure you try a bit of everything every day. you can always go back and get more if you enjoy it and it's less wasteful to throw away a little instead of a lot. don't eat more than you normally do or you'll get sick, but don't skip any meals either. if you absolutely cannot eat anything, every camp has a back-up meal. it's usually peanut butter and jelly in some format. don't be shy about asking the cooks early on. it'll come in handy at least once.

camp is about learning to go without conveniences and trying new things. don't be afraid to do either.

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(Rating: 5) wow. thank you SO much for taking the time to write all that. i appreciate it!
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