Laurel Tips 2012

A colorful commentary on how to prepare for LMC by Mark Kolb, one of our JC's. I edited a bit, but you get the picture :) only 23 more days for everyone keeping count!!!

It's getting to that time of the year, so here are some tips for Laurel preparation.

1. Happy Farm Day
2. Over pack:  Don't make it so it's super inconvenient for your tent mate because they have no room to put stuff, but over pack your clothes/equipment.  You would much rather have tons of stuff/clothes/toiletries that you don't use than not have enough.  Seriously, socks and underwear. AND DEODORANT.
3. Shower.  Get used to doing it now, because you're going to do it everyday at Laurel.  Not because it's a legal rule to follow, because seriously.  That's gross.  So stay clean.  P.S.  trying taking a few cold showers before camp, because that's gonna happen.
4. Stay healthy.  There's nothing worse than being at camp a few days and having to leave half way through because you're sick.  Even on a smaller scale, being sick hurts your musical abilities and just plain well makes everything worse.  Vitamin C and lots of water before and during camp.
5. Be ready to be happy.  Some people are just sad in nature, it's their just normal state, and that's okay!  But prepare to be really happy and laugh a ton at Laurel.  You're going to make a ton of new friends, hear a bunch of jokes, see people do ridiculous things, and have staff put a smile on your face all the time.  It's the best part of Laurel.  You enter, you're family.
6. Act like family.  Treat others as you want to be treated.  Show respect for other people's personal property and privacy.  Don't be big headed if you're one of the better musicians at camp.  Everyone is at different levels, but everyone loves music.  Cherish that opportunity to make an everlasting friendship.
7. It's okay to like someone at camp, and maybe even see where things go someday, especially if you knew them before hand. But know that about 9 times out of 10, it doesn't work out after camp. 
8. Sunscreen and Bug Spray:  No one is going to care how you smell, unless it's bad.  Smelling like sun tan lotion and bug spray may seem unappealing to you, but what's less appealing is sun burn and mosquito bites like crazy. 
9. Drink water:  Water water water water water.  Get the point?  Not just at meals either, a few times a day.  It can get very hot, and you're going to be using your voices and shouting and singing and running around all day.  You lose more water than you think.
10. Eat breakfast:  Breakfast is very important, and a lot of kids aren't used to eating it nowadays because you don't have time before school.  You have plenty of time during camp, and a bunch of nutritious options too.  You need the energy more than you think.  Don't be afraid to eat that extra serving of what they call eggs, it will fill you up.
11. Ew gross!  Camping is not a clean thing.  There's dirt all over the place, and bugs and you sweat and the toilets are not exactly the ideal.  But you have to be prepared to move past that and enjoy the time anyways. 
12. Get comfy: Both dressing and beds.  Don't wear that super cute top because OMG it was like half price and it's so cute...that means you Will Valenti.  Be comfortable, you're gonna be sitting in a lot of rehearsals and not have time to go change whenever you want. In regards to beds; bring a comfortable set up.  You are going to sleep in a new bed in the middle of the woods with another person sleeping next to you as well, oh and bugs.  So it's okay to have a really comfortable bed, it's worth it.
13. Respect: Remember when I talked about respect before?  Yeah, repetition of something means it is very important.  Respect is key here.  Respect the elders,(JC's, senior staff, and Ancient DemiGods of the Camp) respect fellow campers, and respect the beliefs and traditions of camp. 
14. The Music: About time I got to music considering it's in the name huh?  Take rehearsals seriously, but not too seriously.  Have fun but know that we have limited time and the conductors (who are always fantastic) have a lot of work they want to do with you.  Don't worry about having fun during rehearsals, it will happen no matter what. 
15. Prepare for rain:  It's gonna rain! - Ollie Williams   It is, so bring stuff for that.  And if it doesn't for some reason, awesome!  But it probably will, so prepare either way.
16. Language: Swearing is not permitted at camp.  You will hear people slip up occasionally, even staff, but realize that 1. We believe in holding a healthy, clean environment for everyone to grow in positively, not learn new swear words. 2. A lot of people are religious and it's offensive to swear like a sailor around them. 3. Some staff bring their kids, and they don't need to know these words.
17. Bow Chicka Bow Wow, said no one ever:  Repetition.  Important.  Got it?  
18. Smile in the mirror:  Camp is a judge free zone.  You are allowed to be weird and crazy, it's actually encouraged.  I didn't get to be known because I sat under the pavilion all day quietly, or down by the benches all day.  Be interesting, be silly, be kind, be genuine.  This is not just for camp, bring this into your life and you will grow as a human being.
19. Scott Minnerly = Chuck Norris.  Accept it.
20. We are not dangerous!  If you need help, have any issue whatsoever, talk to a staff member.  We want to keep you safe and happy. We love you, no matter what.  That's what camp is about.
21. This number seems appropriate for this:  Keep it legal.  No drugs, alcohol, weapons, gambling, anything like that.  Camp is not made for that.  
22. The boy scouts are just as safe and reliable as staff members.  Show them respect, and don't be afraid to talk to them.  BUT REALIZE THEY ARE VERY BUSY.  They're cooking your food cleaning your sites, setting up your tents, preparing funny sketches, life guarding the beach, manning the store, protecting you from wild animals and tornado bear, and cooking your food.  Repetition.  Important.  They feed you, pretty decent food considering.  And thus, be clean and respectful.
23. Many hands make light of hard work.  Teamwork is going to go a long way.  Help others as much as possible, it will make camp move smoothly and make you a ton of friends.
24. I am very tired.  So this is where I'm stopping, at least for now. 
25. Home is where the heart is.  When I'm sad, and miserable, and just want to go home.  I think of Laurel.  That's where I want to go.  That's where I feel unjudged, where my best friends are, where I get to create music with people who love what they do, where I run and shout and jump with joy and clap my hands to the music in my head.  Make it your home, and you'll always come back.