Mini-Camp 2023 Mini-Camp Dates:
Monday, June 9th, 2025 -- 9am - 4pm -- Temperatures: High: 75F Low: 52F - Partly Cloudy
Tuesday, June 10th, 2025 -- 9am - 4pm -- Temperatures: High 70F Low: 55F - Partly Cloudy
10. Start hydration habits now - your band members will be on the go from 9am - 4pm both days of Mini-camp. They will need to have their big water jug (a gallon minimum) for these rehearsals. I often send my kids with a gatorade pod or a liquid IV pack to add to their bottle the second half of the day. My kids like the “Bomb Pop” Flavor of Liquid IV - it has a sweeter taste than some of the others. Band members should keep hydrating after they return home as well. Remember to clean the water bottles and dry them out between uses - they can get moldy or mildew (even with just water) and no one wants that! Avoid pop and sugary drinks or energy drinks and coffee - these are not good choices either. Water is the best way to get the hydration you need! Band members should remember to AVOID MILK and dairy products BEFORE REHEARSALS - the milk will curdle in their tummies!
9. Purchase a good pair of athletic shoes (NOT crocs, NOT converse, NOT vans, definitely not sandals) you will want running shoes or cross trainers. There will be running, much more running than you’d expect! Band members should prepare themselves for this - set their pace - know their limits - but push themselves as well. Mr. Z and the directors will be giving directions for when to run and when to walk. Students should do their best to keep going and follow those directions. The expectation during running is to keep moving - water breaks will be given at the end of the run. This is another reason it is important to hydrate. Mini camp is a bit like marching band boot camp! Remind your students not to be nervous - they'll still have fun! They should be encouraging to each other, and not complain, this is team building and important for building stamina!
8. Freeze solo cups - this sounds strange - but stay with me - the kids will need water in their large water jug. They will have their water outside with them throughout the day. Without ice in the water, it will warm up and just won’t be as refreshing. Someone long ago suggested freezing a solo cup full of water to make LARGE ice cubes for water jugs. This marching band tradition has been passed down to new band parents year after year. Here is the recipe: fill a solo cup most of the way full and freeze. The next morning you can take the ice block out of the cup and add it to the water bottle to keep the water nice and cold - even when the day gets really hot! You could also use empty yogurt containers or sour cream containers for making the ice cubes - it just depends what size block you want. As an alternative you could put ice in a cup, then add the water around it - the water will freeze around the ice cubes, then as it melts, the smaller cubes release into the water. Former band members have reported still having ice blocks in their water jugs at the end of the day after using the frozen solo cup ice.
7. Be on time! In marching band, if rehearsal starts at 9am - students need to be ready to start practice at 9am, NOT just arriving. If they're on time, they're late - plan on having your band member there by 8:45am at the latest! Give your band member some buffer to get to rehearsal early, get what they need, and walk to where they’re meeting. Sometimes they have to get stands from the band room, or retrieve instruments, speakers, flag bags, or other equipment for the day. It will be important for students to wake up early enough to eat something for breakfast (again - avoid dairy - it will NOT sit well). Some fruit, something high in protein, a breakfast burrito or a sandwich - breakfast will be essential - not eating breakfast before camp is like driving your car without fuel. Encourage your marcher to fuel their body with nutritious foods so that they feel good throughout the rehearsal!
6. Lunch for mini-camp is provided by our fabulous FEED THE BAND committee. Signups to donate items or to volunteer your time were sent out in a Band Update Email not that long ago. Please remember that students are only fed what parents volunteer to donate. If you haven’t donated - please check the sign up and contribute an item or two. These band members will be HUNGRY and we are so lucky to have Sandy Terbeek and Rachel Zondervan planning, organizing, preparing, serving, leading volunteers, and cleaning up meals for our kids! It's not a bad idea though to pack a healthy, non-sugary snack that is easy to eat quickly and won't be too affected by heat (trail mix, bananas, granola bars with no chocolate etc.) in case kids feel hungry before getting to the lunch break. The meals are fantastic. Students will enjoy fruits and vegetables, salads, a main course, dessert, and drinks. If your band member has a specific dietary need - they are accommodated. There are gluten free options and vegetarian options available for students who have let the committee know. There is also a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich station available every single time! If they don’t like the main course - they can go to the sandwich station and a volunteer will GLADLY prepare them a PB&J - they’ll have to take off their own crusts though! During the lunch break students have the option to sit where they want, with whomever they want - BUT most students do end up eating with their section. It’s a great opportunity to bond with the band members they will be with most of their time!
5. What to wear - what not to wear - I’m sure there will be many questions about this! If this were Family Feud I'd say I polled 100 Band parents and they were asked: What item should your student wear for marching band rehearsals - the number one answer would be: SUNSCREEN. That’s right, sunscreen, because “not getting sunburned is cool.” Even if it’s cloudy, even in the early part of the day - the sun is brutal - and there is such a thing as a band burn… There will still be unfortunate tan lines. This is a point of pride for the band members - but getting sunburnt is so uncool - or as the kids would say - it’s pretty cringe. In addition to sunscreen, your band member should wear comfortable clothing - band camp isn’t a fashion show - it’s a sports practice - you don’t need makeup and you should dress appropriately. You’ll want your hair up or off your neck. This is required for guard members! Students will be running, stretching, jumping, spinning, dancing, moving their body, and marching. Athletic shorts, ankle socks (again think tan lines), good athletic shoes, and a lightweight shirt would be good choices. Parents - don’t be surprised if you see band members without their shirts on, or in sports bras and shorts. They are working hard, and it gets VERY warm. Make sure students are putting sunblock on everywhere their skin might show during rehearsal! Band members will be able to remove their shirts during rehearsal when they’re on the practice field - but they will need to be covered up when moving through the school or around campus. Encourage your band member to wear a hat or sunglasses.
Another top answer from the veteran parents was DEODORANT. Hygiene is so so so important for everyone involved with our band. Our band does NOT stink - so neither should our band members! I recommend packing a spray deodorant in their backpack for reapplication throughout the day - I suggest spray because that’s definitely more hygienic to offer to a friend in need AND it won’t melt in their backpack! Please, no matter how tired your band member is - they should hit the showers immediately after getting home from rehearsal EVERYDAY. Wash their practice clothes - make sure they wear fresh socks! Students should also pay attention to spirit days - these are fun for everyone, a great bonding activity, and look great in photos!! Color guard has already designated spirit days for pre-camp - those have been posted in the band app! Your students should remember to check the band app specific for their section as this is often how leadership will communicate with them! They will want to check with their section leader to see if they are using the band app for communication.
4. Sleep is going to be important. Your band members will be more tired than you’ve probably ever seen them. Remember when they were really little and you’d take them to the park to run around and burn off some energy so they’d take a good nap? Band camp is this, but so much more intense - and your kid may come home acting like a bigger baby than they did when they were tiny. They’re going to be sore, dehydrated, hungry, and tired - and possibly stinky… When you pick them up, make sure the car is nice and cool, consider having a fresh bottle of water or a gatorade ready for them. Offer a protein based snack or hydrating fruit (cucumbers or grapes) and a healthy meal. Don’t fill up on fast food or heavy foods. This can be tricky - but make it a priority. Meal prep and planning ahead will make this a lot easier. Make sure they drink more water, send them to the shower, and then send them to bed. They will need to sleep, sleep, sleep so they can wake up refreshed for the second day.
3. Consider yourself warned - emotions will run high. On top of being tired and hungry, possibly sunburned, and sore - your band member will mentally be drained too. They may be grouchy with you. Don’t take it personally - just remind them to be respectful, then offer them a healthy snack and some water. Give them space to process. The first mini-camp my kids were involved in, I was SO excited for them - I took the first day of minicamp photos, and when I picked them up I asked so many questions - they were not having it. I didn’t get any information from them. Don’t be surprised if your child doesn’t respond like you’d expect them to! Give them time. They just need to process everything they have just experienced - especially if this is their first time participating in our "mini-camp." Once they are rested and fed, you probably won't be able to get them to stop talking about their experiences! I assure you, the directors, leadership, techs, and everyone involved with the band are there for your band members and looking out for their well being - they know that this band is going to be successful if everyone puts in the hard work. This isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon. The training is tough - physically, mentally, and emotionally. This team is in it for the long haul, there is NOT instant gratification. Some will want to quit. Don’t let them. They’re committed to the season. The hard work pays off. Their efforts come together. The show gets better and better. The competitions start, and the results speak for themselves. Encourage them to get up and go again the next day. If something doesn’t seem right, have them talk to leadership, and reach out to other parents from your section (our numbers are in the paperwork!) Being a part of THE Jenison Marching Band is a rewarding experience for the students and their families alike. There’s a lot of pride. When you hear people mention their band family - they mean it. We are family. There are band parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles, younger siblings, and alumni. The community supports our band. The administration in our high school/district supports our band. There is a strong bond between anyone connected to the band. Be proud that you're a part of this!
2. Remind your band members that they are a part of something big. They are joining a nationally recognized band. They are representing our entire community at a national level. Their habits as a member of the band start now. Be kind to each other. You’re all in this together. If someone is struggling - help them. If someone is complaining - listen and then encourage them. If you feel someone isn’t doing something the way they should be - remember that you can only control how you react to that. Be a leader. Lead by example. Don’t be the drama, don’t buy into the drama, don’t speak negatively toward others - hard work, dedication, positive attitude, respectfulness, trustworthiness, willingness to adapt - these are the attributes that a Jenison band member must have. The code of conduct for all band members was signed by both students and parents - please make sure that you’re adhering to this code! "Members will treat each other, staff members, and parent volunteers with courtesy and respect. The Jenison Marching Band strictly enforces a No Bullying policy. Bullying may include gossip, back talk, arguing, hate speech, physical confrontation, hazing, taunting and mocking." If there is an issue with this, please speak to leadership for your section, techs for your section, then directors. Bullying or disrespectful behavior/attitudes only weakens the strength of our team - parents this goes for you too! Be kind and encouraging with your words and actions toward other parents and their band members. Not everyone will be the best of friends, but we can still be civil and respectful of one another!
1. Lastly, I am really looking forward to this season - and I hope you are too. As always - don’t hesitate to reach out and ask questions, sign up to volunteer, introduce yourself to other parents, and welcome to the family! Check back soon for another important blog post!
Kate Cummings-Ackerman
Band & Guard Mom
Connor - Baritone - Class of 2024 **Alumni are Amazing**
Hannah - Color Guard - Class of 2026 **GO SENIORS**
Gracelyn - Color Guard - Class of 2029 **WELCOME FRESHMAN!**
Wyatt - Future Band Member - Class of 2035 **As if he has a choice now!**
Monday, June 9th, 2025 -- 9am - 4pm -- Temperatures: High: 75F Low: 52F - Partly Cloudy
Tuesday, June 10th, 2025 -- 9am - 4pm -- Temperatures: High 70F Low: 55F - Partly Cloudy
10. Start hydration habits now - your band members will be on the go from 9am - 4pm both days of Mini-camp. They will need to have their big water jug (a gallon minimum) for these rehearsals. I often send my kids with a gatorade pod or a liquid IV pack to add to their bottle the second half of the day. My kids like the “Bomb Pop” Flavor of Liquid IV - it has a sweeter taste than some of the others. Band members should keep hydrating after they return home as well. Remember to clean the water bottles and dry them out between uses - they can get moldy or mildew (even with just water) and no one wants that! Avoid pop and sugary drinks or energy drinks and coffee - these are not good choices either. Water is the best way to get the hydration you need! Band members should remember to AVOID MILK and dairy products BEFORE REHEARSALS - the milk will curdle in their tummies!
9. Purchase a good pair of athletic shoes (NOT crocs, NOT converse, NOT vans, definitely not sandals) you will want running shoes or cross trainers. There will be running, much more running than you’d expect! Band members should prepare themselves for this - set their pace - know their limits - but push themselves as well. Mr. Z and the directors will be giving directions for when to run and when to walk. Students should do their best to keep going and follow those directions. The expectation during running is to keep moving - water breaks will be given at the end of the run. This is another reason it is important to hydrate. Mini camp is a bit like marching band boot camp! Remind your students not to be nervous - they'll still have fun! They should be encouraging to each other, and not complain, this is team building and important for building stamina!
8. Freeze solo cups - this sounds strange - but stay with me - the kids will need water in their large water jug. They will have their water outside with them throughout the day. Without ice in the water, it will warm up and just won’t be as refreshing. Someone long ago suggested freezing a solo cup full of water to make LARGE ice cubes for water jugs. This marching band tradition has been passed down to new band parents year after year. Here is the recipe: fill a solo cup most of the way full and freeze. The next morning you can take the ice block out of the cup and add it to the water bottle to keep the water nice and cold - even when the day gets really hot! You could also use empty yogurt containers or sour cream containers for making the ice cubes - it just depends what size block you want. As an alternative you could put ice in a cup, then add the water around it - the water will freeze around the ice cubes, then as it melts, the smaller cubes release into the water. Former band members have reported still having ice blocks in their water jugs at the end of the day after using the frozen solo cup ice.
7. Be on time! In marching band, if rehearsal starts at 9am - students need to be ready to start practice at 9am, NOT just arriving. If they're on time, they're late - plan on having your band member there by 8:45am at the latest! Give your band member some buffer to get to rehearsal early, get what they need, and walk to where they’re meeting. Sometimes they have to get stands from the band room, or retrieve instruments, speakers, flag bags, or other equipment for the day. It will be important for students to wake up early enough to eat something for breakfast (again - avoid dairy - it will NOT sit well). Some fruit, something high in protein, a breakfast burrito or a sandwich - breakfast will be essential - not eating breakfast before camp is like driving your car without fuel. Encourage your marcher to fuel their body with nutritious foods so that they feel good throughout the rehearsal!
6. Lunch for mini-camp is provided by our fabulous FEED THE BAND committee. Signups to donate items or to volunteer your time were sent out in a Band Update Email not that long ago. Please remember that students are only fed what parents volunteer to donate. If you haven’t donated - please check the sign up and contribute an item or two. These band members will be HUNGRY and we are so lucky to have Sandy Terbeek and Rachel Zondervan planning, organizing, preparing, serving, leading volunteers, and cleaning up meals for our kids! It's not a bad idea though to pack a healthy, non-sugary snack that is easy to eat quickly and won't be too affected by heat (trail mix, bananas, granola bars with no chocolate etc.) in case kids feel hungry before getting to the lunch break. The meals are fantastic. Students will enjoy fruits and vegetables, salads, a main course, dessert, and drinks. If your band member has a specific dietary need - they are accommodated. There are gluten free options and vegetarian options available for students who have let the committee know. There is also a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich station available every single time! If they don’t like the main course - they can go to the sandwich station and a volunteer will GLADLY prepare them a PB&J - they’ll have to take off their own crusts though! During the lunch break students have the option to sit where they want, with whomever they want - BUT most students do end up eating with their section. It’s a great opportunity to bond with the band members they will be with most of their time!
5. What to wear - what not to wear - I’m sure there will be many questions about this! If this were Family Feud I'd say I polled 100 Band parents and they were asked: What item should your student wear for marching band rehearsals - the number one answer would be: SUNSCREEN. That’s right, sunscreen, because “not getting sunburned is cool.” Even if it’s cloudy, even in the early part of the day - the sun is brutal - and there is such a thing as a band burn… There will still be unfortunate tan lines. This is a point of pride for the band members - but getting sunburnt is so uncool - or as the kids would say - it’s pretty cringe. In addition to sunscreen, your band member should wear comfortable clothing - band camp isn’t a fashion show - it’s a sports practice - you don’t need makeup and you should dress appropriately. You’ll want your hair up or off your neck. This is required for guard members! Students will be running, stretching, jumping, spinning, dancing, moving their body, and marching. Athletic shorts, ankle socks (again think tan lines), good athletic shoes, and a lightweight shirt would be good choices. Parents - don’t be surprised if you see band members without their shirts on, or in sports bras and shorts. They are working hard, and it gets VERY warm. Make sure students are putting sunblock on everywhere their skin might show during rehearsal! Band members will be able to remove their shirts during rehearsal when they’re on the practice field - but they will need to be covered up when moving through the school or around campus. Encourage your band member to wear a hat or sunglasses.
Another top answer from the veteran parents was DEODORANT. Hygiene is so so so important for everyone involved with our band. Our band does NOT stink - so neither should our band members! I recommend packing a spray deodorant in their backpack for reapplication throughout the day - I suggest spray because that’s definitely more hygienic to offer to a friend in need AND it won’t melt in their backpack! Please, no matter how tired your band member is - they should hit the showers immediately after getting home from rehearsal EVERYDAY. Wash their practice clothes - make sure they wear fresh socks! Students should also pay attention to spirit days - these are fun for everyone, a great bonding activity, and look great in photos!! Color guard has already designated spirit days for pre-camp - those have been posted in the band app! Your students should remember to check the band app specific for their section as this is often how leadership will communicate with them! They will want to check with their section leader to see if they are using the band app for communication.
4. Sleep is going to be important. Your band members will be more tired than you’ve probably ever seen them. Remember when they were really little and you’d take them to the park to run around and burn off some energy so they’d take a good nap? Band camp is this, but so much more intense - and your kid may come home acting like a bigger baby than they did when they were tiny. They’re going to be sore, dehydrated, hungry, and tired - and possibly stinky… When you pick them up, make sure the car is nice and cool, consider having a fresh bottle of water or a gatorade ready for them. Offer a protein based snack or hydrating fruit (cucumbers or grapes) and a healthy meal. Don’t fill up on fast food or heavy foods. This can be tricky - but make it a priority. Meal prep and planning ahead will make this a lot easier. Make sure they drink more water, send them to the shower, and then send them to bed. They will need to sleep, sleep, sleep so they can wake up refreshed for the second day.
3. Consider yourself warned - emotions will run high. On top of being tired and hungry, possibly sunburned, and sore - your band member will mentally be drained too. They may be grouchy with you. Don’t take it personally - just remind them to be respectful, then offer them a healthy snack and some water. Give them space to process. The first mini-camp my kids were involved in, I was SO excited for them - I took the first day of minicamp photos, and when I picked them up I asked so many questions - they were not having it. I didn’t get any information from them. Don’t be surprised if your child doesn’t respond like you’d expect them to! Give them time. They just need to process everything they have just experienced - especially if this is their first time participating in our "mini-camp." Once they are rested and fed, you probably won't be able to get them to stop talking about their experiences! I assure you, the directors, leadership, techs, and everyone involved with the band are there for your band members and looking out for their well being - they know that this band is going to be successful if everyone puts in the hard work. This isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon. The training is tough - physically, mentally, and emotionally. This team is in it for the long haul, there is NOT instant gratification. Some will want to quit. Don’t let them. They’re committed to the season. The hard work pays off. Their efforts come together. The show gets better and better. The competitions start, and the results speak for themselves. Encourage them to get up and go again the next day. If something doesn’t seem right, have them talk to leadership, and reach out to other parents from your section (our numbers are in the paperwork!) Being a part of THE Jenison Marching Band is a rewarding experience for the students and their families alike. There’s a lot of pride. When you hear people mention their band family - they mean it. We are family. There are band parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles, younger siblings, and alumni. The community supports our band. The administration in our high school/district supports our band. There is a strong bond between anyone connected to the band. Be proud that you're a part of this!
2. Remind your band members that they are a part of something big. They are joining a nationally recognized band. They are representing our entire community at a national level. Their habits as a member of the band start now. Be kind to each other. You’re all in this together. If someone is struggling - help them. If someone is complaining - listen and then encourage them. If you feel someone isn’t doing something the way they should be - remember that you can only control how you react to that. Be a leader. Lead by example. Don’t be the drama, don’t buy into the drama, don’t speak negatively toward others - hard work, dedication, positive attitude, respectfulness, trustworthiness, willingness to adapt - these are the attributes that a Jenison band member must have. The code of conduct for all band members was signed by both students and parents - please make sure that you’re adhering to this code! "Members will treat each other, staff members, and parent volunteers with courtesy and respect. The Jenison Marching Band strictly enforces a No Bullying policy. Bullying may include gossip, back talk, arguing, hate speech, physical confrontation, hazing, taunting and mocking." If there is an issue with this, please speak to leadership for your section, techs for your section, then directors. Bullying or disrespectful behavior/attitudes only weakens the strength of our team - parents this goes for you too! Be kind and encouraging with your words and actions toward other parents and their band members. Not everyone will be the best of friends, but we can still be civil and respectful of one another!
1. Lastly, I am really looking forward to this season - and I hope you are too. As always - don’t hesitate to reach out and ask questions, sign up to volunteer, introduce yourself to other parents, and welcome to the family! Check back soon for another important blog post!
Kate Cummings-Ackerman
Band & Guard Mom
Connor - Baritone - Class of 2024 **Alumni are Amazing**
Hannah - Color Guard - Class of 2026 **GO SENIORS**
Gracelyn - Color Guard - Class of 2029 **WELCOME FRESHMAN!**
Wyatt - Future Band Member - Class of 2035 **As if he has a choice now!**
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